Crashing back through the door like Jack Nicholson in The Shining is Aberdeen Restaurant Week, but instead of bloody murder, bloody good food will be plated up for the festival’s forth run this summer.

When we last saw Aberdeen Restaurant Week (ARW) it was February and where part of me shudders at the fact that we’re now in July the other is jumping with joy that my favourite week returns to the city centre from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 July.

The original ARW concept remains bringing you set menus of two course lunches for £10 and three course dinners for £20 providing unmissable value (and more excuse to eat out). If you’re not fully clued up with ARW, check out my blog from earlier this year that will get you up to speed.

New faces add to this summer’s restaurant line-up along with ARW veterans all itching to wow you with culinary flair through lunch, dinner and tasting menus along with special events. With so many restaurants to talk about this year, here’s my top picks to wet your appetite:

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Cafe 52

Down on The Green sandwiched between stunning Nuart Aberdeen and Painted Doors creations, is Cafe 52 which sits high on my must-eat list. Built into one of the arches of over running Union Street, this intimate and quirky setting creates the perfect chilled night vibes to accompany food that turns tradition on its head and never disappoints.

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Molly’s Bistro

This year I’ll be reviewing Molly’s bistro which I’ve never eaten at before but the menu looks like I’m going to be converted into a regular. Located within the Aberdeen Douglas Hotel on Market Street, Molly’s offers an ARW dinner menu full of traditional dishes along with a competing line-up of desserts that will be a real Sophie’s choice to whittle down to one *cue dramatic music*.

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Sears and AVO

Making a debut on the ARW books is new kids on the Aberdeen Market block AVO and Sears, both bringing vibrant avocado on toast creations and moreish street food to the food-filled week. Both are perfect stops for lunch with quick service working perfectly into a work lunch break that you having to inhale your food.

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Ferryhill House Hotel

Just a short walk from Union Street, Ferryhill House Hotel offers an escape to chilled surroundings that feel miles away from the city centre with its tranquil country house feels. The Ferryhill Haddock Fish & Chips is always a firm favourite of mine!

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Mackie’s 19.2

You may of had “no sweets before dinner” drilled in as a kid, but when Mackie’s 19.2 is in the equation you have to rebel. Offering two crepes, each with an ice cream scoop of your choice and toppings along with hot drink for £10, you’ll melt with sweet joy here. My go to is always the birthday cake ice cream with chocolate straight from the melted chocolate tap (which I always have to refrain from sticking my head under!).

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Howies

If you fancy a bit of fine Scottish dining, Howies is your answer with wholesome food championing the best of local produce. Hearty food lives here and whether it’s a lunch or dinner booking, you’ll leave well fed. Recommend the sticky toffee pudding, it may be the best I’ve ever had (sorry mum).

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Sneap

Popping up in So… on Union Street is Sneap with a menu that changes each day. Showcasing the best of slow food from our local larder, Sneap will put the spotlight on produce from the sky, earth, field and sea tying off with an Organic and Orange Wine Dinner finale.

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So there’s my whistle stop tour of a few of my ARW favourites this summer, but there’s more menus to explore on the ARW restaurant page. Enjoy your week dining out and remember to use #comedinewithus in your social posts.
Keep up to date with my food trips and antics by following my Instagram account.

FYI: This blog has been sponsored by the wonderful team at Aberdeen Inspired and the pictures used are from previous visits not each restaurants ARW menu.