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! ❤️

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.

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.

What a great place! Amazing atmosphere and awesome food …. Will be returning soon

What a great place!! We had such a wonderful evening here, and it’s honesty like being in Spain!! Great value for money, the food is absolutely amazing. We tried loads of different bits and it was so nice. If you go anywhere in Exeter, go here!

First time at Calvo Loco and it did not disappoint. I had heard great reviews from friends so had to try. The tapas options were plentiful and the food was delicious. I wanted more of everything. Will definitely be returning for another round of tapas.

A really lovely little restaurant nestled in Magdelen Road. The food was all delicious, and the staff were all friendly and welcoming. The portion sizes are just right. It's a very small space so it can feel a little cramped, but other than that we had a great time!

My husband and I found this little gem last minute. We did not reserve a table (although we should have. It is a very popular spot with the only unreserved tables available that evening being outside). The food was glorious. So much flavour and variety. The staff were friendly and attentive with knowledge to suggest dishes and wines to suit our palettes. This was one of the food highlights of our trip. Thank you team, great work!!!

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.

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.

First time here even though we have walked passed it many times. Had an early evening booking and the place was packed full which was great to see. We had a selection of 6 tapas ranging from Oxtail in Red Wine sauce through to the garlic mushrooms in a parsley sauce. Each dish was delicious and freshly cooked. The staff were really friendly and played a huge part in the relaxed atmosphere throughout the evening. A restaurant that is a must for anyone who loves tapas or just a great great relaxing time with friends and family.

High quality family made tapas.. each dish arrives when ready for a relaxed meal. I can highly recommend it!

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.

Food was superb. Staff very friendly, reasonably priced. Being sat around large barrels you have to eat with your legs split apart or facing sideways. I found seating really uncomfortable and by the end of the evening complaining that my back hurt.

Good food at a reasonable price. Lovely tapas, nice to have some different food in Exeter. Warm service. Lovely evening out

A great discovery. Heard about it and then booked a table for dinner. The place is small and buzzing. Service is professional, efficient and serious. Food was divine. Quality ingredients with tasty dishes. Can only recommend this tapas restaurant. All the best.

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.

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!

Really lovely food and atmosphere. Staff were super friendly and attentive, will definitely be back to try more of the brilliant menu!

This is by far the best tapas I have ever had in England. Growing up on the Mediterranean in Spain I am a little sceptical about all Spanish cuisine restaurants. Come here, get the Chorizo Sidra and the Solomillo you will not be disappointed. The best.

Amazing food, great wine - loved the live traditional spanish music. I would particularly recommend the artichoke cooked with jamon... it is an absolute showstopper!!

Fantastic evening!! Most authentic Spanish we have had in the UK. Fun atmosphere, all staff very friendly and knowledgeable. We were lucky enough to hear some Spanish acoustic tunes as well. Ox Cheek special and lamb pinchos were exceptional (as was all food). Next time in area will definitely visit again :)

Love this place. Small restaurant, but great food and wine! Looking forward to going back for valentines day!