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Food and Drink has always been a passionate subject in Aberdeen City and Shire. As the main producer for food and drink in Scotland, its rich arable land and North Sea coastline provides a wealth of fabulous raw materials and fresh, natural produce that is world renowned. It’s the home of the three superfoods – oats, berries and omega 3 – as well as quality beef, dairy, vegetables and grains in abundance. It’s not surprising then that Aberdeen City and Shire is known as Scotland's food larder. Whether it’s Scottish salmon, freshly-caught fish from the North Sea, succulent locally-reared Aberdeen Angus, or juicy raspberries and berries, then you’ll find it on the menu of many of the region’s eating establishments, which are proud to use locally sourced produce. Naturally, it means that Aberdeen City and Shire boasts many excellent quality restaurants and cafes, so whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner a deux, casual lunch with friends, or simply to relax and enjoy the café culture while taking a break from sight-seeing or shopping, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.

Aberdeen enjoys a lively nightlife. Union Street, the main thoroughfare, and the streets leading off it, such as Belmont Street, are teeming with restaurants, cafes and bars. However, probably one of the most exciting locations in Aberdeen at the moment is the historic Green area, emerging as the centre for savvy diners. The Green is undergoing something of regeneration and the previously run-down area has been transformed into a trendy entertainment and retail district.

Restaurants opening to acclaim include the revamped Carmelite Hotel, and Musa, housed in an old banana warehouse, in addition to the well-established and highly praised Café 52 and Bistro Verde, both on The Green itself. Musa Art and Music Cafe, in nearby Exchange Street is, as its name suggests, a vibrant cafe during the morning and afternoon and a relaxed restaurant at lunchtimes and evenings. A frequently changing menu uses fresh seasonal ingredients, and the chefs create imaginative menus to complement the season. With quality food and drink and a great atmospheric setting, Musa also provides the venue for some of the best art and live music to be seen and heard in Aberdeen, covering everything from acoustic, to jazz, blues folk and country. The walls of the restaurant display contemporary art and design from local and Scottish-wide artists with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions.

The Carmelite, a boutique hotel in Stirling Street, opened 18 months ago and features striking open-plan lounges, a bar, restaurant and private dining room. The hotel dates back to the 1820s and the stunning redevelopment has captured the hotel’s former style and elegance and combined it with a contemporary twist. Enter through an antique revolving door into lounges with ceiling to floor windows and featuring huge comfy sofas, with formal and informal food served every evening in the restaurant and lounges. Aberdeen's only Gold Plate restaurant (Awarded by Hotel Review Scotland 2007) the menu is uncomplicated but stylish. The bar serves champagne by the glass - a particular favourite which can be served along with mezze style appetisers in the lounge or bar. Sharing plates are available for starters and desserts, the top choice for those who simply can't decide which to order....

Tucked away down a lane in the city centre, is le Cafe Boheme, bringing a touch of Parisian sophistication to Aberdeen. A small, intimate restaurant with an authentic French Cafe decor, Cafe Boheme fuses traditional and modern French cuisine - perfect for that romantic dinner.

If you’re in town for a visit to His Majesty’s Theatre, or to catch a concert at the Music Hall, then the Golden Square area of town is the ideal choice. With its elegant and imposing buildings that tell the story of the city's prosperous past, try The Square, or Jerome Jerome, both located in Golden Square itself.

The Stage Door, in adjoining North Silver Street, is described as ‘ the best hidden gem in the granite city’ by actor Steven Tompkinson, star of ITV’s Wild at Heart and BBC’ s Ballykissangel. The Stage Door restaurant has a great atmosphere and, being just over the road from His Majesty’s Theatre, is also ideal for pre-theatre diners – and maybe a little star-spotting.

Or try the new restaurant which has opened in His Majesty’s Theatre itself. Operated by Aberdeen Foyer, a local charitable organisation working to prevent youth homelessness and unemployment, the Foyer at HMT is open for lunch and dinner, offering a la carte and pre-theatre menus with a strong focus on fresh and simple classic dishes. A unique initiative in the city, all the profits generated are used to support Aberdeen Foyer; as are those from the original Foyer restaurant and Gallery located on Crown Street, and acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen. A haven of light, taste and style, the professional team at the Foyer Restaurant consistently deliver high quality food with a modern, confident take on classic cooking, while the uncluttered, relaxed setting features exhibitions in the gallery space by contemporary artists.

Of course, with Aberdeen City and Shire’s rich maritime heritage, the freshest of seafood is a feature on many a menu and there are several restaurants which have made seafood their speciality. The Silver Darling Seafood Restaurant is strikingly located in Aberdeen's former customs house, with the roof-top conservatory restaurant offering terrific views of Aberdeen's beach, the coastline and harbour. Specialising in seafood with a French flavour, the Silver Darling is, among its many accolades, listed by the Times as one of the top seafood restaurants in the UK and a "truly memorable place to eat', (The Times, The Big Eat Top 10 UK Fish Restaurants, April 2007.

Other fabulous choices for seafood are the Atlantis Restaurant at the Mariners Hotel on Great Western Road, and the Tolbooth in Stonehaven, just a 25 minute drive south of the city. Also worth visiting is the Creel Inn in the historic fishing village of Catterline. Perched on cliffs overlooking the


bay and harbour, it specialises in seafood prepared to the highest standard from the freshest local produce (the lobster and crab are caught in Catterline Bay), there is also a full range of dishes for those who desire something other than the "catch of the day". The menu is changed in-keeping with the seasons, while the specials board changes daily depending on what fruits the sea provides. Artists, poets and musicians have over the years drawn inspiration from the dramatic seascape and The Creel Inn reflects this, featuring local artists, past and present on its walls.

Like any cosmopolitan city, Aberdeen has a great array of Italian restaurants and Pizzeria and La Rustica and Ciao Napoli are two of the most well established and well-regarded. Casa Gabriele on the corner of Bridge Street and Union Street is one of the most striking Italian restaurants in the city. Its owner, Gabriele Gabbriellini, born in Tuscany, has a passion for food and love of art which is apparent throughout the restaurant. Gabriele is a sculptor and you will find a number of his unique creations adorning the restaurant.

If its Indian food that you fancy, again you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Jewel in the Crown, Crown Street is a long established family business in the very capable hands of Farooq and his sons. It is all in the preparation, and Farooq is a master in the art of blending the traditional spices into a unique combination of tastes.
Or try Cinnamon at the top end of Union Street - an award –winning restaurant which serves traditional curries with a modern twist,

Naturally, as Europe's oil capital, the region is well used to catering for a discerning cosmopolitan clientele, and this is reflected in the many excellent restaurants attached to the region’s hotels. The Marcliffe at Pitfodels, Aberdeen’s only 5-star hotel, boasts President Gorbachev, Tony Blair and Rod Stewart on its visitors’ list, amongst others. Set in extensive wooded grounds on the outskirts of the city, the Marcliffe's popular conservatory restaurant oozes charm and sophistication.

For more casual dining, try The Olive Tree in the city's West End on Queens Road. Located in a former Toll House, The Olive Tree offers perfectly delivered dishes with a Mediterranean bias and the occasional contemporary twist. Or further along Queens Road, the highly popular Simpson restaurant which again has a Mediterranean theme.

Great restaurants aren't confined to the city centre by any means and wherever you find yourself in Aberdeenshire you'll be able to find a fine dining experience that will make your visit a memorable one.

The Milton at Crathes, for example, is one of the country's top restaurants. Situated on the outskirts of Banchory at the gateway to Royal Deeside, it offers exquisite food in picturesque surroundings. The awards speak for themselves – In 2007 The Milton won the Taste of Grampian Restaurant of the Year, Grampian Chef of the Year and Grampian Young Chef of the Year. With a firm policy of supporting local businesses and suppliers, The Milton’s menu is staunchly rooted in the flavours and of the North-east of Scotland and it’s a great venue for a special dinner or celebratory lunch. During the day you can also browse around the craft shops and art galleries that share the Milton of Crathes site.

The Green Inn at Ballater - known as the ‘Royal’ village, due to its proximity to the Queen’s Scottish home, Balmoral – has built an impressive reputation. Chef Chris O'Halloran has held several senior positions over the last seventeen years, gaining experience and a reputation for fine food. Prior to becoming Head Chef at the Inn he spent time training at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc's renowned Hotel near Oxford, which has influenced the style of cuisine whilst utilising the very best of local produce. Not surprisingly, The Green Inn has been recognized by several awards and mentions in top food guides and awarded 4 stars by Visit Scotland and 4 gold stars (highly commended) by the AA.

The Carron Restaurant in Stonehaven, 15 miles south of Aberdeen, offers diners contemporary cuisine in a stylish restaurant that exudes 1930’s sophistication. One of the UK’s finest examples of Art Deco design, The Carron’s light and airy atmosphere provides a stunning venue to enjoy a wide-ranging menu that will suit all tastes. On warm days or evenings, guests can relax and dine on the unique Art Deco terrace overlooking the tranquil sunken garden, described in the Sunday Herald as “one of the UK’s finest al fresco dining venues”.

Further inland is the Lairhillock, a 200-year-old former Coaching Inn, which now houses the Lounge and Conservatory, The "Crynoch" Restaurant, as well as the original Snug bar. With Real Ales and real fires, the Lairhillock prides itself on quality and is recommended in no less than 12 good food guides.

Eat on the Green, at Udny is also located in a 200-year old coaching inn, but 20 miles north of Aberdeen. The award winning chef and proprietor uses innovative dining skills to create a range of classic and contemporary dishes. Currently holding an Eat Scotland silver award, it also won the Scottish Chefs award for Gastro Pub of the year 2007 – and has won many accolades in the three years since it opened including Visit Scotland’s Northern Lights Food and Drink Award 2007

If you’re looking for a traditional pub, then the Cock and Bull, on the coast close to Balmedie beach, is everything a country inn should be. With its cozy nooks and low beamed ceilings, the Cock & Bull is an atmospheric and intimate Inn and features in the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide.

Scottish country house cooking is the order of the day at the Pittodrie House Hotel, near Inverurie. The menu is different every day, planned to incorporate the freshest of seasonal ingredients, including those from the hotel's own Victorian walled garden.

All these and more .....the best quality ingredients and a tantalising selection of restaurants to choose from. Enjoy!

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