Everything you need to know about Aberdeen Restaurant Week
I am thrilled to be working with Aberdeen Inspired as an ambassador for Aberdeen’s best foodie week – Aberdeen Restaurant Week . I am working on a paid promotion for the event, personally though I am very excited about it. I feel it is a great way to show off the Granite city’s best food and I really hope you get involved.
Try and see the week as an opportunity to be a tourist in your own city. Try places you wouldn’t ordinarily eat at and make use of the city’s great entertainment. If you’re not driving then do have a drink at one of Aberdeen’s many bars or do something a little different like bowling at Lane 7.
I hope to answer all your questions on Aberdeen Restaurant Week below but leave a comment or get in touch by email at [email protected] if there is anything else you want to know. Also be sure to check out the official Aberdeen Restaurant Week website
So what is Aberdeen Restaurant Week?
Starting as a New York City event in 1992, the Restaurant Week concept can now be found in cities all over the world. Essentially it is an exclusive week long dining event where restaurants offer a reduced set price menu for lunch and/or dinner- giving you the perfect chance to visit Aberdeen’s best dining offerings at a cheaper than usual price tag.
When is it?
The exclusive event is only on from 15th to 21st July!
Which Aberdeen restaurants are involved?
Restaurants such as Howies, Foodstory and Topolabamba are involved so far. There is a great mixture of cuisines, local restaurants and a couple of chains. See the full list here
Do I need to book?
During the previous events, the restaurants became full very quickly, with some, such as Cafe Harmony, having to open on their usual days off. I’d recommend you book as soon as possible to guarantee a table at your favourite choice. However, booking is not essential and you can walk in.
Where are the menus?
The menus are separated into three sections: £10, £20 and Events.
How much will dinner cost me?
There are £10 menus and £20 menus. £10 menus are mainly two course lunches and £20 menus are three course dinners. There are also special events happening across the week
What are the special events?
The events are unique and exclusive for Aberdeen Restaurant Week. Sneap are hosting a one-off pop up event at So.. Aberdeen with differing theme menus every day for Sky, Earth, Field and Sea and an extra special tasting menu over the weekend. Elsewhere you can find Gin Tasting at Carmelite on the 18th and 19th July (an event I’ve heard excellent reviews on). A unique afternoon tea experience can be found at Selera Malaysian Bistro and listen to live music with your food at The Lounge Bar & Restaurant on 18th and 19th July.
Where am I dining?
I am going to The Lounge Bar and Restaurant to try out their menu the week before the event starts, keep an eye on my Instagram for a review. I am also going to try and go to places I haven’t tried before during the week of the event.
Where do I recommend?
During previous events I tried out and reviewed Atlantis, Pigs With Wings, Carmelite and Howies for Aberdeen Restaurant Week and Aberdeen Inspired. Highly recommend them all, click the links above for my reviews. I also recently reviewed Chaophraya and highly recommend – find my review here.
Where can I try local food
Many of the restaurants involved are local. My top choices for local produce are, Braided Fig , Kirk View Cafe and Mackies 19.2.
Where can I try something a little different?
Try out something a little different with Aberdeen’s only Malaysian restaurant, Selera Malaysia Bistro.
Where can I get veggie/vegan food?
Most menus have vegetarian options. Cafe Andaluz especially have a great vegetarian selection. The leader of vegan food in Aberdeen, Foodstory, are also participating.
Where do I recommend for an after dinner drink?
Combine your dinner with a drink at one of the bars that serve food- I recommend Revolution or Spiritualist. After dinner try out Aberdeen’s very own speakeasy – 21 Crimes – if you can find it that is! If you prefer a beer then try out the newest Brewdog at Union Square or grab a bargain at Hop & Anchor with a three course meal and Beer Flight for £20.
Where is best to go with friends?
I’d recommend Topolabamba as it has a great atmosphere, with sharing dishes and an extensive tequila menu.
Where is best for a romantic evening?
Howies on Chapel Street is an intimate, romantic Scottish restaurant serving up fine dining local fare.
What can I do after my meal?
Use this opportunity to do something fun in Aberdeen. I highly recommend the Nuart walking tours which are taking place at 1pm or 6pm on the 21st July. Go and see something different with the Adult Panto production of Sleeping Beauty at the Tivoli theatre from 18th July; The Lady Boys of Bangkok are back from the 12th July; Rod Stewart is playing on the 16th July or for laughs head to Breakneck Comedy Club on 21 July at 8pm.
I can’t wait to try out the menus on offer. Dining out always inspires me to recreate dishes. Be sure to check out my Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and reviews.
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