The Arch Cafe in Aberdeenshire

We were among the first customers on the sunniest day in one of the North-east's bonniest villages. Staff were busy cleaning an already-sparkling restaurant, but everyone took the time to get us a great table at the window and our every request was listened to carefully and fulfilled perfectly. We had two different kinds of breakfast and - not that we were looking for this - could find no faults whatsoever. Well done that chef! I think breakfast is one of the most difficult tasks for a cook as so many things need to be just right. Well, they certainly were. My companion was impressed with the size of the teapot for one person. We've been here a couple of times in days gone by and it never disappoints.

Our first visit here today. Lovely friendly staff. We had two toasties and tea which we throughly enjoyed. It was a little bit pricy but that’s a reflection of the cost of everything going up wages electricity etc. it was however worth every penny! Had a bit of chocolate fudge cake to go too.

We pop in here from time to time for the most amazing cakes and huge hot chocolates!! Great place to come in and unwind after exploring the hills and woods, the steak baguettes and peppercorn sauce are something else too. Service is always consistent and staff make you feel very welcome.

Love this little cafe. We were staying locally on holiday and ate here a couple of times. The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. The messy avocado special was delicious, very fresh and the strawberry tarts are to die for. Oh and the hot chocolate is amazing!

Always a cheery welcome to be had here. Menu has many tasty options of generous portions, which you'll also see from the cake selection on display! Take away available if you're on the way up or down the cairn o mount.

Great food and friendly staff. The Cullen Skink was really good. My children loved the hot chocolates. both delicious and a work of art with all the toppings.

Excellent Customer service with a person centered approach, the place was very clean and it was nice and quiet as well. The food was fab and at a great price!

Stopped off for a (wonderful) coffee before cycling up Cairn O Mount, and rewarded my self with a tasty cullen skink after descending. Great staff, service, food and ambience. As I hadn't booked, I was asked to share a large table with other travellers. Great idea... A social table. Met and chatted to some lovely people. Thoroughly recommend...

Stopped by for an early lunch - a good move as it filled up later. The Cullen skink is as good as people say, and a sensible portion, leaving room for a sandwich or a cake. The chicken salad special was quite a large dish, not needing another course to be satisfying quantity-wise. The coffee is also good. Service is efficient and the staff are friendly, so it was all good. The hours are quite restricted, but that’s understandable nowadays.

We had a takeaway and it was very busy but still very efficient. Very warm welcome, freshly cooked food. Home bakes are amazing. Coffee very hot.

Had a light lunch here on a day trip outing. Sweet potato and coconut soup was delicious and the cullen skink was rated by my partner. The cafe is quite small and traditionally decorated (Scottish theme with stag/rabbit/squirrel wallpaper). There was an impressive array of cakes to choose from too!

Met up with my family who live nearby to have lunch in the Arch. First time I’d ever been in and it won’t be the last. Lovely room. Fab friendly service, tasty food and to die for home baking. Long may the Arch cafe thrive. I’m looking forward to my next trip. Fantastic wee place.

A busy restaurant with fantastic coffee and excellent soup (I had the lentil and my wife had the Cullen skink). A superb selection of cakes and scones made on the premises too - which we had as a takeaway. Very friendly and helpful staff. The menu looked well chosen with a good selection and very reasonable prices.

After struggling to find a table in Edzell, in the words of Odyssey, it was a case of Going Back To My Roots. Fettercairn. Cafe was busy , but space was found for 2 hungry Montrose lads. A lovely waitress was soon on the scene and excitedly recommended the Cullen Skink , just the ticket... We thought....damn, all gone. To tease us more. "The Cullen Skink is better than what u get in Cullen" said our friendly waitress. Sweet Potato, chilli & coconut Soup was an adequate replacement, accompanied by a Cheese & Tuna, the Tuna looked. Very like a 🍅, our lovely waitress only mistake, but she had been so friendly it was accepted. Polished off with a lush piece of Biscoff , all in all, a tremendous lunch.

well run, buzzy, excellent choice and food esp recommending their superb cullen skink smoked haddock chowder

A lovely cafe nestling next to its namesake the royal arch. I enjoyed some excellent coffee and a cheese scone which were both delicious.

Had coffee and lunch here. Loved the menu-great choice. Service vg. Nice ambience. Parking outside cafe available free. Central to village.

The Cullen Skink was especially delicious and the staff could not have been more friendly or attentive. This is a great place to stop off for lunch if you are passing over the Cairn O’ Mount.

We stopped off here on our way home to North Yorkshire after a brilliant week in The Highlands. The staff were so welcoming, friendly and attentive. We had a cooked breakfast which was absolutely delicious. We also bought homemade scones and strawberry tarts to take away for the journey, again delicious. This bistro/cafe is charming and spotless, as are the facilities. We hope, one day soon, to visit this gem again. Highly recommended.

The best Cullen Skink I’ve had, 5⭐️plus. Friendly, casual atmosphere, in the pretty village of Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire. Quick, attentive service too.

A few friends got together to go on a cycle as weather was so beautiful. We stopped at The Arch Cafe for a morning roll and coffee. Service was quick and our waitress did brilliantly on her first day. Well done and thank you for...

Popped in for lunch, food was lovely as we're the staff. Very good value for money. Will definately visit again🙂

very small cafe filled with warmth. I must mention the chef changed the entire hot chocolate drink because we forgot to mention we did not want marshmalllows. He made new drink with chocolates chunks. The strawberry and white chocolate cheese cake was the most delicious...

Stopped here on bike ride for coffee and cake. Good covid procedure and made very welcome. Served up a large flat where and home made carrot cake, which got me home over the Cairn O'Mount hill climb. I dropped my 'in case of emergency' ID...

We visited on Saturday the 5th December with our 3 year old who was treated absolutely lovely! The food was amazing, the staff were more than helpful and when we were leaving our son was given a little cup of marshmallows for being good which...

Incredible food here, never disappointed and always left very full. Great variety Cakes for all, also without a doubt the best peppercorn sauce I have come across. Always buy when cooking a steak! Couldn’t recommend more, staff are all friendly and very pleasant.

the food is always amazing whenever i visit, the peppercorn sauce is the best you’ll ever taste! the cakes and tray bakes are amazing too and the staff are all really friendly and always serve with a smile!

Visited yesterday. Great welcome from very attentive staff. Best Cullen Skink I have ever tasted. Felt very safe. Will definitely be back.

Had another lovely lunch with my Mum, felt very safe with covid safety in place. Warm welcoming cafe, enjoyed fresh tomato soup and home bake. Service was great, friendly and attentive. Would thoroughly recommend for an outing to brighten your day

We usually come here on Sunday for a lovely breakfast! The food is amazing and the staff are friendly and welcoming. This evening we had the Friday fish and chips takeaway. Honestly the best chipper I have ever eaten! Thank you again Arch Team you...

If you're anywhere near the village of Fettercairn and know the difference between a Pot Noodle and a Chow Mein from the hands of a Master, then you'll be over the moon with the Arch Cafe's dish of Cullen Skink: It's absolutely marvellous! Not only...

The Arch Cafe is certainly worth the top award as the soups could not have been better and the cakes were as good as we have had anywhere.

We had a lovely coffee in the Arch Cafe along with very tasty scones. Very friendly staff in a spotlessly clean bistro. Will certainly come back again.

Had takeaway twice when stying in Fasque Castle Avenue Cottage recently. Food was delicious and well priced. Will be back for more next time we are in the area which will be soon.

Lovely cafe in the centre of Fettercairn. Great coffee, friendly service and amazing scones and cakes. We will definitely be back.

I was delighted to hear The Arch Cafe at Fettercairn was back open again following the Covid lockdown. This is a hidden gem of a cafe, and worth the drive, whether it's for bakes and a coffee, or lunch delights.The service is always super, and even though the cafe is currently operating as takeaway only, there's still the usual big smile to greet customers and great food!Yesterday we had lovely hot drinks and bakes. The gluten free and vegan range is fantastic, with yesterday's choices including gf caramel shortcake slice, vegan & gf brownie as well as a peanut butter and coconut slice. All went down a treat!We will be returning again soon for a meal, whether that be takeaway or sit-down when it's finally permitted. The Arch Cafe is a must visit!

Had lovely gluten free bakes this afternoon, have missed the Arch for great coffee and food will be back soon. Thank you

Enjoyed supper with a friend this evening, on “Chippy Friday”. My scampi, chips and salad were delicious and my friend thoroughly enjoyed her steak baguette. Only disappointment was the caramel shortcake I had for pud. I thought it was millionaires shortbread but disappointed it only had a scrape of caramel hidden under the chocolate. No worries, I was just being greedy anyway!

Attractive cafe in Fettercairn, lovely decor. We enjoyed our lunch, my friend had chicken goujons, I had a baked potato. Good portions & tasty fresh salads. Also mouth watering cakes.

Highly recommend their Fish and Chip Friday, a great way to start the weekend! We’ve just finished the best fish and chips we’ve ever eaten, such a light and crispy batter, gluten free too! Being local to Fettercairn we are regulars at the Arch Cafe, we have probably sampled most of the menu, never disappointed! Lovely specials on offer and a great range of gluten free cakes and tray bakes. Definitely worth visiting.

Stopped by for a quick lunch of soup and sandwich. Many people having full 3 course lunches or cake and coffee or churros with mug of hot chocolate. Excellent service too.

Lovely food served by friendly staff. Cullen skink is probably the best I have had along with their cheesecake.

The peppercorn baguette is delicious. I only got the half size which was more than enough for me. The generous portion of peppercorn sauce makes this dish. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone. They have a vast selection of cakes, cheesecakes and traybakes. I tried thr biscoff slice which was really tasty and worth every last calorie! The only slight negative I would say would be the cafe was a little chilly inside but everything else was fantastic

A most interesting establishment to find in Fettercairn, and on stopping, discovered this Bistro with so many interesting features as well as a great selection of gateaux, pastries, snacks, wonderful soup etc.. Made most welcome by lovely staff members, and certainly recommend a visit to The Arch, whether just for a coffee or something more substantial. You’ll not be disappointed.

Enjoyed our lunch and would recommend the Cullen Skink. Only quibble was the lack of Thai in my Thai Chicken! Not cheap but good quality.

Came for a lunch. Ambience was lovely very welcoming staff.The service was quick and professional.Food was excellent with very good portion sizes.Enjoyed a fine coffee to finish Thought it was very good value for money.Would vert much recommend and will be back.

The table at 4b stank like toilet sewage and the sevice was awful, very ride and impatient, I would avoid this place at all costs

Stooped here on our way back from Dun House as it got good reviews. We entered and I asked if we could sit at a table I pointed to, we were directed to a table cramped in the corner, so no was the answer. Not great as 2 others table are very close, to the point you can clear hear everyones convo. We ordered just drink and cake. After we had eaten 3/4 of our cake we had not received our drink, so I had to go to the desk and ask for them. We finished and I have to say we enjoyed the cakes / scone, but not how close the tables are. Walked past the table I asked to sit at, still empty, to pay. Just paid and a guy said to the staff member, put the drinks through at no charge, A nice and unexpected gesture, however the staff member said "I have already put it through" and that was that, no other comment or solution given, so a hollow gesture and left feeling a bit BLAH. the food we had and what others had looked really good, just circumstance will question if we go back. 1 star taken off for drinks not delivered and one star taken off for hollow gesture.

There’s quite a few local places to eat near to the arch but why chose this one? Well..... this very special little gem is right in the heart of the small Fettercairn village and certainly doesn’t disappoint! The staff are all charming, welcoming and very friendly and are always eager to help make the most of your visit there.

Un posticino dove abbiamo sostato per una breve pausa. Tea, espresso e torta al limone ottima (7£). Tutti molto gentili

Ci siamo imbattuti in questo posto per caso facendo una pausa dal viaggio. Paesino incantato con due negozi, una chiesa, cimitero e questa tea room / ristorante. Arredamento un po’ vecchiotto e kitsch con anche angolo bambini con qualche gioco.

We stopped in for a quick coffee and had the Cullen Skink. It was the best! The cappuccino was excellent, service was quick and with a smile, and the place was neat and clean. Very glad we visited.

Taken to this little place, the first time in my life- Didn't leave disappointed-but happy-just no strife. The food it was delicious-just the very best; And the cakes were to die for- but they catered for my diabetes need..

We have been before but always worth a visit this time for lunch. Had the excellent vegetarian burger for a change very tasty. Service very good and the staff very friendly.

Popped in for lunch, and so glad we did. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the food was amazing. The portions are a decent size so you won't leave hungry! Desserts were also delicious, especially the strawberry tart and the apple & strawberry crumble. Great cup of coffee too, and all reasonably priced. Highly recommend this place, and we'll definitely be back soon :)

If you are travelling north to Morayshire, and why wouldn’t you it’s a wonderful area, it’s worth considering the route over the Cairn a Mount for the view. More to the point, you can stop at the lovely little Arch cafe in Fettercairn where the food and the atmosphere will totally relax you. The food is well prepared and the helpings generous, and the cakes and strawberry tarts are superb.

We popped in to the Arch for breakfast. The food was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The cafe has a cosy, welcome feel to it. We will definitely visit again.

Many thanks to the Arch Cafe for the great service and hospitality when a large group of us visited after a very wet cycle ride over the Cairn O’ Mount. Despite making their floor wet they were very friendly and understanding. Fantastic coffees, quickly served, great bacon rolls and cake.

I have never been so disgusted with the way an owner of a business treats his customers.

The food is superb and the staff are warm and friendly. Would highly recommend to anyone and have before. I went there myself first and today brought my family.

Took us a couple years to get here but it was one of our first things to do on our list this trip! Absolutely wonderful! Hard to decide, so many options, but ended up having the Cullen Skink and it was probably the best I have ever had! The bread was amazing too, I wished I could buy some and take it home! We will be making a second visit later this week. The atmosphere was pleasing and everything was very clean and nicely put together with special touches.The owner greeted us in a sharp purple dress shirt, and made sure to come by several times throughout our meal to check that things were to our liking. The icing on the cake was of course the desert. Again, hard to decide, so we made 3 choices and all shared.

Luxury Chocolate big cup must of been half a pack of marshmallows all the cream and warmed Fruit scones butter and jam. No room for my dinner now.

I pop into the Arch now and then for a coffee or lunch and always leave happy. Friendly staff, inventive menus and fresh cooked food every time.

Was 'welcomed' by an unpleasant, dirty looking gentleman and placed in a very well ventilated (Cold) area at one of the poorly co-ordinated tables.

Definitely recommend a visit to the Arch Cafe in Fettercairn if you are looking for some tasty food! We visit the Arch regularly whether it be for some lunch or to the pop up chipper on a Friday night in fact we spent Christmas Day there last year as we enjoy it so much! We have always been delighted with the food but also love the fact that it is relaxed and staff are so friendly. I have two young kids and although they are well behaved I always used to worry about taking them anywhere for lunch, I have no worries bringing them to the Arch as the staff are so friendly and go that extra mile to make sure they are happy! If you want good food and awesome cakes, def go here! Set in the beautiful little village of Fettercairn the cafe looks onto the historic Arch!

One of my favourite places to go for lunch! Always lovely food and Suberb service, I am a little bit addicted to the lentil soup, delicious! Staff great with my children and nothing is too much trouble, so lucky to have this on our doorstep

I'm a regular at this wonderful wee place and it never disappoints. Fantastic coffee as always and I'm slowly working my way round the lovely cakes and treats. Today, I had Scottish tablet cheesecake and it was superb (sorry no picture as I couldn't wait to try it) and served with a smile!!

Came for lunch with my Mum. Both had the chicken goujons which came with chips, coleslaw & salad. Delicious 👌 Shared the galaxy caramel cheesecake, also very good. Nice place, friendly service, good prices. Will definitely return 😊

From beginning to end our visit was superb. Greeted by warm welcoming staff. Nice selection of food, on a personal note, a good selection of gluten free.

Had steak baguettes with peppercorn sauce for a Sat luncheon catch up with a friend. Clean table and very very tasty lunch. Prices reasonable and staff very friendly. Fully recommend this place if passing through Fettercairn or worth simply taking a trip to this lovely village. Worth booking as we did but that was fortunate as there wasn’t a free table. Home baking looked great but we were too stuffed for another course.

As soon as we entered we were met with a smile and a welcome. Lovely and clean and well set out. Great selection including catering for one of our party who was Gluten free and dairy intolerant. Could not have been more helpful, including consulting the kitchen staff. Would thoroughly recommend a visit to this lovely eateries and a walk round the village.

Came here for a private function (dinner). Throughout the whole experience the staff and owners could not have done more to help us. The set menu that they offered us was fantastic and at a great price. On the night the food was fantastic and the service was second to none. I can't praise these guys enough. They were very accommodating, friendly and helpful. Great place to eat. .. Book with confidence and enjoy

Situated by the impressive Royal Arch in the pretty village of Fettercairn, the Arch Cafe is a top quality place. Attractive decor, very friendly and efficient service, very good food and reasonable prices. I mean - what more could you possibly want?

Been in twice and it's always busy and the staff are friendly. The foods good but each time I have had a very upset stomach so I don't think I'll be back unfortunately.

Really nice place with friendly helpful staff. Pretty good menus should suit most tastes. Well laid out and you don’t feel hemmed in.

Great food, good atmosphere. Really popular, so would recommend that you book a table. Daily specials are great value, staff friendly and attentative.

We stopped here for a quick lunch on our way to visiting the clothes shop opposite. It was encouraging to see how busy & bustling it was & we were lucky to get squeezed in. There seemed to be a wide range of customers including mums & babies & it was good to see how welcome everyone was made to feel. There was a nice , relaxed atmosphere, despite it being busy.

The Arch Café/Bistro in the beautiful village of Fettercairn is an outstanding spot for a bite to eat.

Good choice of food in a small but lovely place. Great value for money and very helpful staff who made us really welcome.

Really enjoyed the meal, really impressive and the staff really made you welcome. Had the steak banquette and the quality and the amount was staggering

Dropped in here with the family, 7 of us, for a bit of a snack.

Walking into the Arch Café is like walking into the place you want to be. Good service, good food, good atmosphere. Always wanted to go back there because it feels good to sit down at the Arch Café and have a relaxed lunch!!

We visited the Arch Cafe for a spot of lunch. Cullen skink soup was amazing and cheesecake to die for, couldn’t manage to finish so it was kindly put in a take away box for finishing later, along with some more tasty goodies.

Having had some disappointing Cullen Skink in another establishment we were apprehensive about the Cullen Skink. However, when it arrived we were blown away at how great it was. Great portion size of beautiful creamy soup served with a lovely hot roll and butter. Great location,great prices and great staff. A gem of a find and we will be back before heading home.

I think it's the only game in town. Busy, hospitable and good food is a fair description. Pleasant team, interesting layout and different salt and pepper shakers (see photo). We liked it and would definitely go back if we're in the area.

Nice lunch with wifes family, cullen skink soup was lovely, but the panini I had was a was pretty basic, nothing about it stood out, just chicken and sweet chilli sauce, have had better paninis in similar places. Good friendly service in a popular busy cafe.

We visited on a rather damp Sunday, fairly late lunchtime. We were welcomed straight away and shown to a table, given menus which really hit the spot. Soup of the day - lentil - for us both was delicious, served with a hot crusty roll each and butter that could actually be spread - neither brick hard from the fridge or disgusting from sitting out in the heat. Battered haddock and chips for my other half went down very well and my peppered steak baguette was crammed with tender steak and came with a serving of chips, salad garnish, coleslaw and extra pepper sauce. Almost managed to finish it, but not quite! Suffice to say there was no room for dessert!

what a lovely café/tea room to come across we were on a day trip out over the hills and stopped for a snack . we were not disappointed our food was lovely and service very friendly and attentive . certainly be back

We stumbled upon this little cafe by accident while i’m a day out. While it had a nice lunch menu we only popped in for coffee and cakes, which were delicious. Friendly staff and speedy service. Nice display of home made cakes, scones etc. A good treat.

Great staff, the food is freshly made and you are always made welcome. The staff know what is in the food and they can make changes if there is something you cannot have, great lunch there again this week. The cakes are all gluten free made on site and are really good. A favoured place for lunch or coffee, well worth a visit.

A family run cafe in the centre of the village of Fettercairn. Family run and with a lovely selection of home baking and extensive drink selection. Prices are reasonable too. We were even invited to taste their home made lemon curd. A real treat of a place and highly recommended.

Had a fantastic lunch at the Arch with my wife and friend. Food was top notch and great selection on menu. If your a cake lover this is the place for you. Family run place well worth a visit

Been going there regularly for last couple of years and have nothing but praise for the service,, food, prices.

We were a family with young children and the staff catered for us brilliantly. The service was prompt (always a requirement when young children are waiting ) and the food was of a good standard, highly recommended.

Great soup. A must have when you visit. Friendly staff. Reasonably priced, comfortable, in nice surrounds,

I would come back to Scotland purely to have lunch here - the peppered steak baguette is truly amazing. The cake range here is fantastic as well. Just short of 5 stars as the prices are a little high in my opinion. Great little cafe though!

We were staying at the Garden cottage at Fasque Castle and stopped in at te Arch Cafe for a coffee and cake. Delicious cakes and good coffee! Lovely local staff, very helpful. Loved it in Fetercairne..

I had previously had lunch here with my partner a couple of months ago and it was absolutely fantastic. I decided to bring my mother for coffee and cake and it lived up to the (very high) expectations I had. The staff were so nice and friendly and accommodating. The coffee was perfect and the cakes to die for. We had cheesecake and even took some biscuits and traybakes home with us.

We have visited as a family on several occasions now.

Often passed through Fettercairn but not stopped. The Arch Cafe was a good ‘find’ for lunch. Cheery & welcoming staff, busy place, nice decor & a super choice of food from cakes to soup and main courses. Excellent value for money, the Cullen Skink soup was fabulous. A definite place to go.