The best restaurants in Aberdeenshire North East Scotland

It's rare that I would travel two hours just to have lunch but the Tarmachan is one of only two places in Scotland that make that grade. It's not the poshest or the fanciest or the biggest, but it is superb. Not just for the freshness and quality of the products on offer, most of which appear to be home made, but for the originality. The choice is not vast (it can't be for a small place) but everything on offer is tempting. Often there is just one thing on a menu that appeals but at the Tarmachan I would happily have eaten my way through all of it (not all at once of course). Combine that with excellent, friendly, informative service, an interior that is as original as the food, and just as well made, and you have a winning combination that is exceptionally rare. That it sits within easy reach of Balmoral Castle is all the more remarkable. You might not live two hours away but it is worth making a trip to enjoy its delights.

I had heard great things about this place. Unfortunately it did not deliver, staff not very attentive, could not pre order online (tried phoning and messaging to pre order) to no avail. Only got asked if we wanted a drink after 15minutes of being sat down (wasn't busy at this time either) food arrived I had the brisket meal (chips,A&H coleslaw & jalapeño crisies were very nice thank you, but the brisket not so much was very dry I put the bbq sauce and coleslaw on to make it palatable. Would not recommend!

This is a perfect stop off on a coastal walk from St Cyrus to Inverbervie. We had coffee and my son chose a rocky road cake to refuel.

Popped in for a takeaway coffee. Wished I’d had time to stop and eat. This is a very funky place. Coffee was great and the staff friendly. Liked like great cakes.

This was our second visit to Gardenstown. Last time we just had coffee and cake in this lovely café. We stopped for lunch this time and enjoyed delicious soup. For such an out of the way village, this café is always busy. It’s well worth a visit.

We have come to Ballater for years .. this is a new kid on the block . Small menu but that makes this all the better .. Had a delicious Cajun chicken burger on a toasted brioche bun .. delicious ! Lovely staff , modern cosy eatery . Couldn't fault it ... Love it .

This was one of the best pubs I visited while in Scotland !!!! The owner Michelle is amazing !!! They have great fish and chips , a great pool table , karaoke machine but most of all the sweetest funnest staff ever Darin was a kind attentive bar tender and Julie was a fun great cook !!!! You are lucky if you get to stumble apon this charming little town and pub .

Really great choice. Service and food were great. My bacon and brie sandwich with chilli James served with crisps, salad and a wonderful coleslaw was just really tasty and filling. Toasted cheese and ham sandwich made to order looked great. Pea soup was really good. Just a great stop for a really posh sandwich lunch ( prices reflect that it's.more than just a sandwich shop - so that's fair).

Great cafe. Good choice of teas, coffees etc. Lovely scones and cakes. Choice of 6 types of gluten free biscuits. Service quick and efficient. Great views over golf course

Lovely food & great service, would highly recommend the daily specials are fab!! Homemade macaroni pies & burgers are the best

Came here for Sunday lunch whilst visiting st Cyrus for the weekend after seeing the reviews of the Sunday roast. Waitress was friendly and the food arrived piping hot and the portions were huge! The roast beef was so good just melted in the mouth. The sticky toffee pudding and custard was so good aswell and all reasonably priced. Would recommended and will be back to try more of the menu when in the area.

Visited here for Sunday "carvery" whilst staying onsite. Service was excellent by all staff members, however we were expecting a carvery where you help yourself to a selection of roast meats and veg. This wasn't the case it was just a regular Sunday roast prepared in the kitchen and served at your table. The roast itself was very average,the only veg being peas and carrots along with cheap tasting pigs in blankets. This was priced at around £21 pp for 2 courses,I think it was done as cheap as possible. Although the food tasted absolutely fine it was by no means anything other than average and definitely not a carvery.

Great food with a good variety and all bases covered between more creative sandwiches and your 'basics' like ham and cheese. Fantastic coffee, freidnly staff and a lovely setting being in an old bank (with vault still in place!) Highly recommend!

This restaurant/hotel was closed for a while and this was our first chance to visit since it reopened. The service was excellent as was the food. Good restaurants seem to be few and far between nowadays. All we get are national brands, so its good to see an independent offering a great night out.

Cafe noir was just amazing! I walked in with a kind welcome from the staff! Very friendly and quick with the order. The food was delicious. 5/5 experience!