Eddington's of Exeter — Restaurant in South Huron

While I really don't have any complaints about my experience, I don't have any great positive comments either. My expectation of a restuarant that advertises itself as casual fine dining is exactly that; a casual place with high quality gourmet dishes. Eddington's was casual; perhaps almost unorganized, while I expect to feel relaxed, the expectation is still for a higher level of service that goes with fine dining. Being greeted at the door and or coats taken and hung up for us met this expectation; having to hunt for where they hung them up when we go to leave does not. The server had to confirm questions about items on the menu with the kitchen and then write them down, like a waitress at a diner. I initially excused these as inexperience and the youth of our server. Being asked how everything is and offered desert by two different people in two minutes was also a faux pas in my opinion. The menu had some wonderful opportunities to deliver great dishes, but our appetisers and main course were... Ok, but lacking in any flavour. Like they were prepared for that English aunt who likes her boiled potatoes and dry roast beef plain. I ordered the curry soup expecting to taste curry (in whatever variation they can be); not hints of curry. Overall, I have had better meals and service at a similar price in a chain like the keg; which is casual; but not fine dining. I wouldn't avoid the place, but I wouldn't drive a half hour...

We’ve enjoyed dining at Eddington’s roughly sixteen times over the past eight years—and until our most recent visit, every single one was a flawless five‑star experience. Although the food was superb this time as well, the seating location made all the difference.

Previously, we were always seated at the back of the patio, where it’s peaceful and comfortable. This time, however, we were placed at the front patio around 4:20 p.m. Within five minutes, the grill smoke began blowing directly toward us—it was overwhelming. We immediately asked to be moved, but our server apologized and said they were fully booked and couldn’t offer another patio seat. She did kindly suggest moving indoors, though I declined—and that turned out to be a mistake.

We stayed at our table for the entire 90‑minute meal, breathing in the smoke. By the end, our clothes reeked, and we all felt unwell.

I’m sharing this so that future guests can avoid the same issue: if you're booking a reservation, I highly recommend calling in advance and requesting a seat at the rear of the patio. If the wind shifts, the front area can become...

We went for dinner with local friends who raved about Eddington’s constantly, so our expectations were HIGH. Chef James and his staff did not disappoint. We were welcomed warmly when we arrived and our drinks and appetizer came out fast.

The flatbread was SO TASTY!! Our cocktails were delicious and creative too. The “old fashioned manhattan” was a unique and special drink. A combination of my favorites!

3 in our party ordered the pork loin special but I had to try the Chicken Appleby, which was delicious. The combination of brie and apples with the juicy breaded chicken was really nice.

Our friends knew to ask about the special “white squirrel” dessert in advance, and we were lucky to get one! It was incredible!!!

This is a really special restaurant and a definite MUST if you are in or near Exeter. Be sure to make...