It can be debated that when a loved film returns, the sequel, prequel or (in the case of The Fast and Furious) eighth film never quite live up to its debut. However when it comes to the return of Aberdeen Restaurant Week (ARW), it only gets better. 

This is my fourth term serving as an ARW Brand Ambassador and every year Aberdeen’s food-fuelled week comes back to the city it brings a new eatery or new offer into the mix and this year is no different. Here’s my whistle stop tour to get up to speed with ARW and discover what’s new for this year:

FYI this post is part of a paid partnership with Aberdeen Inspired.

What’s it all about? 

So in short, ARW is an initiative co-ordinated Aberdeen Inspired (the city’s business improvement district) to give residents and visitors the opportunity to explore city centre restaurants by offering a cost-effective set menu to demonstrate the vibrant tastes of the city.

Tell me more, how does it work? 

Each restaurant creates a bespoke menu or activity only available during ARW, which is what makes the week so special. For lunch you get two courses for £10 per person and dinner three courses for £20 per person – what’s not to love? All you have to do is book with your restaurant of choice and quote “Aberdeen Restaurant Week” to take advantage of the offer.

And if you love a bargain, there are some other offers available like 2 for 1 bus tickets and 10% off taxis to take advantage of. Check them out here. 

Ooft, sounds good! When does it start? 

Forks and napkins at the ready, ARW is under a week away returning on Monday 24 February and runs through to Sunday 1 March. 

Aw winner, I’m free! Where can I dine? 

There’s over 40 restaurants to explore worldwide cuisines like the tastes of Italy, fiery flavours of Mexico or keep it local with a hearty Scottish meal. Plan ahead and get your hit list together by investigating the ARW website and see who’s on the books for this year – there’s a few new faces this year. 

What’s new for 2020?

And to make the week even more food fuelled, food tours and cookery classes have been added this year’s line-up. 

Tour around the city centre with Grampian Escapes and Tours on its Street Food Experience Tour taking in the tastes of The Carribean, South America and Argentina. Start off under the eyes of Poised (the glimmering Leopard) in Marischal Square before hopping over the road to The Pigs Wings for some Currywurst, then up to Belmont Street to Latin Way for tacos, around the corner to Tango Turtle for a bowl of Callalou and ending at Mackie’s 19.2 for ice cream. 

The cookery classes aren’t to be missed either. From getting up close to the thai cooking process with Chaophraya, learning how to make pasta from scratch at Pasta in the Aberdeen Market or discovering the science behind Indian cuisine with Namaste Delhi – there’s a class that will teach new skills to take home to cook up a storm in your kitchen. 

I’m loving the sound of this, what else can I do?  

In addition to the lunch, dinner, tour and cookery class options you can dive into tasting menus, attend events and keep it classy with afternoon teas at selected eateries. Visit the ARW website to find out where you can bag these. 

One to note is Cafe Boheme which not only has a tasting menu of five courses each paired with wines (the red wine glazed ox cheek sounds unreal) but also has its Sunday Jazz event with three courses and live music from Sidewinder for £30. More details here.

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That should be you up to speed with what to expect from February’s edition of ARW and the only thing left to do now is to pin down your eats, get dining and (if you’re like me) post one too many food pics including #comedinewithus in your social posts. 

My review of La Lombarda will be live later this week and keep an eye on my Instagram / Instagram stories and Facebook page as I document where else I’ll be hitting up during ARW. And if that’s not enough, venture over to my ARW blog page to read up on my past reviews.