Overall good experience.
Good: the atmosphere, the service, some of the foods, and the owner.
Bad: not an authentic Spanish place. The food was too salty- somewhat pub style. As the name suggests, it is a pub. So salty food go well with alcohol I think. A little pricy as well, considering the portion size- for example, mojito was £8.50.. unreal 😅😅
Important: please call them before going before reservations are important. We were lucky to get a place without reservation, but it was due to a good lady there. So call them before going. They are usually busy and for good reason.
Overall worth trying once. :) cheers to the owner and other two staffs, I loved them.
What a gem! Perfect for a date night or an evening out with friends and family.
I would recommend 2 or 3 dishes each and then a pudding.
We had mini fried squid, fried goats cheese, meat balls in a delicious tomato and pea sauce, potats bravas and oxtail. The oxtail melted in your mouth. Truely delicious.
The Sangria is fantastic, super refreshing and fruity!
We had churros to finish the meal which were as yummy as the rest of the meal. Freshly made and piping hot! The chcolate sauce that came with it was gorgeously rich and extremely morish.
There was inside and outside seating, if love to go back and sit outside in nice weather!
I can't wait to go back again.
Super tiny place full of taste.
Lovely selection of tapas. Very tasty, good beer and good service.
It cost us £70 for two guys (with a drink each)
Feedback for the owners - those Barrell tables are really hard to sit at, and my hip flexors had to work overtime, so if the seats were comfier I’d have enjoyed it that little bit more!
There aren't many tapas places in Exeter, but even if there were, this one is the real deal!! Absolute perfection, from the time you walk in until the amazing tapas are served, close your eyes and you are in Spain! Love the music, the atmosphere, the food, the service, the real Spanish touch, everything about Calvo Loco! Hats off to the owner and all the amazing staff for what this place is! ❤️
A buzzing sensory experience. Extensive and well thought out tapas options. All well presented and taste delicious. Excellent service at just the right level.
We booked a table and when we arrived we’ve been given the outside table, which has it wasn’t cold for us we didn’t had any problems at all with that but personally I would have preferred an inside one, the staff were very friendly but they were not coming often to serve outside. The food was amazing for me the Croquetas were delicious and the cheese as well, the artichokes were very good too but are from conserve but it’s understandable, the jamon we were a bit disappointed as for the price and for what it says on the menu as Iberic it wasn’t cut properly and didn’t even had a bit of “grasa”, the wine was good and overall the experience was positive and would recommend.
Natacha du pont de bie
+5
You need to book a table, or sneak in early like we did for a cold sherry and tapas. The place is tiny but the atmosphere is large. Calvo Loco, means 'crazy baldy', and is named after the exuberant British owner. His Spanish wife does the cooking so it's authentic and really delicious and the staff often pick up a guitar and get the party going. It's one of my favourite places to eat and drink in Exeter. We had a simple dish of Tostas de Mariscos with our sherry, heaped with avocado and cod and prawns and sardines, simply yummy.
High quality family made tapas.. each dish arrives when ready for a relaxed meal. I can highly recommend it!
I would book to get a table (more than 24hrs in advance) but they do have some walk in. Great staff and excellent food.
Menu from August 2022, not including specials.
![5]( "Recensione")
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 to be missed.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes