Restaurants in Aberdeen

Silver Darling

Large windows overlook Aberdeen harbour at this excellent restaurant set in a former customs house. It specialises in seafood with a French twist, courtesy of its Gallic owner Didier Dejean. Oysters, scallops, langoustines and sea bass are just some of the fruits that may appear on the ever-changing menu.

Blairs Restaurant

Set in the grand Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, a 19th-century mansion house in the peaceful Aberdeenshire countryside, this restaurant serves up modern European and Scottish dishes using fine local ingredients.

The Conservatory Restaurant at the Marcliffe

Located at the venerable Marcliffe Hotel, the high-end and relaxed Conservatory is arguably Aberdeen’s premier pick for a special occasion or romantic meal. Expect extra-friendly service, a changing seasonal menu, the best in Scottish produce, and an extensive wine list of 400 labels, not to mention the bread and ice-cream made on the premises.

Café 52

This well-established and pioneering eatery in the old market square serves imaginative food in a contemporary art-filled warehouse space. There is a variety of changing, seasonal menus to choose from, including an excellent tapas menu, a sharing antipasto platter, and an outstanding (and reasonably priced) selection for lunch. Booking recommended.

The Ashvale

Among the best fish and chippies in northeast Scotland. Dine in the 200-seat restaurant or take away. Lightly battered haddock and cod are what lure most diners, but poached and grilled fish dishes also make a good choice. Tackle an entire Ashvale Whale (1b cod fillet) to win a certificate, free dessert, or another whale.

The Adelphi Kitchen

The Adelphi Kitchen likes things local: from its oils to its fish. With a warm atmosphere and modern bistro-style décor, this is a relaxed place to come for BBQ with charcoaled meat. Look out for weekly specials (especially the superb value lunch and early evening set menus) and upcoming foodie events.

Kamoon Kitchen

The first and probably the only Lebanese kitchen in Aberdeen, this place offers authentic manakeesh (pastries), sumptuous kebab and hummus wrap. The café has a small seating area if you don’t fancy a takeaway.

The Sand Dollar Cafe

This stylish beachfront cafe serves up hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and light meals throughout the day. In the evening it's transformed into a bistro. It features events like regular jazz concerts and summer evenings of live music and tapas.

Rosie’s Cafe

Giving work opportunities to those recovering from brain injuries, mental health issues, and a range of other conditions, Rosie’s is as good for the soul as it is for the belly. Expect homemade soups, thick scones with generous smears of cream and jam, and freshly baked cakes. It has homemade daily specials as well.