Nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Pinhoe in Exeter, Il Grano Restaurant invites you to embark on a culinary journey to Italy. With its warm ambience, attentive service, and delectable dishes, Il Grano offers an authentic Italian dining experience that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring Exeter, this hidden gem is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking genuine Italian flavours.
About
Il Grano has been in situ since August 2022 and is a family-run business. We were warmly met by co-owner Byl, who explained he had started working in the food industry in 2007, where he developed his passion for good food and eventually the desire to run his own restaurant. Partnering with another member of the family they could start building the dream. With members of the family also working as Chef’s and waiting staff, Il Grano is very much a family affair!
First Impressions
From the outside, the restaurant stands beside a busy roundabout in Pinhoe. But once you step inside Il Grano, you are greeted by a cosy and inviting atmosphere that instantly makes you feel right at home.
There is an open plan kitchen where you can see the chefs hard at work, they were very friendly on our arrival and departure. Leading through to the main restaurant with modern decor, soft lighting, and tastefully chosen Italian-inspired artwork create a warm and comfortable setting.
Next to the restaurant is a sophisticated bar with plush seating and warm lighting, a great way to start or finish your dining experience.
There is a car park at the rear of the building, but ensure you put your vehicle registration into the device at the restaurant to avoid being ticketed. The wash facilities were also very clean and everything apart for a few steps up to the bar area is level access.
Authentic Italian Cuisine
At Il Grano, the focus is on delivering authentic Italian cuisine that showcases the richness and diversity of Italian gastronomy. The talented chefs use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to prepare each dish with meticulous care and attention to detail. Whether you’re craving classic pasta, pizzas, or mouth watering seafood, the menu offers many options to satisfy every palate.
The Menu
The extensive menu made it difficult to choose from as everything sounded so delicious. But what we did choose did not disappoint. To start, Il Grano Bruschetta a toasted slice of bread with cherry tomatoes, parma ham, pesto, mozzarella and parmesan shavings was a meal in itself. It it was mouth watering, fresh and flavourful! We also had the calamari with garlic mayonnaise and a side salad which was a treat to the taste buds.
For main, we chose linguine carbonara, which has to be one of THE BEST carbonara I have tasted. I was full halfway through the meal, but I ploughed through to the end as it was so delicious. We also had Calzone Il Grano, a pizza/pasty type of dish, and it was also very, very good.
Sadly, we could not manage anything from the dessert menu, but we will definitely return to try these.
To complement the meal, Il Grano boasts tempting cocktails and an extensive wine list featuring a variety of wines carefully selected to enhance your dining experience.
To Sum Up
Il Grano Restaurant in Pinhoe, Exeter, offers a genuine taste of Italy that will transport you to the Mediterranean’s sun-soaked landscapes and vibrant culinary traditions. With its warm ambience, authentic cuisine, and attentive service, Il Grano has established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an exceptional Italian dining experience.
So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a family meal, or simply craving some authentic Italian flavours, add Il Grano to your list of culinary adventures in Exeter; it will certainly not disappoint.
Buon appetito!
