Aberdeenshire offers stunning coastlines, historic castles, and rich Scottish culture; typical dishes include haggis, smoked salmon, and buttery shortbread.
Cafés • Steak • Pasta • Hotels
"Restaurant very busy so booking advisable (we rang Saturday lunchtime and managed to get a table for the evening). I think this speaks for itself. We had Cajun Chicken Carbonara an interesting combination which worked well, and one of the burgers. Initial table service (drinks, starters etc) was v quick and it was good to see restaurant properly resourced which makes for a positive customer experience. We didn't really wait that long for main meals even though it was busy. We had cheesecake and Banoffee Mess."
Soup • Steak • Cheese • Salads
"We visited with high expectations and were slightly disappointed with the experience. The decor and atmosphere was bland. A sign of things to come unfortunately! Staff were friendly, safe and helpful. The order was taken and the food delivered promptly and proficiently. However the quality..."
Cafe • Soup • British • Scottish
"Knowing this cafe well I am disappointed to be treated in the following manner after suggesting to one of my colleagues to meet here for a meeting and a coffee. My colleague 's understanding is limited and just needs a moment for explaination as they originate from a different country with English not as their first language. Imagine my surprise and which turned to disgust at the way we, as customers were treated when my colleague 's understanding was a little different and I was in the process of trying to explain. Due to my colleague having English as an additional language and for the purpose of the meeting they like to sit closer when I 'm explaining areas of the meeting to help their understanding. They moved a seat closer which unfortunately blocked a walk way and also where other chairs could not be used on a different table. (At this point this was not directly affected any other customer). I 'd like to state at this point I was aware and was in the process of encouraging an alternative and trying to help my colleague understand why we would have to rethink this. I also am very mindful that with English as an additional language this would take a little longer. Within minutes of my colleague sitting and before I could get a chance to rearrange or explain the difficulty of sitting where she needed too what I can only describe as an irate looking lady came storming out of the kitchen her words were not polite we were publically humiliated and told off with the following we can 't have the seat there and we 'd have to move it back as we were blocking the walkway . This lady 's mannerism 's were nothing but rude, passive agressive and quite frankly embarassing. This was in front of other customers. If you think that it 's clever to humiliate your customers in that manner when a mere quiet and polite request in a calm manner would have had the same result you are sadly mistaken. Your customers need to feel respected, warmly welcomed and accomodated. You made us feel unwelcome and unrespected. Your lovely waitress ensured we were able to be reseated. I 'd have a good look at how this was handled and regardless or whether this review is directed to the Owner or an Employee you need to ensure that this type of behaviour doesn 't happen to anyone else regardless of their background. Unlucky for you that I experienced this and lucky for you that my colleague doesn 't appear to have been phased by your clear disrespect. I am local. I will be sharing my experience with anyone who will listen. This is sad as I would like to praise the young lady who served us and accomodated us by assisting us to move to a larger table it was very apparent that our previous encounter had been noticed and this poor young lady was embarassed. This review is not directed at her whatsoever. I have always promoted what I thought was this lovely little cafe the food has always been lovely and I have never encoutered such rudeness. If you can 't work with people perhaps you shouldn 't work in hospitality. I will return again and do not expect to receive such an antiquated attitude and intolerance to other people and customers. Think before you act I 'd say read the situation and observe a little I appreciate that where the chair had been placed was not suitable I don 't appreciate being angrily spoken too and then publically humiliated unecessarily."
Asian • Curry • Indian • Chicken
"I recently visited Asha's Indian Aroma in Peterhead after searching for a nice restaurant without having to travel to Aberdeen. It was definitely worth the visit. The staff took great care of us from the moment we walked in until we left. I like a bit of spice in my food, so I asked the waiter for a recommendation and they nailed it. I have now found my new favorite dish. Although it was busy when I visited on a Saturday, we expected that and it did not detract from our experience. My only regret is not going on Sunday night when they have a buffet, which I definitely want to try in the future. The bill for our party of 3 was reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes of the food we received. We had enough leftovers that we were able to take some home with us."
Curry • Asian • Balti • Indian
"This was our first visit and definitely not our last! The decor is tasteful, the place is spotless, and the staff are attentive and helpful. We shared a fish pakora to start, light and tasty, with a rocket side salad instead of the usual limp garnish. The mains were equally flavoursome, the chicken damask was sweet and slightly spicy with lentils and pineapple and the vegetable rice was delicious too. The chicken chilli balti was hot and spicy too. Overall, the attention to detail, the lovely cutlery and wine glasses, all add to the experience. A reasonably priced and very tasty meal."
Food • British • Seafood • Scottish
"I was extremely disappointed with the quality of fish and chips I bought last night. The fish were overcooked and dry.The batter was over cooked. I will not be returning and would not advise anyone to go there. Garioch need to ensure their produce fresh and not is not overcooked. Genuine review as I was buying for others and felt let down."
Tea • Food • Coffee • Coffee Shop
"We went following the review in a Sunday newspaper and felt slightly let down. As it didn't quite live up to the hype. The service was friendly and the young members of our group were made to feel very welcome. The coffee was good and there was definitely a choice. As with many coffee shops hard surfaces makes the place noisy. So it was sometimes difficult to have a conversation. Everything we ordered was fine and I would probably go again if passing but wouldn't go out of my way to go again. I had a sausage ciabatta which was mostly bread I left the lid. The cakes were all nice but heavy on the sugar. It was busy all the time so a favourite for people in the area. Booking at lunchtime is probably a good idea. If I hadn't read the review and their website I would probably enjoyed it more."
Fish • Soup • Salad • Coffee
"The food was substandard, the chips were disgusting, not a single chip was free of black bits, crazy when your whole business runs on selling fish and chips! The mushy peas weren’t good either, £15 for a standard haddock! The “milkshakes” were just some sort of flavoured foam, there’s no way they had any ice cream in them, they weren’t even cold! Also £3 for a can of Sprite is daylight robbery! We definitely won’t be back."
Pub • Beer • British • Scottish
"My husband and I visited here for lunch while passing through the area. It was a later lunch and it was very quiet due to local holidays however still had a nice welcoming homely atmosphere. Friendly chatty staff with good knowledge of the menu, great food choices and great prices with prompt table service. Best burger and best baguette we have had in a LONG time, really good hearty home cooked food, was delicious! Cooked to perfection and nice portion sizes. Clean, tastefully decorated and nice spaces between tables, great if you had a pushchair or mobility aid, we also noticed it is dog friendly with a bowl of water and dog biscuits provided for the four legged diners. Great wee eatery with fantastic food and welcoming service. Will definitely visit again."
Food • Seafood • British • Scottish
"Super fish supper tonight in Banchory! Paul and his team have just got the batter mix down to the right crispness, the fish (haddock) was properly fresh, mushy peas were sublime, and it's inspiring to see lobster, hake and tiger prawns on the menu. Love the passion for innovation and respect for tradition! Next time will try the battered lemon sole. Thanks for a great supper at the end of a fairly dreich day."
Food • Balti • Asian • Indian
"Delicious and done on time. Staff were lovely and the food was great. I had a prawn korma which was great but a little bit sweet for my liking, but still delicious. I also tried the veg nan bread which I've never had before so I can't compare it to anything but I found it a tad bitty bland and wished I had gone for my usual, peshwari. My boyfriend had a chicken dish and said it was delicious. We got free poppadoms and 3 tubs of sauce so it really was great value for money."
Steak • British • European • Scottish
"We were given a voucher for an afternoon tea for 3 and having read the online menu for the same, I was looking forward to trying it. We were seated in the room to the left of reception, a lovely looking room with a huge fireplace...... that wasn 't lit. 4 degrees outside and only a few more higher inside and no fire. Also, no ambient music, nothing. It was like sitting in a doctor 's waiting room. The young lad was pleasant enough and the tea arrived promptly enough. The online menu stated lovely sounding 'delicate finger sandwiches ' , (salom and cucumber, coronation chicken, local cheddar and marmalade and a hummus and beetroot wrap) a homemade venison sausage roll, a selection of indulgent cakes and scones, all served with tea. What we got was plain ham and butter, tasteles, grated cheese, egg mayo, and plain, dry chicken, in shop bought bread cut into triangles. No where near enough to feed 3. Imagine the sandwiches you make for the kids packed lunch at the end of the week when there 's nothing left in the cupboard. The Victoria sponge was solid and heavy and really not very nice. The scone was ok, but had to go find someone to bring us cream and instead of clotted cream, we were given the same stuff inside the Victoria sponge. Before we left, another person with a really loud voice having a really loud mobile conversion came in and that 's all we could hear. We had to leave. If we had to pay, we wouldve been raging. Sorry, but I can not recommend this at all."
Tea • Food • Cafe • Coffee
"This cafe is under new management and the name has been changed toThe Beach Cafe. It is run by a young woman called Claire and it is her and her mum that make all the baking that you see on sale and one of the staff does the cooking. The young staff are all very friendly and efficient and you can see that they want to please there customers so that they will return again. There is free parking outside and there are beautiful views of the beach, sand dunes and the sea from the entrance to the cafe and a nice prom for a stroll. I was in there on Tuesday the 19th of November for lunch around 1pm my friend and I were lucky enough to get the last table. Its a busy cafe which is very popular with the locals which is always a good sign. They have a menu with a good choice of hot and cold food and lots of drinks. They also have a specials board on the wall. We both had the chicken and cheese wrap with chilli sauce and it was served with home made fries and coleslaw it was just delicious and really hit the spot!We both had a coffee to warm us up as it was a cold day outside. I had a latte and it was served in a nice glass mug and my friend had a cappuccino. The coffee is very good here. If you are ever in Fraserburgh and you want a nice friendly place for a morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea this is the place to come. You won’t be disappointed."
Cafe • Food • Coffee • Coffee Shop
"our caffe on royal deeside! great eating, great price, great welcome and great fine items especially the gf date oat disk (has begun to bake my own home to save money on takeaways! visited most caffes around ballater with the family in the last 3 years (if not in lockdown) and our teenage children decided to stay there in 2021 as our goto caffe of choice for all family visits when we stay there in april november. I'm glad they agreed with me. my son and I always have a vegetarian breakfast, regardless of the time of the day we visit and I have non-dairy options available in the coffee. wife and daughter love the panini sandwiches and various possibilities available. they should not be disappointed and the price is metaphorical, icing on the cake!"
Food • Steak • 4-star • Lodging
"Stopped here for evening meal after a day out as it had been recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed! Lovely well furnished restaurant with very pleasant and smartly dressed staff. Extensive menu with great range of dishes also a list of specials. All mid range prices- dishes ranged from £15 to about £30 Bread basket and jug of water put on table whilst looking at menu and waiting for drinks. Drinks a bit on the expensive side £2 for a half pint of soda water! I had a special of Chicken Maryland Chicken, pineapple and banana fritters and a slice of bacon and tomato and husband had a rib eye steak served with onions and mushrooms and tomato . Both were well cooked to our liking and we had chips instead of potatoes and a lovely selection of vegetables carrots, peas and mange tout Great service, very polite and came and asked if food okay Will return here- Liked their standards."
Steak • Coffee • Chicken • British
"Was in today after a visit to the Macduff Aquarium and a recommendation for the staff. Was worth the trip across the road. fresh haddock main courses battered and breaded and scampi with salad. Food was perfectly cooked and wonderfully fresh,...you know when haddock is fresh it taste so the sea. Cup of tea with a scone and millionaires shortbread to end the meal were both tasty and fresh. Apple pie and ice cream for the other and he left nothing, said it was very tasty. Service was very good and the lady serving very attentive and chatty. Would go back and might try the steak pie next time."
Steak • British • Scottish • Vegetarian
"During our camping trip, we happened to experience a rainy day and decided to dine at the Station Hotel. Despite visiting the village multiple times over the past couple of years due to Covid, this was our first time discovering this gem. The staff was friendly, and the cozy pub had a games room next to the restaurant, offering a great selection of beers, spirits, and whiskies. The food at the Station Hotel surpassed our expectations, outshining even the popular Seafield in Cullen for our family. The dishes were made with fresh local ingredients from land and sea, expertly prepared and served by a dedicated and cheerful restaurant team. During our two visits, we enjoyed a variety of starters, mains, and desserts, and everything was exceptional. We can't wait to return to Portsoy, and the Station Hotel will definitely be our first stop again."
Food • Cafe • Soup • British
"explored the opposite and searched for a place for a coffee and cake on the afternoon. that was a nice, clean and comfortable little place that offers a warm welcome. there is an extensive menu, but we had only coffee that was very good, spoon and jam that was really nice and a piece of maltese cake that was judged by the speed of its consumption was really good. the staff was really nice, very friendly and seemed to enjoy their work. if they try in the opposite, they will not be disappointed."
Steak • Lodging • British • Scottish
"Booked this hotel for the specific trip to photo Red Squirrels, Upon arrival Jay, his staff and the locals all made me welcome. Conversation flowed and the Talisker Whiskey tasted divine. Jay took time out to show me some red Squirrel hot spots, even getting out a OS map to point out the exact location. Once talking to customers it was soon apparent that the area was the right place to see this fascinating creatures. Early door adventures out to the woods did not disappoint, as long as you were quiet portable hide and seat) they came within 2 meters of you and simply got on with their day. Back at the hotel, the room was basic yet had everything you would require TV, Coffee, Tea even Twix bar), very tidy and smelled very clean; the linen was nice to sleep on and the bed reasonably comfortable too. I was the only one staying over that weekend, however there was a special coach party in to support the local football field charity so the bar and restaurant was very busy. I retired early that night and Im pleased to say that the double glazing and distance away from the main bar area meant there was little noise coming in to the bedroom.. I fell asleep and slept like a log. Jay and his team support the local community and have helped them to gain access to some fabulous recreational facilities such as football field, Cricket pitch and even a bowling green. I wish them well and will be back again to take more pictures of the little and getting rare Red Squirrels. Thank you"
Food • Full • Steak • British
"This place was heaving on a Wednesday evening, probably because there are so very few places in Scotland to eat out? Menu reads well with some interesting options. Service was good. The ubiquitous Haggis Bonbons were OK but weirdly sat on an Asian-Flavoured slaw of some sort, Steak Stroganoff with rice was creamy pleasant, but Crispy Chicken stir-fry was so overloaded with (bottled? sweet sour sauce that it was almost inedible. Perhaps stick to standard dishes if you eat here?"