Tolbooth - Menu

Old Pier, Harbour, Stonehaven AB39 2JU, AB39 2JR, United Kingdom

🛍 Cafés, Seafood, Mexican, Asiatic

4.3 💬 4730 Reviews
Tolbooth

Phone: +441569762287

Address: Old Pier, Harbour, Stonehaven AB39 2JU, AB39 2JR, United Kingdom

City: Stonehaven

Menu Dishes: 10

Reviews: 4730

Website: http://thetolboothrestaurant.co.uk/

"The building itself is historic, and the museum is really the only reason you should step foot inside. The restaurant itself food was good, albeit smaller portions, so not a place to go if you’re really hungry. The server was awful, which is why the 1 star rating. When you enter, the chef calls out a quick hello as you walk past the kitchen service window, a lovely welcome. However, our server was Gus, and he was one of the rudest servers I’ve ever encountered. We weren’t expecting red carpet treatment, but being kind to your guests shouldn’t be the exception. Both my husband and I worked in the service industry for years. We know good service, and this was not it. Gus began our dining experience by belittling us when we asked for a jug of tap water for the table, bringing us a bottle of flat water instead and “correcting” us for not being clear about what we ordered. How does one misunderstand a table asking for a jug of tap water? He then proceeded to take our drinks menu away before we’d had a chance to consider what we were eating before ordering a beverage. When we’d entered the restaurant a customer coming out told us they had enjoyed the sea bass on special. When my husband inquired, Gus told him “I would have told you if we had any”. How about just saying there was none left and leaving it at that? The meal was full of insulting remarks, but the final insult came when Gus came to collect our dishes after the meal and commented that he’d never seen people clean their plates as well as we had, to which my parents responded that they hadn’t licked the plates. My husband then shot back “I guess most people don’t finish their food here”. There was no way in hell we were staying for dessert. I’d rather have a past due Kit Kat from the petrol station that’s been sat on for 8 hours in the car than suffer through dessert at this place. The food was good, but not nearly good enough to make up for the deplorable way we were treated by this server. I can’t tell you when I’ve felt so unwelcome or belittled in a restaurant. Perhaps because we were dressed comfortably for a long drive and arrived slightly rumpled that we were treated with such disdain. If you enjoy a heaping pile of snobbery with your meal, go. If you prefer to feel welcome, and that your custom is valued, go somewhere else. Like, ANYWHERE else in the bay would have been better than this place."

Full menu - 10 options

All prices are estimates on menu.

Dessert

Seafood

Rice

Sides

Indian

Fish Dishes

Alicia Alicia

Wonderful small museum about the history and culture of Stonehaven.

Address

Show Map

Reviews

Guy
Guy

Beautifully cooked and presented food. Friendly host and well priced to boot.


Thibaut
Thibaut

If you are into maudlin and depressing with a scary, steep and narrow stone staircase go here.


Kamaria
Kamaria

Fantastic food, excellent service, the lunch menu is great value. Fine dining would highly recommend! View menu


Karl
Karl

Disappointed in starter of mussels...too many not opened! Main lobster course was excellent. Did not have sweet dish. Certainly would return and recommend to others


Estevan
Estevan

Was visiting the area with my partner and decided to try out the Tollbooth for our last meal, and was thoroughly pleased that we went. Both the server and front of house was attentive and the restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere. Food was fantastic, would recommend the langoustine if they are available. Lemon curd desert is also fantastic.


Bạch
Bạch

Recently had a fantastic meal at The Tolbooth to celebrate our anniversary. Food was excellent, specials in particular that day were off note, fresh Shetland mussels freshly caught local Stonehaven lobster the stand-outs. Oysters from Loch Fyne superb!! The quality of all elements of the meal were excellent, not just the main dishes but vegetables perfectly cooked, desserts were devine!! On top of the food, the staff were excellent, attentive and friendly. A great night and look forward to returning soon!! View menu


Tricia
Tricia

We went for my husbands Birthday on 22nd June 2023 and had such a lovely meal. We live locally and feel very lucky to have such a good seafood restaurant on our doorstep. The menu isn’t huge but it is quality. Lovely choice of wines and the service and the staff were spot on. Unlike the service we had in another (and rated locally) sea food restaurant a few miles down the coast last year. It was much appreciated to be back in a restaurant that got it right. Neither are inexpensive restaurants but the Tolbooth gives you a whole experience not just nice food for your money, and that’s what we are looking for. Not stuffy but class. The interior and the ambience are warm and welcoming. We will d...


Antonios
Antonios

Went here for lunch on a cold wet May day (will it ever get nice), and glad we did. I had the smoked haddock chowder which was lovely and thick and very fishy. Partner had the Coronation Scallops which I tried and we both agreed were delicous. Partner then had the sea bass which again was well cooked and presented. I had the halibut, which to be honest was very nice, but needed something to lift it, just felt a little bland, although again it was well cooked and presented. I finnished off with the rhubarb and custard crumble. Not quite what you expect as the custard was set with the rhubarb placed on it with the crumble sprinkled on top. Now this is not the traditional way of doing it but it...


Lynn
Lynn

The building itself is historic, and the museum is really the only reason you should step foot inside. The restaurant itself food was good, albeit smaller portions, so not a place to go if you’re really hungry. The server was awful, which is why the 1 star rating. When you enter, the chef calls out a quick hello as you walk past the kitchen service window, a lovely welcome. However, our server was Gus, and he was one of the rudest servers I’ve ever encountered. We weren’t expecting red carpet treatment, but being kind to your guests shouldn’t be the exception. Both my husband and I worked in the service industry for years. We know good service, and this was not it. Gus began our dining exper... View menu

Categories

  • Cafés Charming cafés offering a variety of freshly brewed coffees and teas, along with light snacks, pastries, and desserts. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Seafood Dive into the freshest catches of the sea with our seafood selection, featuring exquisite dishes prepared with high-quality fish and shellfish. Savor the flavors of the ocean in every bite! View menu
  • Mexican Authentic Mexican flavors await you with sizzling fajitas, savory tacos, zesty enchiladas, and fresh guacamole, all crafted with rich, traditional spices and served with vibrant sides. Enjoy a fiesta on your plate!
  • Asiatic

Amenities

  • Seating
  • Visa Card
  • menu
  • Mastercard
  • menu
  • Reservations

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