The first thing anyone tells you about Aberdeen is that it’s a city of granite and sea. Walk through its streets and you’ll feel the grey stone shimmer in the sunlight, while the salty breeze from the North Sea reminds you exactly where you are. But Aberdeen isn’t just about striking architecture and working harbors—it’s also a food lover’s dream. The mix of fishing heritage, Scottish tradition, and a growing modern dining scene makes it a city where your appetite can wander from hearty pies to delicate oysters in a single day.
I spent several days eating my way through the city, hopping between restaurants, pubs, and cafés that all had one thing in common: they celebrate the flavors of this corner of Scotland. If you’re planning a trip, consider this your essential food checklist.
1. The Silver Darling – Seafood With a View
Location: Pocra Quay, right at the edge of Aberdeen Harbour
Signature Dishes: North Sea haddock, Shetland mussels, seafood platter
Average Price per Person: £35–£50
Opening Hours: 12:00–14:30 for lunch, 17:30–21:30 for dinner (closed Mondays)
Reservation Tip: Book by phone, especially for dinner, as tables by the window are snapped up fast.
The Silver Darling is one of those restaurants that perfectly captures the spirit of Aberdeen. Set inside a former customs house, its floor-to-ceiling windows look directly onto the working harbor. As you sip a glass of chilled white wine, you can watch fishing boats glide past, bringing in the very seafood you’re about to enjoy.
I started with Shetland mussels steamed in white wine and garlic. The broth was so fragrant I found myself dipping hunks of bread into it long after the mussels were gone. For the main, I couldn’t resist the haddock—crisp-skinned, flaky, and paired with buttery potatoes. If you want to sample a bit of everything, go for the seafood platter, which features langoustines, oysters, and crab claws.
2. Moonfish Café – Modern Scottish Creativity
Location: 9 Correction Wynd, tucked in Aberdeen’s old town
Signature Dishes: Gin-cured salmon, monkfish with seasonal vegetables
Average Price per Person: £45–£60 for dinner
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00–14:00 and 17:30–21:30
Reservation Tip: A small, intimate space—always call ahead.
Moonfish Café feels like the opposite of a traditional Scottish eatery. Its interior is modern, its menu playful, and its chefs love to reimagine classics with bold flavors. The highlight here is their use of local gin, both as a drink and as an ingredient. The gin-cured salmon starter is an absolute must—silky slices with a subtle botanical kick.
My main was monkfish, beautifully seared and paired with vegetables sourced from nearby farms. What I loved most is that the menu changes with the seasons, so no two visits are the same. The place has a calm, date-night atmosphere, perfect for when you want something a little special.
3. The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa – Afternoon Tea, Scottish Style
Location: North Deeside Road, Pitfodels (a short drive from the city center)
Signature Dishes: Smoked salmon sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, miniature haggis bites
Average Price per Person: £30–£40
Opening Hours: Afternoon tea served 14:30–17:00 daily
Reservation Tip: Afternoon tea is extremely popular—ring in advance to secure a table.
Food in Aberdeen isn’t only about hearty dinners. One of the most delightful experiences I had was afternoon tea at The Marcliffe. The setting is elegant but relaxed, with plush armchairs and views of the hotel’s garden.
The spread included everything from delicate smoked salmon sandwiches to rich chocolate éclairs. But the star was the haggis bite—a playful nod to Scotland’s most iconic dish, served in miniature form. Pair it with a glass of champagne and you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself to the best of both tradition and indulgence.
4. Maggie’s Grill – Soul Food Meets Scotland
Location: Holburn Street, near the city center
Signature Dishes: BBQ ribs, buttermilk fried chicken, macaroni cheese with Scottish twist
Average Price per Person: £20–£35
Opening Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00–21:00
Reservation Tip: Walk-ins possible, but phone bookings are better on weekends.
Sometimes, after all the seafood and fine dining, you crave something hearty and comforting. Maggie’s Grill delivers exactly that. Inspired by southern U.S. soul food but rooted in Scottish ingredients, the menu is bold, filling, and unapologetically fun.
The BBQ ribs are smoky and tender, but I couldn’t resist their fried chicken, which came with creamy mash and rich gravy. What surprised me most was their macaroni cheese, topped with crispy haggis for a Scottish spin. Portions are generous, so come hungry.
5. The Adelphi Kitchen – For Meat Lovers
Location: Adelphi, a cobbled lane just off Union Street
Signature Dishes: 28-day aged Aberdeen Angus steak, smoky brisket
Average Price per Person: £30–£45
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00–14:30 and 17:30–22:00
Reservation Tip: Best to call ahead, especially for steak nights.
Aberdeen is famous for its Angus beef, and The Adelphi Kitchen is one of the best places to experience it. The menu is built around smoke and fire—think perfectly charred steaks, slow-cooked brisket, and sticky ribs.
I ordered the Angus ribeye, and it was cooked to perfection: juicy, flavorful, and paired with thick-cut chips. The atmosphere here is lively, with exposed brick walls and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work. It’s the kind of place that appeals equally to locals and travelers.
6. Howies – Classic Scottish Dining
Location: Chapel Street, near Union Terrace Gardens
Signature Dishes: Haggis, neeps and tatties; Cullen Skink; venison stew
Average Price per Person: £25–£40
Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00–15:00 and 17:00–21:30
Reservation Tip: Call for evening bookings; lunchtime is often quieter.
If you want to try traditional Scottish food without any frills, Howies is your spot. The menu reads like a love letter to Scotland’s culinary heritage. I began with Cullen Skink, a creamy smoked haddock soup that felt like a warm hug after a breezy walk through the city.
For the main, I had haggis, neeps, and tatties—the classic trio of haggis, turnip, and potatoes. The presentation was simple but the flavors deep and comforting. If you want to dive into the true taste of Scotland, this is an essential stop.
7. Foodstory Café – Vegan-Friendly & Community Spirit
Location: Thistle Street, west of Union Street
Signature Dishes: Vegan Buddha bowl, gluten-free cakes, oat milk lattes
Average Price per Person: £15–£25
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 08:00–21:00; Sunday, 09:00–17:00
Reservation Tip: No formal reservations—arrive early for brunch on weekends.
Not every meal in Aberdeen has to be heavy. Foodstory Café is a colorful, community-driven spot that serves plant-based dishes, specialty coffees, and creative cakes. The café has mismatched furniture, local artwork on the walls, and a warm, relaxed vibe.
I ordered their Buddha bowl—a rainbow of roasted vegetables, quinoa, hummus, and seeds. Paired with a turmeric latte, it was the kind of meal that leaves you energized rather than sleepy. The café often hosts local art events and music nights, so check the blackboard when you walk in.
8. The Ferryhill House Hotel – Local Pub Vibes
Location: Ferryhill Road, set in a quiet neighborhood south of the city center
Signature Dishes: Steak pie, fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding
Average Price per Person: £20–£30
Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00–22:00
Reservation Tip: Family-friendly—phone to reserve if coming in groups.
No trip to Aberdeen is complete without a proper pub meal, and The Ferryhill House Hotel offers exactly that. Set inside a Victorian mansion with a large beer garden, it’s a favorite among locals.
I went for the steak pie—tender beef in rich gravy, encased in golden pastry. It came with creamy mash and peas, the kind of comfort food you dream about on a chilly evening. To finish, I indulged in sticky toffee pudding, drenched in caramel sauce and served with vanilla ice cream. Pure bliss.
9. Café Bohème – A French Touch in Aberdeen
Location: Windmill Brae, close to the train station
Signature Dishes: Duck confit, French onion soup, crème brûlée
Average Price per Person: £35–£50
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00–14:00 and 17:30–21:30
Reservation Tip: Small dining room—phone ahead for weekend dinners.
For a change of pace, Café Bohème offers French cooking with Scottish ingredients. The onion soup was deeply savory, topped with gooey melted cheese. My main, duck confit, was crisp-skinned yet melt-in-your-mouth tender.
The atmosphere is romantic, with dim lighting and a cozy interior. If you’re looking for a quieter evening after a day of sightseeing, this is a perfect choice.
10. Bonobo Café – Aberdeen’s First Fully Vegan Café
Location: Skene Street, near the library
Signature Dishes: Vegan haggis, plant-based burgers, raw cakes
Average Price per Person: £12–£20
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00–18:00
Reservation Tip: Walk-ins only; it’s casual and friendly.
Bonobo is a cheerful café run as a community cooperative. Everything on the menu is vegan, but you won’t miss the meat. Their vegan haggis wrap was surprisingly close to the original, with spices and texture that hit all the right notes.
The café is also eco-conscious, with recycled décor and a rooftop garden where they grow herbs. It’s a refreshing stop for a light lunch or coffee break.
Eating Your Way Through Aberdeen
What struck me most about Aberdeen’s dining scene is its variety. In a single day you can move from a Michelin-style seafood plate at Moonfish Café to a hearty pie in a neighborhood pub. The city’s food culture feels grounded in tradition yet eager to experiment.
If you’re planning your meals here, my advice is simple: mix and match. Book The Silver Darling for a special seafood dinner, save Howies for a traditional Scottish lunch, and leave space for a casual stop at Foodstory or Bonobo when you want something lighter.
Aberdeen’s nickname may be the “Granite City,” but its food scene is anything but grey. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and full of surprises—exactly what every traveler hopes to find.