Best Restaurants in Aberdeen: Top 10 Places to Eat in the Granite City

Aberdeen boasts a sophisticated and varied dining scene that caters to every palate, ranging from upscale seafood by the harbour to inventive modern Scottish cuisine in the city centre. For a truly memorable meal, The Silver Darling at Pocra Quay is highly recommended for its fresh North Sea seafood and panoramic coastal views, while Moonfish Cafe in the historic Merchant Quarter offers a refined, Michelin-listed menu of contemporary Scottish dishes. If you are in the pursuit of something more relaxed yet exceptionally high in quality, Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish provides a fantastic blend of local ingredients with French culinary techniques, making it a firm favourite for food enthusiasts in the city.

The city is globally renowned for its exceptional Aberdeen Angus beef and its unique local savoury pastry known as a ‘buttery’ or ‘rowie’. Aberdeen Angus beef is prized by chefs worldwide for its rich marbling and depth of flavour, which you can experience at its best in local steakhouses like Miller & Carter. The buttery, a salty and flaky bread roll originally created for fishermen, remains a staple of the local diet, alongside other traditional dishes like Cullen Skink—a hearty smoked haddock and potato soup—and Stovies, a comforting potato-based stew often served with oatcakes.

For those looking to enjoy a high-quality meal at home, Aberdeen offers an excellent selection of takeaway options including the award-winning street food from The Pigs Wings and authentic Italian dishes from Da Vinci. The Pigs Wings is famous for its eclectic menu of loaded fries, subs, and international fusion dishes that travel well, while Da Vinci on Alford Lane provides traditional wood-fired pizzas and pasta for a more classic takeaway experience. Additionally, Siam Cottage is widely regarded as one of the best spots for authentic Thai takeaway, consistently delivering vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients to doorsteps across the city.

Families with children will find Aberdeen particularly welcoming, with many restaurants like The Ashvale and Tony Macaroni offering dedicated kids’ menus and a relaxed, bustling atmosphere. The Ashvale is a legendary local institution famous for its fish and chips, where the ‘Whale’ challenge and friendly service make it a hit with all generations. Tony Macaroni at Marischal Square is another great choice, providing a lively Italian setting that is very accommodating to younger diners, while Maggie’s Grill offers unpretentious BBQ soul food in a casual environment that is perfect for a family day out.

If you are looking for delicious food on a budget, Aberdeen has several fantastic ‘cheap eats’ such as Foodstory, JW’s Sushi, and The Bobbin. Foodstory on Thistle Street is a vibrant community café known for its affordable vegetarian and vegan dishes, offering a cosy spot for a reasonably priced lunch or brunch. For those who enjoy Japanese cuisine, JW’s Sushi provides generous portions of fresh sushi and bento boxes at student-friendly prices, whilst The Bobbin near the University of Aberdeen is a popular go-to for hearty pub grub and burger deals that won’t break the bank.