If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Aberdeen, you’ll be spoilt for choice with some of our favourites which should not be missed.
Whether you’re new to the city or you’re familiar to the food scene, there’s sure to be something to suit you.
Where to eat in Aberdeen for a hip atmosphere
With its art-lined walls and beautiful view onto the Green, the trendy Cafe 52 is the perfect place for an affordable meal at any time of the day.
If you decide to lunch at Cafe 52, make sure to sample one of their selection of exotic croissant fillings, including goat’s cheese with garlic tomatoes and onion and herb marmalade, and smoked mackerel pate with cucumber and garden salad.
The cafe also doubles as a restaurant, with excellent quality mains at just £10 as well as a mouthwatering selection of tapas, cheeses and wines if you’re peckish. The young, teetotal or designated drivers should opt for the homemade strawberry juice.
Although the homemade chips are delicious it’s Cafe 52’s parsnips fried in honey and sea salt that are a must-order if you fancy a little something on the side.
Where to eat in Aberdeen for affordable luxury
From the BBQ grill and authentic Japanese teppanyaki to the fruit and cream filled bite-sized patisserie, COSMO Authentic World Kitchen proves that the all-you-can-eat buffet experience can be luxurious.
Choose from a wide variety of delicately handcrafted dishes. Sample mussels cooked to perfection; dip crusty homemade bread in perfumed fennel-infused sauces and enjoy a little fizz on the side.
Those with Mediterranean tastes can savour cheese boards and charcuterie with bowls of Sicilian nocellara olives and fresh salads. COSMO’s bar is well stocked with wine and soft drinks alike – if you’re looking for the perfect complement to your cheese, you won’t be disappointed.
Where to eat in Aberdeen for comfort food
The American-style Angus & Ale offer hungry customers a menu of perfectly executed diner classics including juicy burgers, back ribs and buffalo chicken with chunky sweet potato or rosemary chips. It goes without saying that guests should visit with an empty stomach!
All Angus & Ale beef is dry-aged on the bone for 28 days and cooked on charcoal for a rich and smoky flavour. If you’re feeling lavish opt for one of the two and three course bistro deals, which come with a glass of red or white wine on the side.
Although this is a carnivore’s paradise, vegetarians will be delighted by the piquant jalapeno and chickpea fritters and the deliciously gooey four cheese macaroni (to which meat eaters can add a array of toppings, including pulled pork, black pudding and brisket).
Where to eat in Aberdeen for a unique dining experience
Inspired by the Japanese concept of izakaya – pubs that serve several courses of sharing dishes accompanied by alcohol – Yatai manages to capture the flavour of Japan in the heart of Aberdeen.
Although this little independent restaurant has a range of excellent dishes on traditional menus, it also offers guests the chance to dine ‘omakase’ (which translates as ‘trust us’) style – and this is where Yatai really comes into its own.
Pre-book a table and tell the restaurant your budget, likes, dislikes, restrictions and intolerances as well as those of your guests. Then you need only arrive and Yatai will serve you with dishes from a tailor-made menu. You can also specially request dishes should you wish to do so.
Enjoy soft shell crab, sashimi, spicy gyoza dumplings and bowls of noodles in fragrant broth. Yatai also serve their delicious dishes with a full complement of Japanese drinks, including plum wine, loose leaf sencha and a rotating selection of sake.
For more information about where to eat in Scotland, please check out the following guides: