PART TWO

The city and shire’s hospitality sector has not been having an easy time of it over the past few years. The pandemic and cost of living crisis isn’t doing them any favours – so we thought we would! Here’s part two of our guide to some of our favourite places to eat and what we love about them…

Something Different

Union Street’s Six by Nico offers an ever-changing themed six course tasting menu that’s inspired by travels or literature. There’s always a veggie version too so no-one feels left out. Tango Turtle on Little Belmont Street brings an unpretentious taste of the Caribbean the city with dishes like Buss Up Shut Tacos and Callalou. Goulash has been tucked away in The Adelphi forever. You’ll find some unusual wines and a menu full of robust Hungarian dishes, including some for vegetarians. Multi-award winning Fresh Mex on Schoolhill are great when you need to fill up. Who else could fill a burrito with fries? We love the flexibility to add your own filling combos.

LATE NIGHTS & OCCASIONS

Sometimes you want to feel a little more sophisticated, so Orchid on Bon Accord Square and SugarBird Wines on Union Grove are both award-winning options for drinks and little nibbles. Orchid previously carried off the Best Cocktail Bar in Scotland Award, while SugarBird major on South African wines. If you want to show off your poshest frock, then The Marcliffe, Eat on The Green, Café Boheme and The Malmaison top our list of choices. All feature local produce, amazing service and chefs at the top of their game.

Early Mornings

Our breakfast favourites include the Breakfast Burrito at Parx Café on Rubislaw Terrace, Sweet Mumma’s Kitchen in the railway arches for a traditional fry up and Thyme Out on Great Western Road for their excellent scones.

VEGGIE & VEGAN

Thistle Street’s FoodStory offers a friendly atmosphere, interesting salads, plant based recipes and some excellent cinnamon buns. Café Harmony on Bon Accord Terrace is a great choice for Mediterranean-inspired dishes for vegans, veggies, gluten-avoiders and carnivores alike.

COFFEE & CAKE

We’re rather spoiled when it comes to places for coffee and a wodge of something gooey that’s packed full of calories and carbs. In and around town, our favourites include Figment on Countesswells Road, Blether in Cults and Coppa on St. Swithin Street. Mains of Drum Garden Centre is a great choice if you want to combine your treat with a little shopping and picking up a perennial or two.

Further afield, Johnshaven’s Hidden Treasures, Goodbrand & Ross Tearoom in Strathdon, Highlanders Bakehouse in Crathie, Laurencekirk’s Gannets, The Arch Café in Fettercairn, Stonehaven’s The Villa and The Farm Shop at Finzean Estate outside Banchory are all worth the trip. Make a day of it with a trip to Annie’s Cakery at Platform in Macduff. They always have a great selection of tasty handmade treats.

Somewhere Newish

The last few months have seen some interesting new additions to the North-east’s food scene. Cammies down in Cammachmore specialises in locally-caught sea food with a global twist. Dishes include Ceylon Monkfish and a Crispy Soft Shell Crab Burger. Graham Mitchell’s Tarragon on Rosemount Place makes the best of Aberdeenshire’s local meat and seafood, but vegetarians might need to order in advance.

Less formal new openings include the brilliant Resident X in Marischal Square, with a great selection of pop up street food specialists and some of the city’s most creative cocktails, Mount on Upperkirkgate which offers artisan coffee and some delightful sweet treats and Hatch 99 is a tiny coffee and cake takeaway on Back Wynd.