Calvo Loco Tapas Bar & Bodega — Restaurant in Exeter

Cavlo Loco Tapas has become a staple not just for delicious food, but as a symbol of finishing our working week on Saturdays.

Though we were frequent enough visitors pre-Covid, Curly, Pepe and the team really came in to their own when they re-opened for takeaway close to the end of lockdown #1.

Although we never really got to the point of being ready to do inside (anywhere), Curly & Co would greet us warmly every week, indulge our outdoor desires and serve us delicious ice cold Estrella at the barrel outside while we wait for our take-away. Never have we felt like an add on, or extra. We've always felt the same welcome and rapport as a sit-in customer would receive.

The experience is a slice of 'normal' with a side of holiday. It feels like grabbing tapas outside any bar in Spain, and the food tastes just as good.

As we get through lockdown #2 its easier knowing the crew will be there at weekends to keep us fed and happy!

Also, as a vegetarian, it is sometimes hard to eat your fill in tapas, but Calvo Loco have more than enough to offer. Their tortilla is fantastic and I heartily recommend the Artichoke in White Wine (Alcochofo Frito). It is also worth chancing your arm to ask if it is one of the blue moon times they've got a vegetarian paella on - it feels like a lottery win when they do! It is amazing!

Do check them out for collection during lockdown, the food travels well and makes for a delicious meal at home. Be sure to call in when things get back to normal. Calvo Loco is a gem on Magdalen Road that is not...

I have lived in Exeter since 2008 and can say with total confidence that this is by far the best food I've had here. All of the dishes were cooked to perfection and the the flavours were masterfully balanced.

The Patatas Bravas, Albondigas and Tortilla were authentic and delicious, the cheeses were a great addition, and the churros were an excellent way to finish. It was almost impossible for me to choose a favourite or "best" dish, but my partner said it was the omelette for her - it was gooey, packed with flavour and utterly mouth-watering.

As if the experience couldn't get any better, the service was excellent. Attentive, friendly and informed. The decor was excellent (also authentic)

11/10 experience - Couldn't...

We came here very shortly after it first opened. We felt like a real inconvenience, as the restaurant was filled with the owners’ friends and family. We ordered a Spanish meat selection, which was awful. It was like supermarket pre-packaged cold meat and it was sweating. The service was very inattentive and we were not asked at any point how our meal was. There is nothing authentically Spanish about this place. The Food Hygiene Rating in the window was for a different business, and the Taste of the West Award displayed was dated several years before the place opened. This is such a shame to write this review, as I hoped the restaurant would be a good addition to Magdalen Road. Sadly, it does match the quality of the rest...