Babylon — Restaurant in Exeter

What a delightful dinner stop we had at Babylon, Exeter, on our journey home to Birmingham from Newquay! We're big fans of Turkish cuisine, and our boys (7 and 9) are always up for an adventure, so this was a perfect choice. From the moment we walked in, we felt right at home. Burk (hope I spelled that right!) greeted us with a warm smile and promptly showed us to our table – it's always a good sign when they're expecting you! The menu was a treasure trove of deliciousness, and we decided to go big with the Babylon special platter, which came with a lovely cold meze. Happy days indeed! Then came the first pleasant surprise: complimentary lentil soups for all four of us! They were absolutely delicious and set a wonderful tone for the meal. Our starters arrived right on cue, and soon after, the main event followed. The platter looked and smelled incredible, and let me tell you, it tasted even better! So much meat, so perfectly cooked – we even had enough leftovers to box up for lunch the next day. Score! Now, for a couple of friendly suggestions to make an already great experience even better. When those tasty starters arrive, a few side plates would be super handy. And if the warm bread and fresh salad could make their grand entrance with the starters, that would be ideal. Also, for the platter, it would be awesome to have a choice of rices – maybe traditional Turkish rice or even some bulgur. The biryani, while tasty, felt a little out of place with all that delicious Turkish goodness. Definitely, more bulgur please! We rounded off our meal with Turkish tea and Sutlac, which our boys adore. The only tiny hiccup was the lack of cinnamon, but honestly, it was still wonderfully tasty. Overall, the place was spotless, including the restrooms (always a good sign!). The food was incredibly flavorful, and Burk's service was top-notch. He was not only efficient but also had a fantastic way with customers – a real star! We've already decided that Babylon, Exeter, will be a definite contender for our annual Newquay trip next year. It certainly outshone our dining experience in Exeter...

During my today's visit to Babylon Restaurant in Exeter, I had the pleasure of indulging in their renowned Iskender Kebab, and I can confidently say it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time.

The Iskender Kebab was nothing short of a masterpiece. The lamb was marinated to perfection, grilled until tender, and served over a bed of warm, fresh pita bread. The generous drizzle of tangy tomato sauce brought the dish to life, while a dollop of creamy yogurt added a rich and smooth contrast. Each bite was incredibly flavorful and satisfying, leaving me craving more.

To complement this delicious main course, I started with a bowl of their lentil soup. It was hearty and well-seasoned, with a velvety texture that was both comforting and delightful. The spices used in the soup enhanced the overall experience and prepared my palate for the main event.

To round off my meal, I enjoyed a cup of their tea, which was the perfect finale. The fragrant brew was soothing and refreshing, creating a lovely balance after the savory dishes. The combination of the soup, kebab, and tea made for a truly harmonious dining experience.

Moreover, I must commend the owner for their exceptional hospitality. They were incredibly polite and attentive, ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect. Their warm demeanor added a personal touch that made me feel...

TL;DR: Amazing food, generous portions, lively atmosphere.

This was our first time at Babylon and we were instantly impressed by how busy it was — definitely book ahead if you want a table. I managed to get a same-day booking and it worked out perfectly.

We ordered two dips, a salad, and two mains: the chicken shish and the lamb ribs. Before that, we were given a complimentary lentil soup, which was absolutely delicious. The dips were rich and flavorful without being heavy, and the side salad was fresh, flavorful, and downright delicious. When the mains arrived, the portions were enormous. The lamb ribs were cooked to perfection and came with rice, while my wife’s chicken shish featured some of the biggest, juiciest cubes of chicken I’ve ever seen.

Despite the restaurant being packed and buzzing, the service was spot-on — Berk was attentive and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better.

Word of advice: skip the pre-meal snack — you’ll want plenty of room for the food here. One thing to note is they don’t serve alcohol, but it’s BYOB. There’s a reason Babylon is rated as Exeter’s top Mediterranean spot.

Berk, you and your team are doing a fantastic job. We’ll be back soon — and this time with emptier...