Widely known as Scotland’s industrial powerhouse, Aberdeen is a city that has been propelled to economic prosperity by the emergence of its highly lucrative oil industry. A lively city on Scotland’s north-eastern coast, Aberdeen has become one of the UK’s leading business travel destinations. Supported by a robust tourism infrastructure, Aberdeen has plenty to offer visitors, from fascinating museums to scenic outdoor spaces. Here, we thought we’d take a look at the best restaurants in Aberdeen.
Moonfish Cafe
Address: 9 Correction Wynd, Aberdeen, AB10 1HP
Tucked away just off Union Street in the shadow of the Kirk of St Nicholas, Central Aberdeen’s Moonfish Café is a popular eatery that specialises in two things – seafood and gin. Boasting a spacious and stylish interior, the Moonfish Café offers visitors a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Visitors can expect to find a menu made up of locally sourced delicacies such as grilled mackerel, halibut and salmon. Certainly one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen, the whole experience is supplemented by the restaurant’s welcome abundance of Scottish gins.
Books and Beans
Address: 22 Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1JH
Another restaurant based in Aberdeen’s medieval Merchant Quarter, Books and Beans is a unique local eatery that appeals to all bookworms and literature-lovers. Leather armchairs and quiet reading spots are surrounded by towering bookshelves and works of art. The café offers everything from big breakfasts to toasted paninis and homemade soups. If you’re after a quick break during your tour of the city, this serene sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen.
BrewDog Castlegate
Address: 17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1EB
Did you know that BrewDog's headquarters are based in Ellon, just north of Aberdeen? It'll come as no surprise therefore that the celebrated craft-beer chain has three branches in Aberdeen in total - the Castlegate branch can be found just off Union Street in the city centre. Offering a mouth-watering array of burgers, wings and sides alongside gallons of craft beer, this bar and restaurant is a great place to eat out in Aberdeen.
Nargile
Aberdeen: 77-79 Skene St, Aberdeen AB10 1QD
Said to be the “only Turkish restaurant in Aberdeen”, Nargile have branded themselves as “ambassadors” of Turkish cuisine. With plenty of plaudits from the public, I think it’s fair to say that the restaurant has taken its ambassadorial role fairly seriously. Established in 1983, the masterminds behind Nargile have spent the last few decades treating their customers to a range of authentic Turkish dishes. Customers can expect to find a quiet, atmospheric interior in a popular part of the city. One of the best restaurants in Aberdeen, Nargile is a great option for an evening out.
La Lombarda
Address: 2, King Street, Castlegate, Aberdeen AB24 5AX
Take a break from Aberdeen’s seafood scene and treat yourself to a pizza at the UK’s oldest Italian restaurant. Found to the east of the city centre, this restaurant isn’t limited to pizza alone; it also offers pasta, meat dishes and delectable desserts. La Lombarda is also famed throughout the city for its quirky underground bar. Sinatra’s Basement Bar includes a small stage and is perfect for private functions or corporate events.
Zen Oriental
Address: 16-17 Bon-Accord Cres, Aberdeen AB11 6DE
Hugely popular among both tourists and locals, this stylish Chinese restaurant is generally thought to be one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen. Overlooking the elegant Bon Accord Terrace Gardens, Zen Oriental can be found just to the west of the city centre. Head Chef, Joe, offers a number of specials such as yau pau scallops, steamed monkfish and lobster. This family-run establishment is charmingly designed and offers a relaxed atmosphere.
Slains Castle
Address: 14-18 Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1JE
Nothing complements great pub food like a spooky, Dracula-themed interior... Located in central Aberdeen, just off Union Street, Slains Castle offers a fantastic pub experience housed within a former church. For all those with a flair for the gothic, this unique watering hole is well worth checking out.
Maggie's Grill
Address: 242 Holburn St, Aberdeen AB10 6DB
One of the best restaurants in Aberdeen for BBQ and Cajun cuisine, Maggie’s Grill is a Louisianan paradise in the heart of the north-east of Scotland. Serving everything from huge BBQ platters to Stan’s Cajun meatloaf, this highly adored eatery is a favourite among carnivorous Aberdonians with a hankering for barbequed beef.
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