The mouthwatering line-up for Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks has been revealed, with almost 80 eateries joining in – and some of the Granite City’s best-known and most-loved venues taking part for the first time.
Those making their debut in the Foodie Fortnight, staged by Aberdeen Inspired from Monday, August 24, to Sunday, September 6, include Tarragon by Graham Mitchell, Tarragon On The Terrace, The Chester Hotel and Yorokobi by CJ.
Other first-time participants in the celebration of the city’s outstanding culinary scene include O’Malley’s, Irmak Restaurant, Casa Del Fuego, Jungle Berry, Pizza Express at Union Square and McDonald’s on Union Street.
They join a host of returning favourites such as Amarone, 8848 Restaurant, 210 Bistro, Gio’s by La Lombarda, Maggie’s Grill, and Mi Amore, and Molly’s Bistro.
They will be offering special dinner and lunch menus ranging from £10 to £35, plus specially curated a la carte and tasting menus – with some special events, such as the return of the popular Secret Suppers.
The full line up for Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is now live at www.aberdeenrestaurantweek.com
Those joining in the excitement of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks for the first time have spoken about how they are looking forward to the event – and how much it means to the Granite City’s food and drink sector.
Award-winning chef Graham Mitchell said he was delighted that both Tarragon by Graham Mitchell in Rosemount and Tarragon on the Terrace are taking part in Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks. He said it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase two very different dining experiences while celebrating the incredible local produce, talented people and warm hospitality Aberdeen has to offer.
Graham added: “The city's hospitality sector really needs this extra push at the moment. Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is a fantastic initiative that encourages people to get out, try somewhere new and support local independent businesses. Every booking makes a difference, not just to individual restaurants but to the wider economy, helping create jobs, support local suppliers and keep our city centre vibrant.
“We're looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and first-time guests through our doors. We hope people use Restaurant Weeks as an opportunity to rediscover Aberdeen's fantastic food scene and support the businesses that work so hard to make it thrive.”
His enthusiasm was echoed by Amanda Aitken, rooms and events sales manager of The Chester Hotel.
She said: “The Chester Hotel is delighted to be joining Aberdeen Restaurant Week for the very first time, celebrating the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving food scene. This gives us the opportunity to welcome both familiar faces and new guests to discover the exceptional dining experience, warm hospitality, and outstanding service that define The Chester Hotel.
“Aberdeen Restaurant Week is a wonderful showcase of the city’s diverse restaurants, cafés, and bars, inviting people to explore, indulge, and experience the very best of Aberdeen’s culinary talent.”
Jae Jang, managing director of Yorokobi by CJ on Huntly Street, said taking part in the Foodie Fortnight was an ideal way for the proud family-run restaurant to celebrate its 21 years in business and the restaurant was looking forward to sharing the joy that comes from the food they make.
“For the hospitality sector, it's a chance to welcome new faces, build lasting relationships with customers, and remind people that every visit makes a real difference to local businesses,” said Jae.
“For the wider city, it helps create a vibrant atmosphere, brings people into the city centre, and showcases Aberdeen as a destination full of great food, culture, and community spirit. We're proud to be part of it and hope it inspires more people to discover local businesses like ours and continue supporting them long after Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks has ended.”
Shona Byrne, project manager with Aberdeen Inspired, who oversees Aberdeen Restaurant Week, said she was delighted with the enthusiastic response from every restaurant, café and bar that has signed up.
“We had no sooner finished our last Foodie Fortnight in February than venues were getting in touch asking to be part of the next one. It’s that level of enthusiasm that has turned Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks into the largest of its kind in Scotland,” said Shona.
“The feedback we have had from previous Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is that those taking part see it as an ideal way welcome old and new customers, showcase what they have to offer and boost trade at a traditionally quite time. All this, while increasing footfall in the city centre which boosts the wider economy.
“And we know that it is hugely popular with discerning diners, making it one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in the Granite City.”
The Foodie Fortnight will also see the return of the Secret Suppers, with two unique dining experiences, where diners won’t find out where they are eating or what’s on the menu until the day of the supper.
Held on August 28 and September 3, they will take place in outstanding local venues that champion locally-sourced ingredients from around the region featuring dishes that celebrate both the land and sea.
Tickets are on sale now, price £65pp and with limited spaces they are expected to be snapped up quickly.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The return of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is a delicious treat for everyone who takes part, whether that is as a diner enjoying fantastic food at tasty prices, or a venue that is getting a real lift from our award-winning Foodie Fortnight.
“That is something which is really important at a time when our hospitality businesses are facing such challenging times. We know people will want to come out and support such a vital part of our city’s culture and economy.
“There really is an astonishing range of venues and dishes on offer, from burgers to haute cuisine, traditional Scottish fayre to food from the four corners of the world, all just waiting for diners to discover and delight in.
“We’ve set the table, ready for a banquet of delights later this month. All that’s left to be said is ‘tuck in and enjoy’.”