How to get the full flavour of Aberdeen during the Tall Ships

The Courier

30-05-2025

As the majestic Tall Ships sail into Aberdeen this July, the city will be buzzing with excitement, music, and celebration. But those visiting this spectacular event may also want to set sail on their own culinary journey while in town.
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Aberdeen is host to an extraordinary variety of dining experiences with a mix of cuisines and settings to suit any taste. You can eat street food on the go or sit down to a slap-up meal in luxurious surrounds. You can enjoy traditional local delicacies like the famous rowie or savour seafood to die for.
Wherever your tastebuds want to take you, you're sure to find it in Aberdeen.
Here's our guide to grabbing a bite during The Tall Ships.
The Silver Darling, located just a stone's throw from the Tall Ships action at the harbour, offers a sophisticated seafood experience with panoramic views of the North Sea. This is the perfect place to sample the best of local catch, with dishes like North Sea cod and haddock. You can also savour delicacies such as langoustines and rock oysters. It's a great spot to enjoy the best of Aberdeen's seafood while lapping up the stunning sea views.
Meanwhile, The Pier is ideal for an informal bite on the beachfront. You can get breakfast, brunch and lunch with tasty treats like baked potatoes, ciabattas and wraps. It will be running special promotions throughout The Tall Ships and will feature a pop-up café from sister venue Shipyard Streetfood.
Just across the water, Greyhope Bay offers coffee and light bites with breathtaking views from its glass-fronted café. Perched beside a dolphin-watching spot, you can sip your cappuccino while scanning the water for a tail fin or two.
Away from the beachfront there are plenty of options to enjoy Aberdeen's food and drink scene, with many venues offering special Tall Ships offerings.For instance, 210 Bistro, which overlooks the port on South Market Street, is a stylish eaterie with its own Tall Ships Menu. You can enjoy delicacies such as roast monkfish and Speyside fillet steak while looking out at the impressive fleet.
Gio's by La Lombarda on King Street also has a special 'Taste of the Sea' menu during The Tall Ships and will be extending its opening hours. Savour some succulent seafood with an Italian twist at this popular trattoria.
Meanwhile, Mackie's 19.2 in Marischal Square Courtyard is celebrating the event with some limited-edition ice creams. Sailors Delight mixes bourbon vanilla with sea salted caramel ripple and crushed salted pretzels. The Sea Breeze Sorbet is a mint and lime combination that is sure to tickle the tastebuds.
Other great spots for dining in the heart of Aberdeen include Bistro Verde on The Green with its fabulous seafood offering and the Nepalese and Indian dishes of 8848 on Union Street.
Bon Accord Terrace's Cafe Harmony specialises in Sicilian cuisine using fresh local ingredients and Foodstory on Thistle Street is a vegan and vegetarian café with a range of delicious plant-based cakes.
Meanwhile, Shiprow Village was once a centre of trade in Aberdeen and now plays host to independent bars, cafés and pop up venues.
The Tall Ships event itself will host a huge array of food trucks that will deliver tantalising treats to racegoers.
The line-up of more than 50 trucks will cater to every taste imaginable from Mexican burritos to Chinese noodles, Korean street food or freshly baked Italian pizzas. There will be fish and chips, burgers and fries, salt n'chilli chicken and vegan and veggie options. You can pick up barista coffees and sweet treats such as fudge and donuts.
Among the operators catering at the event will be well known local names such as Calum's Kitchen, Quismat Street Food, Little Molly's Cheesecake, Drumsleed and Watermelon Catering.
Grab a bite while you take a tour of the ships.
No trip to Aberdeen is complete without trying a rowie, or buttery. A nod to the city's seafaring roots, these flaky, salty rolls were originally made to sustain fishermen at sea. You'll find them at bakeries and cafes across the city. Why not try The Bread Maker on Rosemount Viaduct, a fantastic social enterprise and artisan bakery. Pair your rowie with a hot drink and you'll see why they are such a local favourite.
If your tastes run to the sophisticated, then Aberdeen city centre is also home to some Michelin Guide restaurants. Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish on Rubislaw Terrace also has two AA Rosettes to recommend it and is a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. It offers whisky tasting and private dining, in addition to its fabulous a la carte menu.
Not far away on Windmill Brae, Café Boheme is hailed by the guide for its 'modernity and creativity'. Diners can savour imaginative fare such as pork belly with Toulouse stuffing or spiced cauliflower blini, along with a range of fine wines.