The Best Restaurants In Aberdeen

When you head for a stay in Aberdeen you know you’re in for something special. This stunning port city in the North of Scotland is simply packed with incredible things to do and see. From its beautiful grey stone buildings to its many entertainments, it should come as no surprise that this city is such a popular place to stay.

Not only does Aberdeen have some delightful, serviced apartments, but with its excellent business links, you’ll know you’re in the heart of a modern metropolis. Local interests, such as the offshore petroleum industry, bring plenty of business travel to the city which helps contribute to a lively tourist scene.

Aberdeen is also excellent for leisure, with plenty of attractions, museums and art galleries on offer. With a vibrant and diverse population, you’ll fall instantly in love with this city’s amazing atmosphere. 

When you stay in Aberdeen, you’ll no doubt want to venture out and explore the city, and why not start with its many exciting bars and restaurants? Whether you fancy Thai, Italian or American, there are a wealth of cuisines available to sample, all within walking distance of the city centre.

In Aberdeen, you’ll find the perfect mix of branded restaurants and charming independents, but with such a wide range to choose from you may find yourself struggling to pick. Now, we want to make sure you have the best meal you can during your stay, which is why we’ve picked out the best restaurants in Aberdeen.

Namaste Delhi

Situated on Bridge Street, Namaste Delhi is a wonderful Indian restaurant that’s well worth a bite if you fancy authentic, Indian food. In fact, we’d say it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in the city and, by the looks of things, the glowing reviews on Tripadvisor would agree.

When you walk through Namaste’s doors, you can expect to try a wide range of foods with their delightful tapas menu, inspired by the street food of India. From pakora and samosa starters to keema mutter and lamb Rogan josh mains, you can grab something mild or go for something with a bit more of a kick.

As well as getting to enjoy a bite to eat in Namaste Delhi, you can also learn to cook delicious dishes yourself. With their incredible cooking and cocktail classes, you can have fun with family and friends whilst learning something new. And if you’ve got a business trip planned, this is a great way to get to know your colleagues.

8848 Restaurant

For amazing Indian/Nepalese fusion food then check out the 8848 Restaurant. Situated on Union Street, the beautiful restaurant offers a charming feel with delicious food that will melt in your mouth. The dishes are all traditional offerings that will give you a real, authentic taste of Indian cuisine.

At 8848 you can try the kind of traditional food that’s been popular in India and Nepal for hundreds of years. From starters like sweet potato and pakora kale chat, and wok tender chilli chicken, to mains like monkfish fillet with homemade balti and lamb shank rogan josh, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to leave you satisfied.

And with fusion food this good, it’s no wonder that 8848 has won a handful of awards, including the Scottish Curry Awards’ Best of Aberdeen.

Maggie’s Grill

If you’re in the market for chill vibes and delicious food, then drop by Maggie’s Grill. Located in the Ferryhill area of Aberdeen, Maggie’s Grill offers a wide range of delicious soul food.

If the reviews are anything to be believed, locals love this excellent little eatery, returning time and time again to sample great American classics.  Why not try smoked wings and lex-Mex nachos for starters, a 7 cheesy macaroni or howlin’ wolf chilli for mains and New Orleans beignets for dessert? If you love a taste of Americana, then you really can’t go wrong.

Maggie’s grill offers delicious food to eat in or take away. It’s a five-star BBQ and truly one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen.

Croft and Cairns

If you are looking for a great restaurant that offers a wide array of delicious meals, you really can’t go wrong with Croft and Cairns. Located on Stockethill Crescent in Aberdeen, with 5/5 reviews, this is a restaurant you really need to experience for yourself. Roy Duncan, head chef, is best known for his appearance on Taste The Nation back on ITV in 2009, and since then, viewers have been delighted to try his restaurant for themselves.

When it comes to the range of food on offer, this place really does excel. The mains include burgers, chicken or stonebaked pizzas, all of which are, of course, cooked to perfection. The restaurant also offers a great selection of drinks as well as a chilled ambience. This popular restaurant is a must-go for great food, charming decor and perfect service in Aberdeen.

Mount Everest

If you’re struggling to pick somewhere to eat, then why not head straight to the top of Aberdeen’s restaurant scene with Mountain Everest? Situated on Woodburn Road, this restaurant is another great choice for lovers of Indian and Nepalese food. The decor is beautifully designed with a charming lighting and table set up and something of an exclusive feeling that you won’t get anywhere else.

You can also sample a gorgeous range of appetisers, from lamb chops to seekh kebab and a vegetable platter. They have plenty of specials for mains including tandoor garlic chilli chicken and mango chicken. There’s no need to worry if you’ve got picky eaters in the group because Everest will have something for everyone.

The Pigs Wings

If you’re on the lookout for a place with a bit of a hipster vibe, then The Pig Wings might be right up your street. Situated in the heart of the city on Upperkirkgate, they are known for their brilliant, lively atmosphere with drinks and good vibes all weekend. They also offer the ultimate dining experience with food so good it won the 2018 award for Scotland’s best takeaway.

Inspired by street food around the world, their menu is one of the most varied you’ll come across on this list (and that’s saying something!). They have a variety of American bangers, loaded fries with a whole range of delicious toppings, delicious steaks including the Argentinian chimichurri steak and a broad range of salads. Add to that their scrumptious choice of desserts, and you won’t want to miss this place.

Monsoona Healthy Indian Cuisine

Amazing though all the restaurants on this list are, few will leave you with quite the same feeling as Monsoona Healthy Indian Cuisine. This amazing Indian restaurant is situated on Bridge Street making it easy to access from the centre of the busy city.

A popular choice for locals and visitors alike, this restaurant will give you a different kind of traditional Indian food. A glance through their menu will show all the Indian classics you know and love, but with a healthy twist. If you love curry but worry about your health, then you can rest assured that this restaurant is for you. They specialise in providing the amazing tastes of Indian cuisine but using ingredients that are better for your body like sun-flower oil and low fat yoghurt.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, that this restaurant is very popular with the health-conscious crowd. Not only is their food cooked to perfection, but the customer service and decor of the restaurant are absolutely charming. The appetisers are delicious with offerings such as sea bass and chicken chaat, meanwhile, their array of mains includes sizzling tandoori and shashlik dishes. It’s a go-to option for Indian food during your stay.

Rustico

Have you ever wanted to see the fabulous sites of Sicily while tucking into authentic, Italian dishes, all in the heart of Aberdeen? If so, then you need to add Rustico to your Aberdeen bucket list.

Rustico, located in Union Row, is easily one of the best dining experiences in Aberdeen. A divine restaurant with a unique atmosphere, the moment you step through the doors, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back to the 1950s.

The trattoria has several floors with sweet alcove seating that allows you to dine in privacy. The menu is extensive with a wide selection of choices for Italian food fans, and the generous portions will leave you feeling completely satisfied when you’ve finished your meal. 

In terms of food, the restaurant offers both lunch and dinner options. They have a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas and meat options. Some highlights include the Linguine al Pesto Siculo, the Arrostito and the traditional Margherita pizza. You can also get an array of salads and dessert options. With high ratings on TripAdvisor, Rustico really is Scotland’s own Sicily.

Mi Amore

Of course, there’s more than one outstanding Italian in Aberdeen, and if you’re looking for authenticity then Mi Amore is the place to go. This gorgeous restaurant is located on Huntly Street in Aberdeen and offers a little taste of Italy. From Italian murals to traditional tablecloths, you will love the beautiful setting, but that’s nothing compared to the menu. As one of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winners, you are guaranteed quality. Even better, it’s right next to the theatre making it the perfect place for dinner and a show.

If you prefer, they also have a special set menu with traditional offerings such as tagliatelle carbonara and lasagne al forno. The al la carte menu also offers some gorgeous, Italian meals such as bruschetta al pesto and minestrone, and starters and mains range from risotto, pizza, pasta and a selection of meat and fish. And of course, don’t forget to check out the amazing wine list.