Written by Colin Fraser
If the title hasn’t given it away, this week’s article is of course all about the newbies to the city. From Asian hot pots to BBQ grills and Irn Bru to brews with a view – the past couple of months have been jam packed.
Foodies across the North-east were like Beliebers at a Justin Bieber concert when news broke of Six by Nico coming to Aberdeen. Its opening last month pushed senses into overdrive.
Launching with ‘The Chipper’ menu featuring chip shop classics, to say it has went down a storm would be an understatement. Now three weeks into its six week menu run, diners are experiencing the likes of chips and cheese, smoked sausage, steak pie and the renowned battered mars bar amongst its six tasting courses.
Out of the box menu items all plated stylishly and delivered with lots of flair (the smoked sausage dish arrived in a cloud of peat-like smoke), it’s a true bit of food theatre on the go here.
As for the taste, prepare to have your socks blown off with each dish meticulously crafted to unleash impeccable flavour. The battered mars bar came with an Irn Bru sorbet which took me right back to my childhood chomping on an Irn Bru bar. That’s the power of Six by Nico.
The value for money here is incredible too with the tasting menu priced at £37 per person or add on paired wines with each course for £67. It’s a stellar dining experience that won’t break the bank whatever dining route you choose.
Photography by @thefoodhooveruk
Photography by @thefoodhooveruk
I was sad to hear the news that Cognito on the Corner was closing its doors but sadness turned to glee with its new resident. Now the building reads Milton on the Corner and picks up pretty much where its predecessor left off – and by that I mean, full tables.
Still promising a quality Scottish menu influenced by local food producers, tastes of land and sea are brought together under one roof. I’m delighted to see the sharing boards live on through its menu, the Fisherman’s Board is a must packed with king prawns, smoked salmon, langoustine tails – the works.
The stylish restaurant flows around its central (and stunning) bar allowing temptation to lure diners in to try its selection of cocktails and tasteful selection of Scottish spirits – not forgetting the gin flights.
Putting it simply, it’s an ideal spot to dine and relax.
Photography by @miltononthecorner
The ovens are back on and the patisserie equipment is out of hiding with the delightful reopening of Hazelnut Patisserie last month.
Back for another season with new cakes and a new layout, Braemar’s heavenly resident returns with Instagrammable tarts and desserts all delicately handcrafted. Its selection of sandwiches, quiche, Warm Farm Pies and coffee are also on hand to take away for a day exploring the Cairngorms National Park.
Find out more about Hazelnut Patisserie in my best places for cakes and bakes article.
Photography by @hazelnutpatisserie
Photography by @hazelnutpatisserie
The seaside escape that’s been years in the making has finally set sail. The community space and visitor centre of Greyhope Bay has opened at Torry Battery offering the prime spot for Dolphin spotting.
Grab a coffee and cake from Liberty Kitchen who run its first cafe in the space and take in the stunning seascape. Talking of cake, local bakers are well represented here with the likes of Fat Batch, The Bread Guy’s Bakery, Sourcloud Bakes and Vegan Bay Baker being stocked.
The venue has already had a visit from Nicola Sturgeon, an engagement and droves of visitors. Quite the starting month and much more to come.
Photography by @greyhopebay
The arrival of Marischal Square some years ago has definitely helped change the look of the city centre. Replacing the tired looking home of the city council and replacing it with a shiny new development bringing business and leisure together in one vibrant setting.
Here you’ll find Mackie’s 19.2 (the ice cream parlour of Mackie’s of Scotland), All Bar One and is soon to be the location of the much anticipated food hall concept Resident X. But most recently, Maggie’s Grill is set to set up shop in the coming months.
Desired locally as a prime spot for New Orleans style soul food, its current home on Holburn Street can be a tricky spot to pin down a table in. Now the restaurant expands to cover both sides of Union Street offering diners a share of the grill.
I join those who never manage to get a table and I can’t wait to get in amongst the fried chicken waffles, dreamy bbq brisket and glorious specials.
Photography by @maggiesgrill
It’s a new home for Pad Thai Hotpot & Grill which moved from the now demolished Aberdeen Market to 189 Union Street.
Thai street food wonders continue on the first floor of its new premises and on the floor above, a new Asian hotpot and grill experience adds to the mix. The new hotpot and grill concept offers an interactive cooking experience where diners choose their selection of meats, vegetables to sear, fry and dine their way to the streets of Bangkok.
I’ve not managed to visit yet, but when I do, I’ll be in my element.
Photography by @padthaihotpotgrill
There’s one thing that comes in close competition with a new food hit and that’s a menu refresh. Aberdam launched onto the food scene through the food haven that was the Backyard Beach Collective that kept us locals in hearty supply of good food during the pandemic months.
Now growing at pace, Aberdam now joins another food community at Shiprow Village firing out loaded dutch inspired fries and filthy burgers (that’s what the kids these days call delicious) dripping with goodness.
You’ll not be short of temptation here with “naughty” (another word for delicious) breakfast buns, poutine and scampi fresh from the Amity Fish Company net along with new veggie and vegan options fixing to the menu. Cookie pies and brookies are here to stay as the irresistible doorstep bakes from Fat Batch permanently add to the menu too.
If you fancy getting stuck into craft beer from Fierce Beer, you can now take a seat in its bar just seconds up the cobbles and get Aberdam delivered to your table.
Photography by @aberdam.abz
Photography by @aberdam.abz
That takes us to the end of another round of highlights of the newest arrivals to the local food scene. There’s more bubbling in the distance, so keep your eye out for my next article.
Excuse me while I go wait at the back door of Six by Nico and try to get my hands on its Irn Bru sorbet stash!
To keep up with my food escapades, follow on Instagram, read the blog and listen to the Dishin’ It podcast.
