5 of Aberdeen's best restaurants for you to check out

From sampling Japanese cuisine at Yatai to enjoying fine dining at Moonfish Café, we've picked out five of Aberdeen's best eateries for you to check out

Published 23rd Sep 2015
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Ok, so it will come as no surprise that eating out is our favourite thing to do.

For us, there's no better feeling than enjoying amazing food in great company and if you can do so in stylish surroundings then you know it's going to be a good night.

Sometimes though, picking a place to go can be a frustrating task, weighing up options for service, style of cuisine and value for money is never fun.

So why not let us take away some of that hassle by picking out some of the best eateries that the Granite City has to offer?

Best place for fine dining... Moonfish Café

(9 Correction Wynd, Aberdeen, Aberdeen City AB10 1HP
01224 644166)

Picture: Moonfish café

Picture: Moonfish café

We always love a bit of artistry on a plate and we are happier still when the substance matches the style, so Moonfish Café - who know how to prepare as well as to present - were an obvious choice for this list, their food is simply delicious.

Head chef Brian Mcleish featured in the professional Masterchef finals and you can certainly see why, the dishes on offer are some of the best we've tried.

Picture: Moon fish

Picture: Moon fish

Though the plates may be of a smaller size than the gut busting offerings of many of the surrounding restaurants, the quality is always superb.

This is definitely a place to treat your other half to a fabulous mouth-wateringly tasty meal, though be warned you will have to book in advance.

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Best place for a foodie … Adelphi Kitchen

(28 Adelphi, Aberdeen AB11 5BL, 01224 211414)

Adelphi

The Kitchen is famed for its burgers. Picture: Adelphi Kitchen

A restaurant we've featured on our site a few times and for good reason, they offer comfort food at its finest.

This one is most definitely for the foodies, they offer big dirty - by that we mean cooked directly on charcoal for a flavour that can't be beat - dishes of incredible meats, innovative plates of succulent seafood and a mac and cheese that can't be beat, you'll be smiling from start to finish.

Tray Tuesdays are something to be experienced - bring a friend, trust us - before they can be believed, more meat than you'd see on a butcher's counter and lashings of fries and veg to match.

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Again we can't recommend them enough though this is another place where you might need to book in advance.

Best hidden gem… The Food Story

(15 Thistle St, Aberdeen AB10 1XZ)

Picture: Foodstory

Picture: Food story

This intimate little café follows a mantra we are to happy to preach, "share. simple. good. food.", which sees them only serving  healthy, organic, local produce.

The Food Story is the kind of place that makes you feel good about yourself and the food you are happily tucking into.

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Some of the cakes on offer are astounding. Picture: TFS

Some of the cakes on offer are astounding. Picture: TFS

Serving delicious breakfasts and lunches - many of which that are gluten free - and with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, you'll find something for everyone.

The staff love to experiment with their tray bakes and the salads are simply delightful, you'll find yourself heading in for a coffee and staying for lunch.

Best place for casual dining… The Boozy Cow

( 24 Netherkirkgate, Aberdeen AB10 1AU, 01224 646317)

They don't come much more cooler than the Boozy Cow, with a grungey interior that's all neon lights, bare walls and spraypaint, this is one of the best places for casual dining in the city.

We love the menu for its no-nonsense attitude to American diner style cooking, with amazing burgers rubbing shoulders with hot dogs and wings, but it's the 'kick ass' - their words not ours, we'd go for something more along the lines of scrumptious or delicious - waffles and milkshakes that change weekly, that keep us coming back.

The Chilli Challenge. Picture: Boozy Cow

The Chilli Challenge. Picture: Boozy Cow

If you are feeling brave enough then you can always take on the Boozy Cow chilli challenge - a chilli cheeseburger, a chilli dog, chilli cheese fries and an Oreo shake - manage it all and fame awaits, don't and you'll receive only the bill.

Best place for something different… Yatai Izakaya

(53 Langstane Pl, Aberdeen AB11 6EN, 01224 592355)

Picture: Yatai

Picture: Yatai

Japanese food is great and it's about time that the people of Aberdeen got to try an amazing cuisine that Glasgow and Edinburgh have in abundance.

Yatai take modern Japanese cuisine and cook it using traditional techniques all while using only the best local ingredients.

Based on the Izakaya style of eatery, the restaurant offers small dishes that arrive as they are prepared and are made for sharing, creating a sociable and enjoyable atmosphere with great food.

Though the dishes aren't cheap, the quality of the food offering which includes tempura, Yakimono (grilled dishes) and some amazing sushi, more than makes up for it in value for money.

Try some sake or a Japanese whisky to compliment your meal and if you've never had Japanese food before than give the Omakase - 'trust us' - option a go, the staff will select dishes for you based on your preferences and allergies, taking all the fuss out of trying to select a meal.

 

Julia Bryce is a Senior PR Account Executive at PR and communications company, Frasermedia, based in Aberdeen, after previously graduating with a BA (Hons) in communications with PR from the Robert Gordon University in 2014. Catering primarily for the food and drink sector, as well as consumer PR, her creative flair ensures she delivers outstanding results for her clients. Julia is the resident social media guru and can usually be found in a local cocktail bar or enjoying new food and drink ventures within the city at the weekend. She has a strong passion for the PR industry and thrives when she’s getting stuck in with client events.
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