Every month, we’ll be inviting a different food blogger to take us on a whistle-stop tour of their hometown, telling us about the best places to eat out. This month, we have Claire Jessiman who blogs at The Foodie Quine and lives in Aberdeen…

best place for a dirty night out

The Adelphi Kitchen is the new kid on the block of the Aberdeen dining scene. Get down and dirty with steaks cooked straight on the charcoal. If it can be smoked, chargrilled or barbequed, it’s on the menu. Weekly specials, monthly burgers, quirky décor and a great atmosphere. There’s no smoke without fire at Adelphi.

BEST PLACE FOR tea

Cup Tea Salon has made tea as trendy as coffee, here in Aberdeen. Iced tea, loose tea, sachets and infusers in so many flavours leave you spoilt for choice. Quirky Alice in Wonderland style décor throughout. A trip to the loos is a must. Chocoholics must try their chocolate afternoon tea (below) complete with Nutella Toasties.

BEST PLACE FOR pre-theatre meals

Situated only a stone’s throw from His Majesty’s Theatre in the up-and-coming Merchant Quarter, The Merchant Bistro has a commitment to use locally produced seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Vegetarians and those with allergies and food intolerances are well catered for. Two courses for £15 or three for £20.

BEST PLACE FOR something a bit different

A unique way of dining where you cook your own meal at your table in a bubbling Shabu Shabu hotpot of flavoured stock, Oryza Hotpot has raw foods available for your hotpot include vegetables, meat, seafood, noodles and dumplings. A real social eating experience and great fun. My kids love this place. BYOB for Mum and Dad.

BEST PLACE FOR veggies and vegans

I’m proud to have played a small part in the Foodstory Café, by way of crowdfunding its move to bigger and better premises. Here, you’ll find homemade fresh food, great coffee and a warm welcome. There is a fantastic selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and raw options. The owners clearly have a real passion for good food and local produce. They definitely have the best salads on offer in the city. Eat in or take away.

BEST PLACE FOR seafood

For a city on the coast, Aberdeen has surprisingly few dedicated seafood restaurants. Rock and Oyster, slap bang in the city centre, is a relaxing unpretentious eatery that lets the fish and shellfish speak for themselves. Four oysters and a glass of Prosecco for £10 (from 2-4pm on a Friday or Saturday) is the perfect shopping trip treat.

BEST PLACE FOR bar snacks

The Tippling House is a self proclaimed subterranean late-night tavern and serves a fantastic range of beers, spirits and cocktails alongside casual dining. The bill of fare offers up a selection of platters and small plates available until the wee small hours. Great atmosphere, décor and waistcoated staff. Their poutine sure beats a poke of chips on your way home.

BEST PLACE FOR japanese

The food at Yatai never fails to impress, serving up an impressive selection of classic and modern Japanese food. The daily specials (displayed by your waiter on an iPad) are always worth a try. Order your own selection form the menu or set a budget and go Omakase. For me, the soft shell crab maki is a must on every visit.

BEST PLACE FOR breakfast

Sand Dollar Café is the perfect place to head for a lazy breakfast with the Sunday papers, following a brisk walk along the beachfront. Breakfast and brunch are available all day every day. If you don’t go for a full Scottish breakfast, my recommendation would be the pancake stack with maple syrup and bacon.

BEST PLACE FOR italian

Rustico is rustic by name, rustic by nature. You’ll always get a warm welcome and great food in this family run southern Italian trattoria, complete with twisty layout, cosy alcoves and rough walls. An extensive menu covers all the pasta (including gluten-free), meat, seafood and salad bases and there really is something for everyone. Choosing what to order is the hardest part.

 

Claire Jessiman aka The Foodie Quine is a passionate Aberdeen based food blogger, bletherer, demonstrator and educator (quine is the Aberdonian/Doric word for woman or girl). Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.