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Unique food experiences in the North-east
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have always had incredible ingredients - world-class beef, freshly caught seafood, rich farmland and a larder that chefs dream about. But beyond the produce, the North-east has also quietly built one of Scotland's most exciting and varied food scenes.
From dining under the stars to eating on a double-decker bus, here are some of the most unique food experiences the region has to offer.
Dine under the stars at Meldrum House
For something truly unforgettable, book one of the four private luxury dining domes at Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course. Named after the moon and stars, the domes offer 360-degree views across the estate, Highland cows, the golf course, the baronial manor house and, on a clear night, the sky above in all its glory.
Whether it's afternoon tea, a celebratory dinner or a Sunday brunch, there are few settings quite like it in Scotland.
Meet your meat at Aberdeenshire Highland Beef
Before you order a steak anywhere else, pay a visit to Aberdeenshire Highland Beef near Banchory and meet the herd. Grace and her award-winning Highland cattle offer a genuine farm-to-fork experience. You can see exactly how the animals are raised, sample the beef and pick up premium cuts at the weekend pop-up butchery.
It's as connected to your food as it gets, with the bonus of a selfie with one of the most photogenic cows in Scotland.
Breakfast with a view on a double-decker bus
The Highlander Café Bus on Aberdeen's Esplanade is exactly what it sounds like, a double-decker bus turned café, parked right on the beachfront with stunning views over the North Sea.
The menu draws from Scottish and Romanian culinary traditions, with locally sourced ingredients, home-baked cakes and locally made ice cream.
Head up to the top deck, grab a window seat and watch the waves while you eat. There's nothing quite like it.
Image credit: @wanderingaberdonian / Instagram
Taste adventure with Bothies & Bannocks
If you want to truly get under the skin of the North-east's food culture, Bothies & Bannocks have the tour for you.
Based in Royal Deeside, this brilliant local tour operator takes you to meet the producers, farmers and characters who make this region's food scene so special. From whisky and cheese tours to farmers' market cookery classes and farm and distillery days out, every experience is personal, authentic and led by someone with deep roots in the area.
Korean BBQ in the Granite City
Aberdeen's food scene is super diverse, and Seoul Restaurant Korean BBQ & Japanese is one of the most talked-about spots in the city. The interactive table BBQ experience is brilliant fun - cook your own meat at the table, work your way through the menu and enjoy the atmosphere. It's something a little different and a great night out.
Small plates, big views at Wild Goose
Perched above Union Terrace Gardens in one of the city's striking tram-inspired pavilions, Wild Goose is a brunch spot, cocktail and wine bar with one of the best vantage points in Aberdeen.
Seasonal small plates, expertly crafted cocktails and a warm welcome across two levels - including a private events space in a beautifully restored Victorian toilet. Yes, really.
Coffee and dolphins at Greyhope Bay
Greyhope Bay at Torry Battery is unlike any other café in the region. This off-grid community café is built into a scheduled historic monument overlooking the coast and the views are spectacular.
Grab a coffee and a locally made pastry, borrow the binoculars and watch Aberdeen's resident pod of bottlenose dolphins leaping in the bay below. It's one of the most joyful and unexpected café experiences you'll find anywhere in Scotland.
Harbour views and fresh catch at Harbour Dunes
Tucked away in the beautiful fishing village of Port Erroll in Cruden Bay, Harbour Dunes Café is the kind of place you stumble across and never forget. Sitting right on the coast with views out over the harbour, it's the perfect spot to slow down, eat well and take in the unspoiled Aberdeenshire coastline.
Tea with a lighthouse view
The Lighthouse Tearoom at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh is one of the most characterful places to sit down for lunch in the whole region. Set within a glass conservatory looking out to sea, beside Scotland's first lighthouse and a 16th-century castle, it serves hearty breakfasts, lunches and homebakes in a setting rich with maritime history.
Combine it with a guided lighthouse tour for the full experience.
Michelin recognition in a remarkable setting at Rothesay Rooms
Rothesay Rooms in Ballater has a story as remarkable as its food. Originally established by HRH The Prince of Wales as a pop-up restaurant to support the village following devastating flooding and fire in 2015, it has gone on to earn consistent inclusion in the Michelin Guide and multiple North-east Restaurant of the Year awards. Head Chef Ross Cochrane's seasonal, field-to-fork menus are immaculately executed and deeply rooted in the finest Scottish produce.
Did we mention you will be sat right next to a vintage train carriage?
Coffee and calm in the Cairngorms
In the heart of Braemar village, The Bothy is a licensed café serving hearty breakfasts, brunch, lunch and homemade cakes.
With outdoor seating overlooking the River Clunie and a dog-friendly welcome. It sits right next to Braemar Mountain Sports, making it the perfect place to fuel up before (or recover after) a day in the Cairngorms. Simple, brilliant and exactly what a café in that setting should be.
Your next great food adventure starts here
From world-class fine dining to hidden coastal wonders and immersive food tours, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a food scene full of surprises. Browse our Eat & Drink listings to plan your next North-east food adventure.
Eaten something amazing in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire? Share your food moments with us using #VisitABDN and #BeautifulABDN - we'd love to see what's on your plate.
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