The best restaurants in Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside Aberdeenshire North East Scotland

Reviewed this place positively well over a year ago and - if anything - it is even better. Customers were queueing out the door and along the pavement. The staff, though very busy, seem to juggle every task with good nature and fun. Kelly, in particular, is amazing. The food is always fresh, hot and tasty. Just a pity it's not open 7 days, but then, everybody is entitled to time off and this is quality, not quantity. The home baking is in a class of its own.

This venue has sadly burnt down. However we stayed at the Braemar Lodge Cabins and they were absolutely 5 star

Two meals in same week. First was fine but elevated by enthusiastic young waiter, second was marred by incredibly disinterested staff (middle aged women and I’m one so I feel free to say that). Had to ask for tap water and they only brought 1 glass, my husband missed out. My bad, I won’t try a third time!

Popped in here for breakfast, Absolutely perfect food and huge portion, really friendly staff and atmosphere. Highly recommend to everyone!

We had an afternoon tea for Emily’s upcoming birthday. Wonderful selection of sandwiches sausage rolls, scones and strawberry tarts as well as numerous tray bakes and jam and cream. Absolutely delicious

Have tried to visit here on three separate occasions and unfortunately still not able to get through the door. Having driven past and seen scones and coffee advertised we stopped but were greeted with a multitude of signs saying it was residents only and you had to call in advance . Driving past a week later we thought we would stop again having seen the sign out the day before. Again we weren’t able to cross the threshold . It’s a shame it’s a nice looking place and it ihas outdoor space that literally in a year I have seen one couple sitting at . I’m not sure what’s going on - perhaps staffing issues but I’m not sure I’ve gone to a stranger place that advertises on a public raid that it has refreshments but then doesn’t let you in

Great food, steak and fish cooked to perfection, served with really good chips. Went for deserts too, which we don’t normally go for, butter tablet ice cream hit the spot.

We have had many meals here. Sit in and take away. Staff are amazing. The menu has something to suit all including kids. Take away food is equally as good and very good value for money. You get what you pay for. The owner is very passionate about what he does. We have never been anywhere else for Indian food since he took over. 10/10

Une cuisine innovante et originale, une très bonne ambiance. Il est préférable de réserver une table. Surtout essayer le haggis revisité, je ne me souvient pas du nom du plat mais sous forme de croquettes avec une émulsion de pomme de terre ! Incroyablement bon... Les autres plats aussi sont excellents.

We visited this Cafe after a long walk in the forest. Dogs are welcome inside the cafe. Inside there is a log burning stove, which was very welcome, the cafe had a nice rustic feel they do there own baking and my wife described the scone as the best she had. The coffee was lovely. We had visited the Cafe at the Cheese makers across the road which was very nice but had to sit outside with the dog. We will certainly be back here, probably for a lunch next time.

Had a copy beer in this very comfy pub. Great atmosphere.

My husband and I, along with 2 of our daughters spent Saturday 19th April here; the girls had organised the trip for my birthday as we live on Deeside. Although there is a good deal of refurbishment ongoing the essence of the place remains intact and I hope that will remain so. The girls were accommodated in the Kennels which were (their description) "cute" with all necessary comforts and a lovely view across the walled garden. My husband and I had a queen room with a spectacular view over the Deeside hills and a glimpse of the famous Cambus O May bridge. Although staffing is minimal the assistance does not disappoint. The cheerful Brazilian (sorry I don't know his name) barman and housekeeper was so helpful and very busy but was always willing to help with anything required. Our comfortable room was clean and warm and had a bath as well as a shower. Our evening meal was good and the fire in the lounge was a lovely addition to the ambience. Unlike other reviewers we had no problem with noise from other residents. Would recommend this hotel for an experience of old world charm and hospitality with a little quirkiness thrown in! Great stopping off hotel for the Royal Deeside tour.

Absolutely the perfect place to have afternoon tea and our anniversary dinner this year! Gorgeous surroundings, delicious and well-curated food selections, and the most outstanding service. We couldn’t help but feel a bit like royalty during our afternoon tea in the living room and during our anniversary dinner the next evening in the dining room. The staff is so welcoming and elevates the experience to world class levels. And can we talk about the wine list? Beyond excellent! We capped off our dinner meal with a few fabulous cocktails from Elsa’s and enjoyed them by the fire with the piano adding more beauty to the ambience. Memories were created that will keep us thankful and smiling until the next time we make it to Braemar and The Fife Arms. Thank you to all the staff at The Clunie and Elsa’s Bar

Friendly little village pub with a good atmosphere 🍻