We know that after a busy day of virtual meetings, calls and an ever-expanding workload, you’ll want to kick back with a fantastic meal or savour a new drink in new surroundings – or perhaps take a client out for a memorable meal.
Thankfully, the compact city of Aberdeen punches far above its weight for foodies – with cuisines from all over the world very well-represented.
The City Rooms Aberdeen team have put together this short guide to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and cafes for you to enjoy solo or in the company of friends, colleagues or clients. And when you’re feeling the onset of the food coma, you won’t be too far from the comforts of your room.
The Craftsman
5 minute walk from accommodation
Ideally located between Union Square shopping centre and our Schoolhill base, The Craftsman remains a firm favourite of the team. Offering artisan coffees, craft beers and an array of simple yet delicious dishes for both lunch and dinner, this café offers a relaxing, indie vibe throughout the day.
By night, it evolves into a trendy and welcoming venue, with an ever-changing array of drinks complemented by live music and (very popular) deeply-chiselled leather sofas. It’s also the ideal place to pick up a souvenir of your visit, from artwork to clothing, coffee beans, food and mugs all made by independent businesses.
Café 52
10 minute walk from accommodation
Offering a compelling blend of Mediterranean and Scottish food, Café 52 is a quaint and charming independent bistro located on The Green. Perfectly suited to a light lunch as it is to an evening occasion meal, the menu is updated often and has a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Of particular note is ‘The Shepherd’s Hut’; a cosy hut nestled right in the heart of the city for groups of up to 12 to dine in privacy. Café 52 also claims to be the first café in Aberdeen to allow dogs to visit, making it the perfect venue for some pooch-spotting while you enjoy Cullen skink, roast vegetable tikka, Spanish chorizo or a wide range of desserts – all home-made by the owners’ mother.
Madame Mew’s
10 minute walk from accommodation
An Aberdeen institution, Madame Mew’s is well-known to locals as the home of fresh, well-priced and authentic Thai cuisine. The portions are generous, thanks to owner Churairat Garthley’s wide-ranging menu. As well as traditional favourites including Pad Thai, there are nearly ninety items on the menu – ensuring a dish for almost all tastes.
The team have recently moved from Aberdeen Market into a new restaurant on Summer Street, off Union Street. With bright green and yellow walls, photos of their dishes and traditional Thai oiled umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, the atmosphere is light-hearted and is the perfect setting in which to enjoy your lunch or dinner, seven days a week.
Vovem
10 minute walk from accommodation
Meat lovers will adore one of Aberdeen’s newest steakhouses. With a sharp focus on premium dining, Vovem prides itself on offering high-quality meat and liquor. Vovem Ox Grill steaks are sourced from premium suppliers, including Aberdeenshire Highland, Highland Wagyu, Bannerman Butcher and R&J Yorkshire’s Finest, with all cuts aged to a minimum of 35 days.
Wood panelling, plush carpeting, a roaring wood-fired grill and an on-trend bar add to the overall ambience, while a recently-opened terrace is the ideal summer spot to enjoy a cocktail or mocktail
No 10
20 minute walk from accommodation
A landmark on Aberdeen’s cocktail and dining scene since 1986, No. 10 Bar and Restaurant is nestled in a basement on Queen’s Road. New for 2021 is the No. 10 Botanic Garden; an outdoor dining experience in Queens Terrace Gardens directly outside the restaurant.
With a menu inspired by classic brasserie cooking, No. 10 focuses strongly on local, fresh and seasonal produce. Highlights include pan-seared Gressingham duck breast, tandoori spiced monkfish and king prawn skewers or aubergine parmigiana – with gluten-free options also available.
For more information and to book a stay with us, email: info@cityroomsaberdeen.com.