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Top 10 Aberdeen Restaurants You Simply Must Try (You’ll Thank Us Later!)

So there was this one time when I planned to eat out with my family. I imagined us having a fantastic meal but somehow ended up at a place where the soup alone was more like a mystery potion.

After that delicious disaster, I decided to hunt down the best restaurants in Aberdeen to be my ultimate targets for next time. And guess what? 

I made a list of them! So now that you’re trying to find some of the best spots Aberdeen has to offer, you better read on!

Moonfish Cafe 

Media credit: moonfishcafeaberdeen

Address: 9 Correction Wynd
Contact details: +44 122 464 4166
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM

Cost: £££
Website
Menu

If you’re into seafood, Moonfish Cafe is practically a shrine. With a menu that changes seasonally, you can always expect something fresh and intriguing.

They really know how to work with seafood, offering dishes like their popular market fish bisque, king oyster and mackerel starters. Their desserts are equally enticing, featuring buttermilk panna cotta, salted chocolate tart, and a selection of cheese.

Moreover, they have an incredible gin collection, perfect for those who like to experiment with flavours. And their wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the food menu, too!

Pro tip: 

Make sure you book in advance, especially on weekends. This place fills up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out.

The Silver Darling 

Media credit: thesilverdarlingrestaurant

Address: Pocra Quay
Contact details: +44 122 457 6229
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
  • Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM

Cost: ££
Website
Menu

Located right on Pocra Quay, The Silver Darling gives you an incredible panoramic view of the harbour while you enjoy your meal. Their menu is focused on seafood, taking full advantage of the fresh local catch.

You’ll find starters like pan-seared Shetland scallops or marinated tuna. For your main course, options include whole grilled Stonehaven langoustines, a prime Scottish beef burger, or a seafood linguine packed with langoustines, prawns, and mussels.

If seafood isn’t your thing, they’ve got some tasty vegetarian options like the green summer vegetable linguine or the pesto chickpea burger. For drinks, they have a curated selection of wines, cocktails, and even some locally brewed beers on tap.

Pro tip: 

You can dive into their seafood platters if you want to sample a bit of everything. The Silver Darling Platter and the Full House Platter are fantastic choices for sharing and getting a true taste of what the local sea has to offer.

Café Bohème 

Media credit: cafe_boheme_aberdeen

Address: 23 Windmill Brae
Contact details: +44 122 421 0677
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM

Cost: £££
Website
Menu

Café Bohème is the kind of place you’d want to keep coming back to and is easily one of the best French-inspired eateries in Aberdeen. Here, you’ll find delights like pan-roast wood pigeon, centre-cut beef fillet, and their amazing array of cheeses.

The menu changes according to what’s in season, so there’s always something new to try. Starters feature options such as gin-cured sea trout and French onion soup, while desserts include dark chocolate fondant and coconut roast nut iced parfait.

Their wine list is undeniably French, with everything from light, fresh whites to deep, tannic reds. In addition, they also offer a selection of local and French beer, as well as artisanal ciders.

Pro tip: 

Don’t miss their selection of petit fours, which pairs perfectly with a coffee or tea for a sweet end to your meal. Also, make sure to book your table in advance, especially during weekends, to secure your spot in this popular dining spot.

The Spiritualist 

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Address: 67 Langstane Pl.
Contact details: +44 122 458 7717
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday – 4 PM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday – 4 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday – 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM

Cost: ££
Website
Menu

The Spiritualist is quite the contender when it comes to unique dining experiences in Aberdeen. Their menu is diverse and innovative, whether you’re into meat, vegetarian, or vegan dishes.

Highlights include items like haggis & cheddar croquettes, bratwurst corn dogs, and halloumi fries. If you’re looking for something to share, their small plates, such as wings your way (chicken or cauliflower) and salt n’ pepper chicken, are perfect for groups.

Talking about drinks, their cocktail menu is stellar, with signature drinks like the Strawberry & Aperol Smash and the Hollaback Girl (you sing it, too?!). They’ve also got a decent selection of wines and beers, so you’re covered no matter your drink of choice.

Pro tip: 

If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, ask about their masterclass. It’s an awesome experience where you get to learn the art of mixing drinks from the experts.

Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish 

Media credit: haimandawa

Address: 1 Queen’s Terrace
Contact details: +44 122 461 1909
Operating hours: 

  • Monday and Tuesday – 6 PM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM

Cost: £££
Website
Menu

Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish offers an array of menu options, including summer lunch, dinner à la carte, Sunday lunch, and a tasting menu. For dinner à la carte, you’ll find options like grilled whole monkfish tail, roast lamb, sautéed wild bass, and more.

The seafood selection is equally impressive, with items such as sautéd wild bass with langoustine-stuffed courgette flowers. For Sunday lunch, you can savour options like roast beef, seared sea trout, halloumi rice cake, and more.

You might find yourself savouring anything from a lightly smoked sea trout to a tartare of Aberdeenshire beef fillet. For those special occasions, their champagne and wine list are worth exploring too.

Pro tip: 

Remember to save room for dessert, where choices like the baked Brillat Savarin cheesecake with yuzu jelly or the 55% Valrhona chocolate mocha mousse promise a decadent end to your meal.

8848 Restaurant 

Media credit: 8848_aberdeen

Address: 347 Union St.
Contact details: +44 122 459 5588
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to 10 PM
Cost: £
Website
Menu

8848 Restaurant is a fusion of traditional Nepalese and Indian cuisine, bringing a unique culinary experience to Aberdeen. The menu is packed with a variety of flavorful dishes like momos, biryanis, and tandoori grills.

Staples like their chicken lassoni methi or lamb bhutuwa are crowd favourites. On the other hand, more adventurous eaters might opt for the spicy lamb shank roganjosh or Himalayan chicken chattinad marinated with house spices.

They also have vegetable dishes too, including dal makhani, saag paneer, coco baingan, and more. Plus, they offer a well-curated drinks list including selected wines, beers, and traditional lassi drinks.

Pro tip: 

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, to ensure you snag a table at this popular spot. Also, don’t skip their lunchtime deals—they offer amazing value!

Miller & Carter Aberdeen 

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Address: 26 Union St.
Contact details: +44 122 453 1074
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Cost: £££
Website
Menu

Miller & Carter menu features a wide variety of cuts, from ribeye to fillet, each aged and prepared to perfection. Their award-winning 30-day aged ribeye steak is a standout, served with their signature onion loaf, seasoned fries, and a balsamic-glazed tomato.

For those who prefer alternatives, they offer a good selection of chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Starters like hot honey chicken wings and their prawn & lobster cocktail set the stage for what’s to come.

They even have a great list of sides and extras, like beef barbacoa mac & cheese, stuffed bone marrow, or creamed spinach, perfect for customising your meal. To complement your meal, their wine list is extensive and worth checking out.

Pro tip: 

If you’re coming with some kids, they have a special menu for them, so don’t forget to ask about that.

You may opt to join their email club to receive special offers and discounts. Their early bird and seasonal menus are worth checking out for some tasty savings.

Foodstory 

Media credit: foodstoryscotland

Address: 11-15 Thistle St.
Contact details: [email protected] 
Operating hours: 

  • Sunday and Monday, Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday to Thursday – 8 AM to 8 PM

Cost: ££
Website
Menu

Foodstory is an Aberdeen gem known for its organic, ethically sourced menu offerings. They specialise in catering to a variety of dietary needs with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Their breakfasts and brunches are especially popular, featuring dishes like their Brunch Bowl with smoked bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, and salad, and their Porridge made with Scottish oats. Lunch brings an array of freshly prepared salads, wraps, and soups.

Plus, their coffee, made from locally roasted beans, is superb and pairs well with their range of homemade pastries and cakes. Foodstory also serves an array of fresh juices, teas, and specialty drinks, catering to all preferences.

Pro tip: 

If you’re dining in, make sure to check out their upstairs seating area; it’s often a bit quieter and offers a cosy nook to enjoy your meal.

Rustico 

Media credit: rusticorestaurantaberdeen

Address: 62 Union Row
Contact details: +44 1224 658444
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM

Cost: ££
Website
Menu

Rustico is the go-to spot for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine in Aberdeen. The menu is a delightful mix of classic Italian dishes, featuring antipasti, freshly made pastas, and an array of meat and seafood dishes.

Their wood-fired pizzas are particularly noteworthy, with options ranging from margherita to their own creations like Tutto Misto and Ragusa. Their pasta offerings include everything from rich, creamy spaghetti carbonara to the spicy penne arrabiata.

Meat lovers can indulge in dishes like pollo crema Funghi with chicken fillet or Tagliata di Maiale featuring pan-roasted pork sirloin. Rustico is also proud of its extensive wine list, which features a wide selection primarily from Italian vineyards.

Pro tip: 

Rustico offers vouchers, making it a perfect gift for food enthusiasts. Plus, they’re dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along.

Rustico can also be hired for private parties, providing an authentic Italian dining experience for your special event.

Six by Nico Aberdeen 

Media credit: sixbynico

Address: 367 Union St.
Contact details: +44 122 400 2555
Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday – 4:30 PM to 11:30 PM
  • Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM

Cost: £££
Website

Six by Nico brings a unique dining concept, offering a six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks. Each menu is themed around a different concept, from ‘The Chippie’ to ‘Childhood Memories’, delivering a dynamic dining experience.

You can expect intricate, thoughtfully crafted dishes that play with flavours and textures. The six-course journey might include anything from meticulously prepared seafood to inventive takes on traditional Scottish fare.

The best part is that they cater to vegetarians and other dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can partake in this gastronomic adventure. Each course can also be paired with wine, offering a complete sensory experience.

Pro tip: 

Make sure you sign up for their newsletter to get the first scoop on upcoming menu themes. Also, consider booking early, as their unique concept makes them a popular choice for food enthusiasts.

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