(53 Langstane Pl, Aberdeen AB11 6EN, 01224 592355)
Picture: Yatai Facebook
Take a sojourn to Tokyo with a visit to Yatai and try some of the best Japanese cuisine Aberdeen has to offer.
Yatai cook all of their dishes using traditional techniques and use only the best local ingredients, which, being that it is in Aberdeen, means some of the freshest sushi you can find anywhere.
Based on the Izakaya style of eatery, the restaurant offers small dishes that arrive as they are prepared and are made for sharing, creating a sociable and enjoyable atmosphere with great food.
It is not the cheapest of places but the quality of the food offering, which includes tempura, Yakimono (grilled dishes) and the aforementioned sushi, more than justifies the prices.
Don't worry if you're a beginner, the restaurant offers an Omakase – ‘trust us’ – option, meaning the staff will select dishes for you based on your preferences, allergies and budget, providing you with fun dining without the hassle of having to be an expert on Japanese food (or pronunciation).
(10 Queen's Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL, 01224 631928)
Picture: No. 10 Facebook
One of Aberdeen’s most popular restaurants since its re-opening at the end of last year, No. 10 is often booked up weeks in advance for weekend sittings.
A must visit for anyone who is looking for great food in the Granite City, No.10's stylish interior is expertly matched by its delightful food offering.
Their menu is frequently changing, revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients, using the best of Scottish produce to create innovative takes on traditional Scottish food. Think Haggis bon bons, the freshest salmon and excellent seasonal dishes like venison.
(33 Exchange St, Aberdeen AB11 6PH, 01224 571771)
Located in the Merchant’s Quarter in Aberdeen’s harbour area, Musa is a restaurant, art gallery and live music venue, meaning there is always a lively atmosphere.
With an excellent focus on sourcing as much as possible of its produce locally, they have a delightfully experimental menu that offers some fun twists on traditional Scottish dishes and the service is always fantastic.
Dishes like Smoked Dry Ager Beef Carpaccio and Scottish Lamb Loin and Truffle Mash are excellent examples of Musa's modern style approach to dishes and a great way to enjoy an exciting alternative to the traditional fare found in other parts of the city.
(23 Windmill Brae, Aberdeen AB11 6HU, 01224 210677)
Bringing a little Gallic style to the north is this intimate little French restaurant that serves up unbelievable homemade dishes.
Lunch times are lively but it's in the evening when this charming little bistro really shines, candlelight, jazz and delightful dishes make it a great place for date night.
The charming interior is filled with rustic chique, invoking images of a café that would be more at home on the banks of the Seine than it would be on Scotland's north east coast.
Duck, venison and of course the peche de jour give the small menu a classic feel, perfect for comfort food that is stylish will definitely cheer you up on a cold day.
(North Pier House, 43 Pocra Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5DQ, 01224 576229)
Being Aberdeen, there had to be at least one seafood restaurant on this list and there are none better in Aberdeen than this cracking restaurant.
Named after the colloquial Scottish term for the herring, reflecting the strong emphasis on fish and seafood, The Silver Darling was opened back in 1986 and has been at the forefront of fine dining in the city ever since.
Situated on top of a castellated former customs house on the quayside, the restaurant offers great views of the North Sea and adds to the authentic feel of the place.
The menu is modern and innovative and uses all of the wonderful seafood the north east is famed for. Dishes like treacle cured salmon and steamed rock turbot with crayfish mousse highlight the expertise of the kitchen, while those who aren't so fond of seafood can also enjoy non-fish dishes like Barra bronze turkey and roast marinated lamb chump.
