Cocktails and cuisine: Where to dine during Aberdeen Cocktail Week
13 May 2025
Drinking cocktails is hungry business and there’s no better way to enjoy a day or evening out than with some quality food. Aberdeen Cocktail Week returns this year with its first spring event taking place on Wednesday May 14 until Sunday May 25.
With 27 venues taking part, and four new ones added to the roster, there are a whole host of venues where you can dig into delicious dishes as well as the signature cocktails being served for the festival. Most of the signature drinks served start from £5, with other specials starting from £6 and up with a festival wristband. A series of one-off events will also take place during the festival period with cocktail quizzes, crafting experiences and more all lined-up. Wristbands can be purchased for the 12-day event from £7 at www.aberdeencocktailweek.com.
Fancy grabbing a bite to eat while you’re out and about? Here are some of the top places to do so:
Soul Bar
Not only is Soul on Union Street serving up a range of special drinks this Aberdeen Cocktail Week, but they’ve got a menu stacked with comfort food dishes. With everything from fish tacos, haggis bon bons, salt and pepper calamari and nachos to start, not to mention classics including fish and chips, fajitas and a beef and marrow pie, there’s plenty to tuck into. I recommend the black pudding Scotch egg followed by katsu curry for those who are hungry. The steak sandwich is also a Soul favourite and is definitely worth trying out. If you’re dining out during the week get two courses for £20 between 4-7pm, Monday to Friday.
Malmasion
Known for its quality grill offering, including some of the best steaks in Aberdeen, Malmaison on Queen’s Road is a top choice for dining out in the city. The venue’s main a la carte menu is packed with treats such as lamb rump navarin, harissa grilled aubergine, grilled pork chop, pan-fried hake and more. They also have a Sunday roast menu with an unlimited Chef’s Table selection of starters, and a choice of mains and desserts if you’re out for drinks on Sunday.
The Tilted Wig
If mouth-watering burgers more your thing, then The Tilted Wig on Castle Street is where you need to head. You’ll also find a menu brimming with hot dogs, creamy mac and cheese with various toppings and a whole host of loaded fries. It’s comfort food at its finest. They also have Aberdeen’s biggest rum collection with more than 100 rums on offer.
Tarragon on the Terrace
Established by well-known local chef Graham Mitchell in September 2024, Tarragon on the Terrace is his second venture in the city. Ideally located across from Union Terrace Gardens, the venue offers small and large plates for diners to mix and match dishes as they please. Small plates such as chicken satay, fishcakes, salt and pepper king prawns are sure to whet the appetite. Braised shin of beef ragu, braised pork belly, Shetland mussels and Picanha steak all feature on the large plates offering and are well worth sampling.
No.10 Bar and Restaurant
Known for its quality and contemporary Scottish fare, as well as nodding to classic modern favourites, No.10 Bar & Restaurant is a well-regarded establishment based in Aberdeen’s West End. It’s location on Queen’s Terrace makes it a popular pit stop of those living and working in the city, and its separate bar and restaurant areas also make it popular for drinkers and diners. Head chef Andy Stephen focuses on and is proud to plate up local, seasonal produce at every opportunity.
The Firepit by Smoke and Soul
For those who love barbecue and smoked meat, The Firepit by Smoke and Soul on Littlejohn Street can’t be missed. The Build Your Own options see guests pick between skin-on fires, tater tots or mac and cheese to top with a multitude of meats and toppings, and there’s an array of small plates including buffalo wings, halloumi fries, pork carnitas and Tex Mex nachos to pick from. You’ll find burgers aplenty here too, with juicy patties boasting bacon, cheese, brisket and more available. Grab a dipping pot to dunk them into either gravy or cheese sauce, you won’t regret ordering one. And don’t overlook the dessert menu.
Moossh Wine Bar and Cafe
If you’re in the West End of Aberdeen then Moossh should be high on your list of places to visit to grab a cocktail and pizza. It’s chilled, relaxed and stylish interior and ambiance make it welcoming no matter the time of day. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee in the morning, sipping cocktails in their outdoor seating area during the day, or enjoying a glass of wine and a hearty dish in the evening, the team at Moossh will deliver a quality experience.
Other venues taking part in Aberdeen Cocktail Week that serve food include:
- Amarone
- Arcadia Games and Bar (pizza)
- Café Andaluz
- Codona’s
- McGinty’s Meal an’ Ale
- Monty’s Wine Bar and Café (charcuterie)
- The Albyn
- The Braided Fig
- The Noose and Monkey
- The Spiritualist
- Under the Hammer (charcuterie)
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