Buchanan's Bistro in Aberdeenshire

While still fresh in my mind I'd like to sum up how special our family's wedding celebration experience at Buchanan's Bistro was. Everything and I mean everything was exceptional from the beautiful flowers to the welcoming ambiance, to the delicious food, and finally to the truly exceptional service with an extraordinary "I can do" ethos. It was an amazing occasion for all of us and we are deeply appreciative for your part in our day.

As a vegetarian I loved the grilled halloumi and would definitely recommend this restaurant to others who are vegetarian or vegan. It was so good that we came back for brunch on Sunday morning and I had Eggs Benedict with mushrooms instead of bacon. The staff are very helpful and happy for customers to adjust the menu to make dishes vegetarian or vegan. It is a lovely location, especially sitting outside in the garden if the weather is good.

Wonderful food in a light airy space. The food is indulgent or healthy - whatever you're in the mood for. Really friendly staff and will cater for a range of dietary needs. A huge mixture of people from families to older folk like us. You can sit outside or in and the views are lovely. Big parking area. Reasonably priced menu. Worth checking their website/Facebook for various evening events.

Absolutely love this place! This was my first time here as I’d previously been put off by the relatively small menu! Wished I hadn’t as the food was well worth the trip out to Banchory. The pulled pork tacos were amazing as was the twice baked soufflé. This is an artisan bistro where the food quality and source are the mainstays of this restaurant’s ethos. The staff are attentive and engaging. I did not need to ask for more bread with our tapas board and water is provided on the table. Also on offer are locally sourced produced for sale including eggs, preserves, and candles. I think the cost is very reasonable considering the sustainability of the sourced ingredients and overall the experience was well worth the cost. Oh and the view from the restaurant and terrace is amazing! I’ll certainly be back.

The setting of this cafe/restaurant is beautiful over a candle lit dinner and live music. The problem comes with the menu which has a choice of 4 main courses and a high price tag (£20) per main. If this was a pop up taster menu with a good chief then fair enough but this was items like chicken Kiev which was average, not £20 worth for a main! I think the restaurant should look at their prices a bit and add some other options to eat. If they looked at prices and menu options the setting is 5 stars.

Popped in for the eggs Royale brunch - absolutely delicious. Very relaxed setting. Would definitely come back. Lunch options looked amazing.

We live fairly locally and normally go to Buckanan’s four or five times a year. We have been twice since the new owners took over and it was a fantastic experience! Had been out with the dog on Sunday morning and stopped off for breakfast. We were greeted by one of the owners (didn’t know that then) at the door with a genuinely friendly welcoming smile and told we didn’t have to sit outside as dogs were now welcome inside. Bonus! We had scrambled eggs and poached eggs both done to perfection along with excellent coffee. Cycled over a few weeks later for lunch and again a warm welcome (minus dog). We had the seafood platter and the venison along with a glass of wine. I swithered about the venison because of the price, but it’s only the kid’s inheritance, so went for it and was glad I did. It was absolutely superb, full of flavour and expertly cooked. The empty seafood platter proved likewise. A great experience and “we’ll be back “.

We had such a lovely evening. Food, wine and beer all great. The informal atmosphere. Unhurried, friendly service. Great views. Menu enough for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Accommodate GF. Hope to be back!

Lovely breakfast menu. Something for everyone with scrambled eggs or eggs benedict for vegetarians, with saussage, bacon or salmon options for meat/fish eaters, or beans in a home made sauce for vegans. There were also waffles with berries and cream too. Lovely selection of cakes, including a gluten free option and freshly made, crumbly, melt in the mouth scones which we took away for later. Very friendly, helpful staff.

Visited tonight for a gourmet evening when a taster menu of 5 courses with matching wines was offered. It was exquisite - the best meal we've had in a restaurant for a very long time. The menu was extremely well planned, the food was carefully prepared and presented, every course was delicious without exception, and the wines complemented the food perfectly. The service was excellent and the price was very reasonable. Overall a hugely enjoyable experience. Will definitely return for the next gourmet evening.

First visit in a while post lockdown. Food was just amazing - special small menu but enough choice. Wonderful slow cooked beef. Pudding incredible with wonderful home made ice cream.

I came here at the beginning of the month for the pizza night, the pizza’s and the place looked good on Facebook so thought I would book. We arrived and were seated, kids menu was not offered so that’s something that needs to be addressed. The place is eery and the lighting is not cosy in fact it was quite cold. I ordered three pizzas at £12.50 each and after waiting 45 minutes for them to come out and people who arrived after us were getting their food first, it was average plain pizza, I make fresh pizza every week and supermarket pizza was better than what we were given here. There was also a party of people that arrived who were extremely loud and other customers were looking at them being disturbing but nothing was mentioned by the staff. To round this review up in a nutshell, the service is so slow, the food is average and too expensive for what you get and the place does not have a warm and inviting feel to it, I will not be back.

Two of us popped in for morning coffee. Plenty of tables available but told we could only sit at one of the tables with those awful high stools or go outside. We chose the latter. The young waiter did not show any interest at all so we just ordered coffee and went outside. The table was filthy which was especially off putting when everyone was trying to be extra careful because of COVID. Silly of me assuming tables would be cleaned as soon as they were vacated, obviously not. Coffee was underwhelming. Having eaten in some of the best restaurants in Scotland, I found the whole experience rather pretentious.

Great food. Really tasty. Vegan and vegetarian options. Helpful staff, very attentive. Tables inside fully booked. Plenty of tables outside.

Great selection of new courses. All the right size for us. The slow roast beef had a wonderful deep flavours with a fresh piquancy. Warm chocolate mouse and summer fruits had a wonderful balance of flavours. Worth watching for fortnightly Friday openings. The next one is on 20th August. The menu varies each time. Service sensitive to digestion - not too quick but nicely timed.

All the food was delicious- soufflé, chickpea casserole, and fish salad. Lovely salads accompanied all our dishes and a bowl of fresh bread to share. Very pleasant atmosphere inside with good views of Deeside. Service was very good too. Portions were an adequate size

We stopped for lunch here today . Been a few times before for coffee / cakes . Unfortunately we were disappointed with today’s lunch . The outside seating area is made of wooden pallets - very uncomfortable and they were dirty too., coffee stains etc . The menu selection was very limited and when we did order the portions were tiny - main courses served in 3 inch shallow bowls with salad on the side £12 per meal ! Coffee £3 each in small take away cups . The risotto option had no veg or any chicken or fish etc in it .. it was basically rice and strong lemons / herbs . The side salad was varied . £30 for a very small lunch for two persons and two coffees . Unfortunately I do not recommend, there are so many other nice cafes / restaurants in this area which offer better value and much superior food - eg . ride coffee , birdhouse , Banchory lodge . Cakes are lovely and the customer service is good but we won’t be recommending or returning . If sitting outside then the use of proper cups would be better rather than take away ones .

100% recommend for everyone excellent Fresh testy food been there few times and all the time the food was delicious !!!! Fabulous Thank you

Great two course lunch. The design of the place is beautiful with gorgeous surroundings. Staff were very friendly. Will visit again.

We booked a booth for lunch having never been before. The food was excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful. It was a gorgeous setting and after lunch we had a lovely wee walk around the wild garden. Will definitely return when back in the area.

My husband and I really enjoyed the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere at Buchanan Bistro today. We have eaten here many times,with family and friends and have always enjoyed the tasty food. Today we had the most delicious 3 course lunch to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The staff were very welcoming, service and food were all perfect. We have had a wonderful eating out experience, thanks to all the staff for doing all the right things to keep their customers safe and still able to enjoy eating out. Many Thanks, will be back again soon.

We ordered some wonderful fish platters which were fantastic. Very impressed when the platters arrived beautifully laid on on takeaway carton. We always love Buchanan's boards and this time was no different. A great large selection of fish, salads and sauces, with bread. A really nice lunchtime treat. Recyclable cartons too.

Have had 2 takeaways in the last couple of weeks and both were superb. Choice of meat or vegetarian casserole dishes changes every week. Well done Buchanans

Buchanan’s bistro is one of the things that we are missing most during the lockdown. The ideal place for tea or coffee and cake or for a light lunch or a delicious dinner.We enjoyed all of these things during early March and, in the last few days before the lockdown, we enjoyed takeaway food of the highest quality.We cannot wait to see Buchanan’s open again, providing a beacon for so many people in the community, not least the local food growers and producers.

My wife's brother booked a table here for Sunday lunch(4 adults and 2 baby's). I realized that the food must be good as it was packed. Even though it was packed it wasn't noisy at all, infact it has a lovely atmosphere. I am not a vegetarian but I choose the carrot burger, and very tasty it was, there were masses of flavours, from all over the plate. my wife had the beef with shin. Normally I get to taste what she has, not this time! Gone. was gone in a flash, she totally loved her lunch. I want to thank all the staff front and back for a great lunch. I nearly forgot. The breads are delicious and so fresh. When were next back in the area we will be back.

After reading good reviews, decided to give it a try for Sunday Lunch. Nice place, clean and airy with large glass front to view the surrounding countryside and hills. Order taken by Kirsty who was very friendly and welcoming and happy to chat. In fact several staff attended our table during the meal and all were smiling and nice. Can’t speak too highly of the food. Beef casserole and beetroot chilli were our choices and although they looked small on the plate, were actually more than adequate. All served food was delicious, full of flavours and piping hot on warmed plates. Loads of veg in the dishes and no need to add on side dishes at all - always refreshing in an eatery. Also a selection of really tasty breads came with the meal and included. We didn’t leave a scrap on the plates. We finished off with pecan pie served with home made coconut ice cream, passion fruit and a super sauce. Coffees were perfect too. Will recommend to friends and come back again.

Been here many times and can never fault it. Sharing boards are great. My favourite is the seafood one. Staff are friendly Cakes are delicious

We love this place for its food and atmosphere. Last night the restaurant was so obliging as we changed our booking time and they were still able to seat us. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. My cheese soufflé was ‘to die for’ and my husband’s vegetable stew had preserved lemon in it which, he reported, gave it a really interesting flavour. The chocolate mousse was rich and delicious and came with cardamom ice cream. All in all a delightful evening.

We came to this bistro by chance whilst staying in Banchory. The food is exceptionally good, the staff really love working there and this makes the dining experience great. We liked our meal so much we came back again the next evening and were equally impressed. Drinks on the terrace outside watching the sun set beforehand. A perfect end to a gorgeous sunny day in Aberdeenshire.

This is a great place on the edge of the town to go for a lazy brekkie, lunch or dinner. The food is varied, tasty and fresh. The sharing boards are delicious and plentiful. The staff are super friendly. Seating inside and out with fab views. Lovely food on sale too. Really chilled ...with fab cakes, wine list and nearny wild garden too. Love it.

The small boards whilst you wait were very tempting and we succumbed. You’ll need to ask for more bread though as there wasn’t enough to go around initially. Of the mains, the souffle was slightly underdone but delicious, the lamb meatballs were good though the lamb flavour was difficult to detect ie is this lamb or what? The coastal fishy selection sharing board was a great selection and was a wonderful dish to eat whilst sitting outside in the sun enjoying the views. The staff were friendly and efficient and they and the good food made it an enjoyable lunch. We’ll be back I’m sure!

Popped in for a coffee and a slice of cake. After waiting 20 minutes with nothing arrived I asked a waitress where the coffee and cake was and she said it was coming. After waiting over half an hour for coffee and cake I gave up. For the price I would expect much better service. I won’t be returning.

First time visit and stunned by the utterly delicious cakes. Full of flavor, great texture, moist cakes and some really unusual and wonderful latte options like the turmeric latte. Chai latte was fantastic. Tables available inside and outside. Our kids loved sliding down the grassy bank until our tea and drinks arrived. Staff friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.

I’ve been here about 4 times now and each time we observe how great the soup is but how stingy the portions of bread are. They bring bread to the table initially but it’s barely enough for one person let alone a party of five (like we were this time).

Great homemade food with daily specials. Soups delicious served with great quality bread Large selection of homemade cakes and biscuits. Warm welcome from friendly efficient staff.

Great service from fitting us into a packed restaurant to great recommendations and smooth discrete service. Lovely warm jazz duet playing. We had the fishy platter and a hearty miso soup and then chocolate vegan torte and pistachio ice cream and tart with sour cherries. Great selection of soft drinks too.

My husband and myself visited here for dinner last Saturday and what a fantastic meal it was. We had been here previously for coffee, cake and for lunch but this was our first time having dinner, we were not disappointed. We were met at the door by one of the lovely waitresses and shown to our candle lit table. The festive menu was what we chose from. My husband had the liver parfait and I had the cheese soufflé, wow. The soufflé melted in my mouth and was a generous portion, my husband thoroughly enjoyed his parfait that came with slices of smoked duck. Our starters were accompanied by a bowl of bread, this was a great way to sample some of the in house baked breads. Our main courses then arrived, my husband had chosen the chicken breast stuffed with a middle Eastern stuffing, this was a revelation! A simple dish that was full of flavour, really championing the ingredients to the max. I had the pork and venison crumble, the meat was tender and tasty but it was the vegetables that really blew me away, again simple ingredients cooked to perfection. My husband and I couldn't manage desert even though the selections were tempting, we were full! This was a beautiful meal in relaxing surroundings with excellent service. We will definitely return for dinner.

Big soup wasnt very nice beetroot, sausage flavour. Hardly a slice of bread each. Small bowl of thai lentil soup. Coffee was too cool. Red headed male waiter made us move from a small table to a large table which was awful to sit at as it had 2 benches and 2 chairs and when another couple joined us with a teenager had to move the bench to let this teenager sit. Why did we have to move? Odd place and overpriced food. No wonder the Raemoir garden centre is way more busy than here

Sunday lunchtime is a great time to come here for brunch or lunch, tea or coffee, a beer or a glass of wine, or excellent desserts. There's live music from 12:30 to 2:00, great service, and a beautiful view. Actually, anytime is good to come here; the live music makes Sundays even better.

Delicious soup. I had chickpeas, coconut and (chilli I think). Couldn’t fault it. I would agree with another reviewer about the bread - it was lovely but not really enough for two people.

The bistro was busy but the staff didn't seem overwhelmed as the service was quick and friendly and the food was really very good. We both opted for the soup of the day (courgette and coconut) and one of their essence platters each and all the food was delicious. The atmosphere was nice, we didn't feel rushed and it was good value for money at just over #16 per head.

Stopped here for a quick coffee whilst walking our dog. Sat outside with the dog admiring the lovely views. I went inside and ordered two lattes and a fruit scone. Waited outside for over 15 minutes, didn't mind too much as we were enjoying the view. After 20 minutes I asked a waitress about our coffee, she said it was just coming and did we want water while we were waiting. It was two coffees we were waiting for so why would we want a drink of water! A different waitress appeared with the scone and said the coffee will be out soon. After another 5 minutes two lattes appeared, again a different waiter he did apologise saying they "lost" our coffee! The coffee was ok but the scone had very little taste. Don't think we'll be back in a hurry.

Had a lovely lunch during a busy lunchtime. Had the big soup... spiced noodle then the seafood coastal board all excellent. Would definitely recommend for lunch.

Restaurant vraiment bien. Cuisine légère mais très bonne et suffisante. Du choix. Attention le soir il ferme tôt. L'accueil est très sympathique. Effectivement une serveuse parle français. N'hésitez pas à lui dire que vous êtes français. Elle est très sympathique comme tous les écossais.

Lovely soup, but let down by bite size offer of bread that was served.considering the price for a bowl of soup a couple of decent slices of bread was to be expected.

Good positive ambience, service and food. A very pleasant and relaxing loiter. No loud background music and very relaxed and welcoming staff and vibe. Lots of glass and daylight. The food was not haute cuisine (we were not seeking nor expecting that for this particular lazy lunch anyway) but it was well above the line, very good, well presented, fresh and tasty. We will certainly go back for another lunchtime loiter.

Visited Buchanan’s bistro with friends for supper , as a vegetarian there couldn’t have been enough choice. Food was amazing and service great Only down side I couldn’t finish as the portions were too big .

Food is good and interesting/unusual because of its local and eco type credentials. Bread with soup sometimes a little hard. Only criticism really is that the restaurant is a bit noisy when full, with little in the way of soft furnishings to deaden the sound. Easy parking.

We always enjoy our time thoroughly at Buchanan's. We usually come with our Toddler and it's a place where you feel welcome with little people. Also, we are both vegetarian and the menu has always plenty options for us. We will visit again :)

bonne ambiance avec espace ouvert très branché diet, bio, vegetarien assiette légère mais très savoureuse

We usually visit Buchanan's once a week, it is the perfect place for us to relax and have cake and coffee while waiting for our son to finish his rugby training. Last night we hadn't had dinner and shared their Spanish board, which was absolutely perfect for nibbling at. On other occasions we have eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner at Buchanan's plus had a meal/theatre evening with Woodend barn too. The emphasis is on real food, cooked to perfection and served with a great selection of beers and wines from around the world. We get a warm welcome every time, every time of year from cosy candlelit evenings in the winter, to sitting outside with our dogs in the long summer evenings. The menu changes regularly which means we never get bored, it is the type of restaurant that I would have loved to work in (if I was a chef!). For lunch they offer two types of soup usually a lighter one and also a hearty bowl, so even our hungry teenagers are satisfied! The bread is homemade and delicious, and they even brew their own beer too (I am not a beer drinker but married to one). We live about 20 minutes drive away but it is always worth it to stop in at any time. Buchanan's is wonderful, go visit if you are ever in beautiful Deeside.

Visited before and enjoyed the experience .

The staff are super, service is excellent, food is delicious and imaginative. Well worth a trip. Thank you for having us Val and Calum

Surprised because I’ve driven past so many times and it’s kind of out of the way.

This place is an absolute gem in Banchory. The care and thought that goes into the creative dishes that are cooked and served here is excellent. Personally my favourite is the fish platter. The coffee is the best in Banchory also. Val and her team constantly work to deliver excellent service and quality. Keep up the great work!

We had an early tea before a 6.00pm presentation from V&A; Dundee. There was an excited buzz in the restaurant. We have eaten here twice and both times the food was excellent. Local produce, freshly prepared with interesting twists. We had spicy jack fruit stew...

Friendly, welcoming bistro as part of a cultural centre. Locally sourced food of a very high quality mainly prepared and cooked on the premises. The sharing platters were particularly good as was the home brewed beer. Great lunchtime stop.

Can't comment on the food, which I am sure is very nice, but being in the vicinity, decided to go...

Buchanans is one of the very best places to have a coffee and enjoy great food. The team that work...

Flew in for a coffee and a snack after the dreaded grocery shopping. Great value, nice and welcoming, decent selection,...

This is my favourite place ever. The food is so lovely and with a lot of vegan options ! would definitely recommend for a lovely lunch on a sunny day - the cafe is so beautiful and the view is amazing.

Sat down with friends for coffee and cake. After about an hour an older member of staff came over to the table and very impolitely said, "hi, but how much longer are you planning on staying here for? We have a group that want this table, so I just need to know how much longer you are going to be." Bearing in mind, we looked around the restaurant, half the tables were empty and there was a big table of eight empty behind us. It made us feel uncomfortable and like we were being forced to leave. I have worked in hospitality and never do I think it is appropriate or polite to ask a customer how long they are going to be and basically indirectly ask them to leave. Instead the waitress could of politely said, "excuse me we have a larger table coming in, would it be possible to move you to a smaller table?" The manner in which she spoke to us was unprofessional and just plain rude.

When we were eventually seen at the front door, we weren't even given a smile. Got the feeling they would have preferred we hadn't come. We had to ask three times for menus. The lady who took our order was friendly, but after we were served, we were ignored again till we left. We would have opted for teas and cakes etc afterwards if we'd have been asked. The food was nicer than average, but everything was at least 20% more expensive than it should have been. We won't be returning as there are plenty of other local venues with great food and service to match.

Was taken there when I was visiting my mum in Banchory. Really interesting and delicious home made food. Nice variety of choice for vegetarians. I did find the menu a little confusing but I am sure if you asked that the servers would assist you. We had a couple of chaps playing music and then a woman played the harp which was really lovely. The day we visited was a Sunday lunchtime, I think that is the only time they have entertainment. Really beautiful location made even more lovely by a sunny day. They welcome families and there is an outside area that the children can run around in when the weather is suitable.

Fabulous homemade food, with a wealth of choice and flavours. Service was fantastic! Will definitely be back.

Lovely homemade food, made from the best ingredients. Great service and made to feel welcome from lunch, dinner or just a coffee and cake atmosphere and venue good. On the level so very good for wheelchair users.

Visited this restaurant on a Saturday night with friends.The restaurant is set in an elevated position with a pleasant view towards the hills to the south of Banchory. Large windows allow you to enjoy the view at its best. Once the sun goes down, the restaurant is lit by candles and fairy lights which gives it a nice ambience. It's also quite an informal, relaxed atmosphere which makes it a good choice for a meal with friends or family.Menu choice was good although committed carnivores might struggle with a limited selection of meat dishes. As other reviewers have commented, the food is a little unconventional (organic, free range, "artisan") but the menu has been put together with thought. Diners fancying a steak and kidney pie and chips might be disappointed.Amongst our party, we ordered a variety of food which was well prepared, well presented, tasty, and generally high quality. Portion sizes weren't huge but adequate.Good selection of wines, beers, gins, etc.Service was excellent.Price reflected quality.Overall, a very pleasant dining experience. We'll be back!

The place is a little different with an interesting menu. Really loved the mushroom, chickpea and cumin soup, the red pepper pate and fresh bread. I think the vegetarian options should be marked, as this can cause some confusion - not all cheese is suitable for vegetarians for example, but overall lovely food and very nice, helpful staff. I would recommend it and visit again if I am in the area.

We visited for an evening meal with friends. The menu itself is tedious to understand with very little choice in any meat courses. The only meat choice was finished although it was only 7.00 pm. Most of the choices seem to be of a vegetarian nature. Obscure ingredients offered which can be interesting but not in every choice. Platters/boards offered with unfamiliar cheeses. Really unappetising menu. Our whole party was disappointed and spent ages trying to work out the best way of having a meal! Another oddity was being encouraged to have several small portions with or without vegetables or salads. We ended with an expensive meal consisting of chicken, mashed potato and beetroot. Did not even look appealing. Very disappointing. We shall not be going back again. They need to re-visit their menu and prices.In their favour I would say it is a very good place for a coffee and cake but that is all.

Friend and I went here for a birthday lunch. Never again! !Only 1 item on "menu" that I could eat and really nothing for friend who needs 'free from'Everything has olives or aubergines or both in it. Yuk.Food I had was far too spicy. Friend's food absolutely full of black olives.Friend was violently sick before we left.I managed to reach home in Aboyne before having upset stomach.Definitely do not recommend and definitely will not go back

Local produce cooked to perfection, with great beer brewed on the premises in a beautiful restaurant setting.

A lovely venue, child friendly and very nice staff. Food is good but certainly not generous portions by any means. The sharing boards are great but not enough to share! Very expensive given how small the portions are. In saying that though, the cakes are incredibly yummy. Not a place to go if you are watching your budget!

Do not go here if you are hungry. The portions are tiny and the food is all style and no substance. This place is a classic example of somewhere which thinks it is much fancier than it really is: very pretentious and service takes a long time. The lack of food is made worse by the extortionate prices. Go to Tesco next to it and buy yourself some actual food instead.

Bonne cuisine et accueil sympathique. Il y a même une serveuse qui parle français.Plat originaux mêlant cuisine actuelle et produits traditionnels

Recently visited with 4 adults and two children. They catered well for the kids with high chairs, kids menu plus books and games to play with. All the food we had was delicious and we shared everything but the cakes which we devoured ourselves. Very friendly staff.

My first restaurant experience in Scotland and wow... The food was fabulous and made from locally purchased ingredients. I wish I could find something like this in NC!Thank you for good food and great service!

A last minute trawl of reviews led us to eat here while on holiday in the area. Happy we did, ate salmon & salad with delicious bread. Service was friendly. Food & atmosphere excellent. Chocolate prune cake & peppermint tea to finish.

We were a large group and we had all ordered our food in advance, unfortunately one of the main meal choices had been taken off the menu and we hadn't been informed. The alternative that was served to us was very unpleasant, a few small pieces of chicken thigh, still with skin on and bits of bone in, served in a watery soup with far too many leeks and onions. One member of our party spoke on behalf of us all to the chef who couldn't care less. Our spokesperson was eventually given £15 but as the bill was nearly £500 plus drinks we were not impressed. The starters were nice enough and the waitresses were very good but I don't think many of us would recommend the main courses.

Stopped by for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Food was excellent with good choices for vegetarians. Lemon Creme Brûlée was superb and great coffee. Staff very friendly. Will go again next time in the area.

The staff are exactly what you want them to be - professional and courteous. The food is exceptional. As a result we go once a week if we can.

The restaurant is situated in a lovely part of Deeside, just outside Banchory. There is a small arts centre attached - Woodend Barn.The staff were very friendly and chatty. Knowledgeable about the food and wines/spirits. We got a nice talk on the different gins on offer.The menu is a little different to a normal restaurant. A lot of thought has gone into ingredients and display etc.The food we had was of very high quality and very tasty. We did in the end go for a dessert, even though we were full, as they looked so good.Including wine and drinks, about £40/head for a 3 course meal.There is a lovely view of the surrounding countryside if you manage to get a table by the window.We will definitely go again.

A quick visit to check out aunties favourite coffee place. Delicioso! Wish we were staying for lunch. Will be back.

This is different and interesting and great! Wonderfully inventive menu perhaps a little complicated but once you have sussed it out what great choices! Modern food, small dishes to share or larger portions for a main meal , mostly locally and ethically sourced as far as possible. Superb staff very friendly and helpful. Good ambience and nice decor . Reasonable pricesWould 100% recommend

Saturday evening dinner for a group of six friends. Soups are tasty, nutritious and the mediterranean mixed starters, delicious. The Arctic Char main is an exotic addition that goes beautifully with root veg and a great wine selection.

Great selection of interesting foods, I recommend the mezze plate which is served with a selection of breads including a turmeric and nigella seed loaf. The waiter was friendly and knowledgeable, he helped direct us to some great choices. Beautiful restaurant!

This was a Sunday and we were looking for somewhere to eat.Saw the signs and decided to give it a try.Not a mistake..Good vibrant atmosphere with live folk music.Good range of home cooked food and locally brewed beer.Definitely a place we will visit again if in the area.

Latest of a few visits to Buchanan Bistro. The food is superb, especially the soup (never disappoints), plenty of different and interesting choices of other things. Service is great too and the place itself has some nice art on display and deli type stuff on sale. Also worth mentioning that its nice and warm, something often overlooked in restaurants, so a comfortable dining experience.

Went for lunch with family during the Festive season, so our appetites were a bit jaded and it was great to be able to share a fish platter plus small dishes of gratin of cheesy leeks (especially good) and a risotto. We ended up ordering a second bowl of bread. My husband loved the jug of shandy, and the ginger pudding. Service was a little bit slow on the puddings, but every table was busy so understandable.Will definitely return.

Great spot to stop for a coffee on a nice day. We let the kids play outside and roll down the hill whilst enjoying an excellent coffee and delicious cake. prices are average, but the location is a big draw.

We live 15 miles away (considered local around here) and visit Buchanan's regularly when we want a treat. Good for meals with a real local flavour or just coffee and a sit in the sunshine in the warmer months. Staff have always been friendly and knowledgeable. The Barn next door holds live events & exhibitions.

Mid November and daughter and I had a gorgeous lunch on the patio. All the food is wholesome and home made. As a vegan I wasn't sure if they would have anything for me but there was lots of choice. We enjoyed parsnip soup and then shared a crunch platter of olives, hummus, spicy roasted mixed nuts and curried roasted seeds with artisan bread. We followed that with cake and homemade ice cream. Absolutely delicious. Lovely service.

Stopped by for a quick lunch on the way to Aboyne. Was delighted with the range of delicious vegan food available for my mum, including cakes and ice cream. The team are so friendly and knowledgeable about their menu. It was an absolute delight and we'll definitely go back again.

We were passing on route to the craft village and saw the sign near to a supermarket for this restaurant/Cafe and decided to pop in for a coffee. Good move. Very comfortable surroundings, great cakes and good coffee. A good selection of Suki teas too. There's a craft showroom and a theatre. Great place to stop in.

Had been before for tea and cake (also highly recommended) and were keen to try it in the evening. The staff were friendly and attentive (without being overly so) & the food was first class. We shared a dipping board and the polenta sticks, followed by the special of pork and celeriac casserole, the perfect comfort food on a foggy autumn evening. Dessert of hazelnut and apricot tart was amazing. Tap water without asking, tablet to go with your cup of tea and candles everywhere are some of the little touches that make for a special evening. We'll be back!

Very tasty and wholesome and good quality (locally sourced) food in a lovely space with a nice ambiance, and attentive service. ,.

Chanced in on this place by accident.Very lively on this Sunday lunchtime.Live folk music, excellent choices available on menu including what I would describe as soups and tapas style availability.They also sell beer brewed on the premises - and excellent it is too.We shared a cheese and charcuterie platter.That and a large bottle of beer plus coffee came to less than £20.Hot food also available.

We were visiting family in the area who took us here as they love it. The staff were lovely. I thought I would try a herbal tea (I'm not a fan usually) and the waitress was so patient with me describing what they tasted like (I'm very fussy). The bistro was so light and airy and you felt totally relaxed here and unhurried (what it should be like), I also noticed that people of all ages were enjoying their time here, it had a real community feel that was enjoyed by all; not living in the area, I can only assume that it must be like this all the time - how very refreshing - I wish it could be the same where I live! I also noticed a large table with lots of healthy books to encourage people to lead a healthier lifestyle, and a selection of gifts too as well as produce. My aunt also told me that their products are organic and that they make their own bread too. If what we experienced was how the bistro always is, I can say that I am a little jealous of the people of Banchory being fortunate enough to experience this gem of a place.

Back again for a lazy lunch! Efficient front of house service led to a nice outside table. The combination of the 'Spanish' Board, fresh bread and a mixed salad was a delight. You must try the pickled garlic! Good luck trying to select a desert from the well-stocked cabinet. We opted for the mixed berry cake - washed down with the smoothest coffee imaginable. And the sun was shining! Cushions would be a good option for those sitting on the 'rustic' patio furniture.

A pre-concert meal of starter and main course was enjoyed. The starter was a Fish Board; it was truly magnificent and exceeded all expectations. Beautifully presented and so so tasty. A genuine find! The mail course was really good too.

Whether you go for coffee and scone/cake or lunch or dinner you will not be disappointed. Daily menu for lunch and dinner. Good selection of beers, wine etc also. Setting is second to none. Sitting outside in the sun looking out over the local countryside can't be beaten.