Calvo Loco Tapas Bar

+44 7758 215371

25 Magdalen Rd, Exeter EX2 4TA United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Open Today:

Quick Facts About Calvo Loco Tapas Bar

Calvo Loco Tapas Bar is a popular tapas restaurant in Exeter that receives rave reviews from customers. The comments highlight several strengths of the restaurant, as well as a few weaknesses that could be improved upon.

One of the biggest strengths of Calvo Loco Tapas Bar is its authenticity. Customers comment that the restaurant truly feels like being in Spain, from the music to the atmosphere to the food. This authenticity is likely attributed to the fact that the owner is British and his Spanish wife does the cooking, ensuring that the dishes are true to their Spanish roots. This authenticity is highly valued by customers and sets the restaurant apart from other tapas places in Exeter.

Another strength of Calvo Loco is the quality and taste of the food. Customers consistently mention that the tapas are delicious and full of flavor. The menu offers a lovely selection of tapas, and each dish is well presented and freshly cooked. The high quality of the food contributes to the overall positive dining experience at the restaurant.

Customers also appreciate the service at Calvo Loco. The staff are described as friendly and excellent, providing just the right level of service. This attentive service enhances the overall dining experience and adds to the positive atmosphere of the restaurant. Customers feel well taken care of and enjoy interacting with the staff.

The atmosphere of Calvo Loco is also noted as a strength. Customers describe the restaurant as a buzzing sensory experience, with a relaxed and lively atmosphere. The staff often pick up a guitar and entertain the customers, creating a fun and enjoyable environment. The atmosphere makes Calvo Loco a great place to eat and drink in Exeter, and customers note that it is one of their favorite places to go.

In terms of weaknesses, some customers mention the uncomfortable seating at Calvo Loco. The barrel tables are described as hard to sit at, and customers mention that their hip flexors had to work overtime. Although this is a minor issue, it is pointed out that comfier seats would improve the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.

Another weakness mentioned by a customer is that they were given an outdoor table despite booking an inside one. While this did not cause any major issues as it wasn't cold, the customer would have preferred an indoor table. They also noted that the staff did not come often to serve outside. Ensuring that customers are seated according to their preferences and providing timely service to all tables, both indoor and outdoor, would enhance the overall customer experience.

Overall, Calvo Loco Tapas Bar is highly praised for its authentic Spanish atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service. The strengths of the restaurant outweigh the minor weaknesses mentioned, making it a popular choice for tapas lovers in the area. By addressing the seating comfort issue and ensuring consistent service across all tables, Calvo Loco has the potential to further enhance the dining experience for its customers.

Best TL Reviews

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! ❤️

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!

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.

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.

A buzzing sensory experience. Extensive and well thought out tapas options. All well presented and taste delicious. Excellent service at just the right level.

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.

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

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.