Aberdeen, Scotland — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Aberdeen, Scotland
Restaurants
Recommended restaurants
The Ashvale
Staking a fair claim as the best fish and chip 'shop' in north east Scotland. Dine in the 200-seat restaurant or take away. Lightly battered haddock and cod are what lure most diners here, but poached and grilled fish dishes are also served in the restaurant.
42-48 Great Western Road
Tel: (01224) 596 981.
Website: www.theashvale.co.uk
Price: $
Café 52
This avant garde eatery in the center of town on The Green is an exciting restaurant with personal and friendly service, a vibrant atmosphere and great food. There is a variety of menus to choose from, including an excellent tapas menu, and the imaginative dishes are prepared and presented with flair. It is a very popular place, so booking is recommended.
52 The Green
Tel: (01224) 590 094.
Website: www.cafe52.net
Price: $$$
The Foyer Restaurant and Gallery
Established in 1999, this restaurant is located on the ground floor of the former Trinity Church building on Crown Street. A light, spacious and very stylish establishment, Foyer is considered one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen, serving modern British cuisine with a good choice of vegetarian dishes. The restaurant space is also used as a venue for exhibiting contemporary art.
82A Crown Street
Tel: (01224) 582 277.
Website: www.foyerrestaurant.com
Price: $$$
La Bamba
This fun Mexican restaurant may not be the best choice if you want a quiet night out, but it's great if you want lovely food (the beef fajitas are fantastic) and a fun, vibrant atmosphere to go with it. The service is very good, and the staff are friendly.
21 Crown Terrace
Tel: (01224) 590 088.
Website: www.labamba.biz
Price: $$
The Sand Dollar Cafe
This stylish beachfront cafe serves up hearty breakfasts, sandwiches and light meals throughout the day. In the evening it is transformed into a bistro, where the likes of pan-fried halibut and roast lamb grace the menu.
2 Beach Esplanade
Tel: (01224) 572 288.
Website: www.sanddollarcafe.com
Price: $$
Silver Darling
This restaurant has a great setting overlooking Aberdeen harbor. It specializes in seafood with a French twist, and it really does it with aplomb. Oysters, scallops, langoustines and sea bass are just some of the dishes that tempt from the superb menu.
Porca Quay, North Pier
Tel: (01224) 576 229.
Website: www.silverdarlingrestaurant.co.uk
Price: $$$$
Personal Recommendations
Manzil
Manzil offers authentic Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting. Buffet dining as well as a la carte and set menus is on offer. Highlights on a wide ranging menu include Himalayan Hot Pot and the Thali. Manzil also has a delivery and take-away service.
22/24 King Street
Tel: (01224) 645 015.
Website: www.kuryrestaurant.co.uk
Price: $$
Nightlife
Catering for its student population and transient workforce attracted by the oil industry, Aberdeen has a cosmopolitan mix of bars and nightclubs with something for all tastes and predilections. Much of the city's nightlife is in and around the area by Union Street.
Bars: Themed pubs such as Frankenstein's, 504 Union Street, and Slain's Castle, 14 Belmont Street, cater to a younger crowd but for something more traditional, seek out the excellent Prince of Wales, 7 St Nicholas Lane, for its selection of real ales and fine pub grub. Another historic pub worth seeking out is the laidback Old Blackfriars, 52 Castle Street.
Clubs: Aberdeen boasts a vibrant club scene; for those who take their dancing seriously Snafu, 1 Union Street (www.clubsnafu.com), is the place to be. Babylon, 9 Alford Place (www.pbdevco.com), meanwhile, is a favorite with the city's smart-set.
Live Music: For an intimate jazz venue, try the Blue Lamp, 121 Gallowgate (www.jazzscotland.com), or listen to alternative sounds at Drummonds, 1 Belmont Street.
