Category Archive Places to Eat

10 Places to visit in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

From the VisitAberdeenshire blog

“Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is well known for its granite buildings and sea transports links, but it also has a thriving arts and culture scene in addition to a rich and colourful history. Long sandy beaches lay adjacent to quaint fishing villages, city parks are nestled among some of the oldest buildings and structures in the UK.
The region is home to world famous food, showcased through Michelin Guide restaurants just a short stroll from medieval castles and local ice cream producers like Mackie’s of Scotland putting North-east Scotland on the map as a top foodie destination.” 

VisitAberdeenshire blog

Aberdeen Pubs and Bars 16: Old Blackfriars

Old Blackfriars

“The cobbled pedestrian area outside Old Blackfriars was used to hold public executions and it is the site where people rose up against the English garrison in Aberdeen’ castle and using the password ‘Bon Accord’ began the destruction of the castle.
Today Bon Accord is the City’s motto. Across the road, the Tollbooth has been the site of civic administration since 1398.

The site of pub was owned by Dominican monks, known as Blackfriars, and the stained glass and pews were taken from a local chapel and provide a suitable atmosphere for this 350 year old building. That’s why the moment you enter this atmospheric pub, it’s like stepping back in time. With its two levels, low-beamed ceiling and ecclesiastical fittings, it makes you feel as if you’re sitting alongside several centuries of drinkers.
The pub has an extensive menu of freshly prepared food, which is available all day and is loved by locals, families, shoppers, real ale drinkers, tourists and, allegedly a ghost or two! With its no television policy, Old Blackfriars knows exactly what makes a traditional pub tick. Look out for the Tuesday quiz and the Thursday Scottish music jam sessions as well as the changing line-up of real ales and the impressive malt.”

A Story to Tell: Scotlands Pubs and Bars

Tripadvisor Review

Aberdeen Restaurants: Cafe 52

Cafe 52

“From an amateur start, Cafe 52 now feeds and waters a varied cast of devotees. It has acted as a springboard for locals, an avenue for aspiring artists and a welcome for curious tourists. More importantly the restaurant is a centre point and a meeting place, retaining fruitful communication for our residential and non residential friends.

Now in its 23rd year, its devotees have stepped-up momentum supported by the culinary bold. From a bargain basement beginnings it has elevated as the choice for unpretentious global goodies. Cafe 52 is now a second home for many and a rest assured diner for two. It enjoys favourable reports from the press and a thumbs up from seasoned foodies.”

Cafe 52 Website

Tripadvisor Review

Aberdeen Pubs and Bars 15: Grape and Grain

Grape and Grain

“A visit to Grape and Grain the new addition to Aberdeen’s bar scene, confirms why it has become an instant success. Based on Thistle Street it is, quite simply, a haven of elegance and quiet sophistication.
Warm and welcoming, stylish and subtle, relaxing and refined, Grape and Grain is a place to unwind, meet up with friends or catch up with clients to discuss business in an informal atmosphere away from the office; at Grape But what really sets Grape and Grain apart is what is contained behind the bar. Here you’ll find a superior selection of wines, craft beers and spirits. A range of more than 40 fine wines supplied exclusively in Aberdeen to Grape and Grain by the award-winning Berkmann Wine Cellars and glasses of champagne come from the house of Laurent-Perrier.
If you favour the grain over the grape you will find a selection of some of the finest craft beers brewed in Scotland and an extensive range of Scottish botanical gins and whiskies. Grape and Grain is not a restaurant but that’s not say you won’t have a chance to sample a selection of local fare. Scottish oatcakes, cheeses, chutneys and fruit available on the cheese slates and the charcuterie is second to none with rich venison salami to mention just one of the offerings accompanied with some beetroot and chilli relish all locally sourced. Of course, with the CEO of an IT company in charge, the very latest in technology is available at your fingertips with superfast broadband and perhaps that “destination experience” goes just one step further as each of the semi-circular pods features a table with integral charging points for smartphones. Grape and Grain should certainly be on your radar when looking for something rather exciting and very different. and Grain mixing business with pleasure comes naturally.”

Grape and Grain Facebook Page

Tripadvisor Review

Aberdeen Pubs and Bars 14: The Illicit Still

The Illicit Still

“Hidden underground just a stone’s throw from Aberdeen’s historic Marischal College, our name comes from our history as one of the last known ‘Illicit Stills’ in the country, where whisky could be crafted undetected by the taxman!
Considered a ‘Home away from home’ by Locals and Students alike, join us for some hearty home-cooked food, an ice-cold pint, and be entertained by the best local musicians, the biggest live sport, or one of our range of board games or games consoles!”

The Illicit Still webpage

Tripadvisor Review

Aberdeen Pubs and Bars 13: Under the Hammer

Under the Hammer

“Basement bar, no TV, no loud music, friendly efficient service, selection of properly kept real ales, quality reasonably priced house wines, selection of malts and gins served in 35 ml measures.
If you are looking for a well run atmospheric pub where the sound of conversation is valued then visit Under the Hammer.”

VisitAberdeenshire

PubsGalore Review

Aberdeen Restaurants: The Tippling House

The Tippling House

“The Tippling House offers a hand-crafted imbibing and casual-dining experience in an industrial age-inspired port town tavern.

Our bartenders are skilled and knowledgable, our waiting staff charming and attentive. We have put a lot of thought into our product selection and food menu, using local suppliers and produce where possible. We hope you enjoy your experience with us, and we welcome any feedback you may have. To ensure everyone experiences the same enjoyment, we have a few simple house rules. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just common etiquette..”

Tippling House Website

Tripadvisor Review

Facebook Page

Aberdeen Pubs and Bars 12: Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen

Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen

“Located in the heart of Aberdeen City centre; Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen offers a unique drinking and dining experience to visitors and friends from near and far. Creating many home-made ingredients ranging from Gin to Jam and using seasonal, fresh and local produce, means their friendly and informed bar and kitchen teams can find a drink or meal to suit any mood or occasion.
Amity Scampi, fresh from Jimmy Buchan in Fraserburgh, North Sea haddock and Aberdeen’s own Porters gin-cured, Scottish smoked salmon showcases the best from the city’s rich fishing history and Ninety-Nine’s own Aberdeen Angus beef burgers made fresh in house from select cuts of brisket and skirt, delivers a culinary feast to show off the finest the surrounding landscape has to offer. Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen will guarantee you a warm welcome, a tasty dinner and a fun day or night out whatever the occasion!”

VisitAberdeenshire

Tripadvisor Review

Aberdeen City Centre Coffee Map

‘We have become a nation of coffee lovers and even coffee geeks’ – Jeffrey Young of U.K. Coffee Week.

Coffee is now the world’s favourite drink with 70 million cups consumed every day in the UK. Aberdeen city centre has lots of quirky independent coffee shops and unique cafes serving good coffee, tea, gourmet food and an exciting atmosphere. The increased popularity of foodie culture, coffee and better Wi-Fi has created places to eat, drink, work and socialise.

Celebrate Aberdeen’s busy and interesting ‘café culture’, with the ‘Aberdeen city ‘Coffee Map’. Click here to download.

VisitAberdeenshire

Aberdeen Pubs and Bars 11: The Stag

The Stag

“A very warm welcome to The Stag, a traditional bar in the heart of Aberdeen city centre where you can enjoy a few pints with friends. The Stag is a great meeting place for people to get together for a good time.
The food’s great too. Hearty, wholesome and appetising. Real homemade cooking using local ingredients, just the way you like it. Please cast your eye over our menu and next time you’re in town make sure you drop by to sample the wonderful atmosphere, fine food and drink that await you in The Stag.”

The Stag Website

Tripadvisor Review