City dining guide

Best restaurants in Aberdeen

3 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Bib Gourmand 1

Mara

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine

Whilst only a short stroll away from Aberdeen’s ‘Granite Mile’ main street, there is a real neighbourhood feel to this brightly painted restaurant and bottle shop. The concise wine list is 100% Italian, while the cooking stretches a little beyond the country’s borders for a menu of attractively priced sharing plates. Whether it’s focaccia with white bean hummus, meaty mackerel with fennel or the playfully named ‘Mara-ncini’, the dishes deliver hearty flavours and well-judged combinations in abundance. A friendly, knowledgeable team add to the appeal.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews

Mara in Aberdeen offers modern Italian cuisine centered on sharing small plates. Based on 80 reviews averaging 4.7/5, guests frequently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and sociable atmosphere. Dishes like Venison Tartare and Ravioli are highlighted for their flavor and presentation. The shared dining concept fosters a relaxed, interactive experience ideal for groups. However, some negative feedback cites inconsistent meal pacing, difficulties with reservations, and concerns regarding value due to portion sizes. While the wine selection and staff friendliness are generally well-regarded, a minority of diners found the experience disappointing relative to the cost. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant, communal dining setting.

Ideal for groups seeking a social, sharing-style dining experience, though advance booking is recommended.

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Other guide picks 2

Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish

£££Modern Cuisine

Kevin Dalgleish is a well-known chef in Aberdeen and his restaurant occupies the spacious basement of a granite townhouse, in a quiet residential neighbourhood yet just minutes from the city centre. Kick off with a drink in the bar or by the wood burning stove. The kitchen use prime Scottish ingredients blended with French techniques to create good-looking dishes that deliver on flavour.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish offers modern cuisine in Aberdeen with an average rating of 4.3/5. Food quality is a standout feature, with tasting menu items like tuna, roe deer, and chicken receiving high praise, though some guests noted inconsistent temperatures or portion sizes. Service is generally attentive and knowledgeable, particularly regarding wine pairings, but complaints exist regarding pacing and missing cutlery. The atmosphere is described as busy yet intimate, suitable for celebrations, although seating near the bar may expose diners to noise. Value perceptions vary significantly; while many find the experience memorable, others criticize the high cost relative to portion sizes.

Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and expert wine pairings, with advance booking recommended.

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Café Bohème

££french

Tucked away in a city centre side street is this restaurant run by a friendly team with a genuine desire to please. Given the name, it's unsurprising to find a French bistro style to the décor, including simple wooden tables and wood panelling on the walls. The menu has a similarly Gallic influence, with time-honoured classics like pommes anna and crème brûlée to be found on the à la carte – yet there is a modernity and creativity in the cooking too, alongside technical skill from the kitchen team.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Café Bohème is highly regarded in Aberdeen for its French cuisine, with many reviewers praising the flavor and quality of dishes such as seafood risotto, rabbit starters, and onion soup. Service is generally described as warm and attentive, though some guests noted issues with meal pacing or booking logistics. The atmosphere is often cited as cozy and welcoming, although a minority found the lighting dim or the temperature too high. Opinions on value are divided; while some consider the pricing reasonable for the quality, others felt portions were small relative to the cost. Overall, it suits diners seeking authentic French flavors, but advance reservations are advisable to ensure availability.

Ideal for diners seeking refined French cuisine, with advance booking recommended.

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-13:45,18:00-21:00

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