(Silver Darlings, North Pier House, 43 Pocra Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5DQ, 01224 576229)
Set in an old granite custom house overlooking Aberdeen harbour and bay, the Silver Darling is owned and run by Frenchman Didier Dejean. He thrives on the ample supplies pulled from the surrounding waters, served often with a Mediterranean twist of a Far East flourish.
Typical dishes may include Rock Turbot with wood mushroom risotto or scallops with black pudding and cauliflower tempura. Fine food served in a calming, sophisticated space - perfect for getting to know each other a little more.
(Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, N Deeside Rd, Pitfodels, Aberdeen AB15 9YA, 01224 861000)
If you want to say ‘because you’re worth it’ then take your partner for a night at the Marcliffe. There is possibly no where else in Aberdeen that has become such a by-word for quality, luxury and plain old enjoyment.
Run by seasoned hotelier Stewart Spence, the kitchen is headed up by his son Ross who has mastered a fine array of dishes with a heavy taste of old Grampian. Think Cove Bay crab, Auchmacoy Estate pigeon and Devenick Veal. You’ll be so well looked after here, you won’t want to leave.
(The Moonfish Cafe, 9 Correction Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1HP, 01224 644166)
This smart but relaxed and forward thinking restaurant adds something a little different to Aberdeen’s dining scene and securing one of its coveted tables will show you put a bit of thought into your date night.
The menu is modern, British and fashionable with pared down descriptions guising a rich offering of adventurous and prettily presented dishes. Mussel custard, salmon buttermilk and halibut with pork belly all feature, as does a menu fully devoted to gin. A night here and even the most jaded of romantics will feel lifted within.
(Cafe Boheme, 23 Windmill Brae, Aberdeen AB11 6HU, 01224 210677)
Romantics can fully indulge at this Aberdeen institution that has been serving up authentic fare and good times for 30 years. Owner Dominique Mancellon is originally from Provence, with his skills fast tracking the flavours of this irresistible region to the streets of the Granite City with ease.
Prepare for a night of deep reds, rich meats and fine touches. Typical dishes include goats cheese fondue, beef cheek bourguignon and beef fillet tartiflette with Roquefort.
(Stonehaven Harbour, Old Pier, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire AB39 2JU Phone:01569 762287)
A table at The Tolbooth really is something special. There is no shortage of good seafood being served on this stretch of coast but this place is hard to forget with its bonnie harbour-side view and historic setting in an old 16th Century courtroom.
This could be the perfect place to unlock a budding romance with its sophisticated and generous menu which is typically stacked with the area’s finest ingredients.
Book a table here and you may well become the catch of the day.
(The Creel Inn, Catterline, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire AB39 2UL, 01569 750254)
Picture: Visit Scotland
Guests at this restaurant in the cliff top spot of Catterline can also enjoy long views out to sea, with this village long home to artists moved by its setting which switches between the rough and the serene in line with the fast moving coastal weather.
This atmospheric venue has a relaxed lounge, lit by a burning stove, but you really want a table in the main restaurant from where the views really lie. The dining room offers classic dining with a relaxed feel with the food seriously speaking of some real talent in the kitchen. Again, a special place where special things can happen.
