THOUSANDS of diners have been flocking to restaurants, cafes and bars across Aberdeen to enjoy this summer’s Aberdeen Restaurant Week, which enters its final week today (Monday, August 14).
Many restaurants have seen a huge increase in bookings since the foodie fortnight got underway on August 7, with several reporting they have been fully booked.
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Social media channels have also been buzzing with positive reviews and photos of creative cocktails and tempting food from across the globe, including Thailand, India, Spain and the Caribbean.
Sixty eateries are taking part in the event, including the latest additions to the line-up – Gidi Grill on Union Street, The Exchange on Exchange Street, Smoke and Soul on Littlejohn Street, Milk Jug Café on Upperkirkgate, The Copthorne Hotel on Huntly Street and The Jewel in the Crown on Crown Street.
Until Sunday (August 20), diners can continue to enjoy a huge variety of exclusive food and drinks offers.
Each venue has curated a special offering for Aberdeen Restaurant Week, from delicious tasting menus and decadent afternoon tea to sharing platters with wine and three course dinners, starting from just £10 per person.
Organised by Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre BID, Aberdeen Restaurant Week gives local cafes, restaurants and bars a platform to promote their food and drink offering while driving footfall into the city.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the second Aberdeen Restaurant Week of 2023 has proved to be hugely popular already, following on from the success of a similar event in January.
“Once again, we’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing response to Aberdeen Restaurant Week,” he said. “We’ve seen many restaurants reporting they are fully booked and there’s been lots of positive reviews, photos and recommendations being shared online and on social media.
“We have 60 different restaurants, cafes and bars taking part – the highest number ever – so there’s something on offer for everyone, whether that’s an old favourite or a chance to try a completely different cuisine.
“With just one week to go, we’d encourage everyone to book a table before Sunday, and also enjoy time exploring the city centre, taking in a show or live music, exploring theNuart pieces or the Big Hop Trail or doing some shopping while they are here in Aberdeen.”
Speaking about Aberdeen Restaurant Week, Nico Simeone chief executive and owner of Six by Nico, said: “We are very happy to be taking part in Aberdeen Restaurant Week at Six by Nico. It’s a great way to get involved in the local community and it’s great to see the support the hospitality industry receives from Aberdeen Restaurant Week – Aberdeen has such a thriving food scene that we’re proud to be part of!
“We hope to welcome many familiar and new faces to our restaurant, whether for a celebration or a last-minute treat, we hope to welcome you to experience all that Six by Nico has to offer.”
Elena Ionascu, owner of the Da Vinci Italian Restaurant, said: “A passion for cooking and Italian food is at the heart of everything we do. We are the only certified Authentic Italian Restaurant in Scotland, and we are proud to use local ingredients to create authentic Italian and Tuscan cuisine in the heart of Aberdeen.
“We are delighted to be taking part in Aberdeen Restaurant Week; it is a fantastic initiative which gives us a chance to showcase our delicious food and lets diners experience the delights of Italian dining without leaving Aberdeen. We are offering wood fired pizza for two people for £25 or a two-course menu for £20 each, or three courses for £25 each.
“We have seen an increase in footfall since Aberdeen Restaurant Week started last week, with a mix of new and returning customers taking advantage of our offers. The feedback we have received to date has been extremely positive with one reviewer going as far as to call us a ‘hidden gem’.”
Four-legged friends are also welcome at Aberdeen Restaurant Week, with venues including Big Manny’s Pizza, Olive Alexanders, The Pig’s Wings and the Common Sense Coffee House and Bar at Union Terrace Gardens all welcoming dogs.
For more information about Aberdeen Restaurant Week and browse the menus, visit https://www.aberdeeninspired.com/festival/restaurant-week
