Family Friendly Places to Eat in Aberdeen with Kids
Family Friendly Places to Eat in Aberdeen – A round up the best family friendly restaurants we’ve experienced in Aberdeen! Knives and forks at the ready…
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In no particular order…
Amarone, Union Street
This spacious Italian has a smart yet relaxed vibe with a good selection of pasta dishes, seafood, pizza and a tempting cocktail list too. Watch the pizzas being cooked right before your eyes in a vast oven. The kids menu includes Bolognese Pasta, Pizza Margherita and Al Pomodoro (twisty pasta with tomato sauce). Amarone works for all ages, so you’ll see date nights, families and get togethers, and it always feels like an occasion.
Mackie’s 19.2, Marischal Square
A range of ice cream, sundaes and waffles with lush sauces and toppings make Mackie’s 19.2 a beacon for children. Choose between roughly 20 flavours including a very Aberdonian Strawberry and Buttery flavour! In case you’re wondering the number 19.2 signifies the ice cream parlour’s distance from the home farm in Aberdeenshire. The venue is modern, look out for the leopard statue outside, and maybe drop by the free Provost Skene House afterwards.
Gidi Grill, Union Street
The chef and owner of Gidi Grill are Jamaican and Nigerian, and offer finger licking African and Caribbean inspired food. The first branch of Gidi Grill opened in Dundee, and they’re next move was to Aberdeen. Apparently many of their customers had driven down the A90 from Aberdeen to Dundee just to dine there, so the decision was made to open an Aberdeen restaurant.
The Kids Menu offer homemade Poppin’ Chicken (my kids LOVED this), Fish Goujons and Rump Steak and fries, plus a wee ice cream for desserts. Adults should expect Jerk Chicken, Fried Sweet Plantain, Prawn Skewers and Sticky Pork Ribs. Gorgeous. Also look out for a range of excellent sauces, including the Gidi Hot Green Sauce. The staff are really helpful at explaining the sides and sauces, and what goes with what.
The Caption Morgan’s Rum Cake with rum sauce was delish! In terms of cocktails they look like a holiday in a glass. The Spiced Treacle featured sauced rum, apple juice, Angostura’s bitters and sugar syrup. I’d also recommend Bahama Mam – spiced dark rum, coconut rum, OJ, pineapple juice and grenadine.
We devoured everything placed in front of us!
Cup Tea Salon, Little Belmont Street
With an Alice in Wonderland theme, not only is Cup a colourful and tasty spot for brunch and rainbow bagels it also offers an imaginative children’s menu including a children’s pancake stack or beans on toast. My boys were delighted to indulge in the kids afternoon tea – hot chocolate, cheese, ham or tuna toastie, tortilla crisps, mini pancake with Nutella, mini cake, tortilla crisps and a taster size pic’n’mix. I also liked the sound of the children’s breakfast board with juice, mini cereal, Nutella pancake & a mini bacon/sausage roll.
The Ashvale Fish Restaurant, Great Western Road
You can’t go wrong with quality fish n chips and kids. The Ashvale is a hit with families of all ages. Fish n chips are the signature dish but there’s a range of traditional fare and healthy options on the menu such as poached fish, grilled fish, vegetarian offerings, steaks and burgers. It’s a great location for big family meet ups and informal nights out due to its size and swift service. A notably family friendly destination and a great weekend treat. [Free, ample parking.]
The Pier, Aberdeen Beach
All the wee cafes along the beachfront welcome children. The Pier has a really chilled out vibe, and my son is v keen on the children’s macaroni cheese served there, but the pancake options are also head turning, plus the generous range of ice cream attracts all ages. Open from 8.30 it’s also a popular breakfast joint. Treat yourself after a bracing walk along the beach, whizzing along the length of the promenade by scooter, exploring the traditional fishing village at Footdee or braving the rides at Codona’s Amusement Park. [Free parking but can be busy.]
Greyhope Bay, Torry Battery
Greyhope Bay serves coffee and cake. It isn’t particularly aimed at children but the chance of spotting dolphins frolicking in the waves makes it ideal for all ages. Binoculars are provided on several tables and the sweeping sea views are picturesque whether the wildlife makes an appearance or not! The one time we went we DID see dolphins! Watching the boats go by is also fun, then take time to explore the shoreline, the Torry Battery and take a short walk to the Girdleness Lighthouse. (Free easy parking.)
Ferryhill House Hotel, Bon Accord Street
The one with the playground! As adults dine on Braised Ox Cheek or Pan Seared Duo of Duck, kids can choose mains such as Scampi and Chip or Tomato Tagliatelle off the children’s menu before fuelling up on Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert and hitting the play area. Ferryhill House Hotel has a traditional family vibe in the Ferryhill area of town. (Free car park). Book a room here.
Recharge, Bon Accord Centre
A charitable cafe in one of the busiest shopping centres in Aberdeen, Recharge gives you a time-out with your kids. With little tables and chairs and a play zone for children, parents can relax here.The silver lining is that all the profits go to Charlie House, a charity improving the quality of life for children in the North-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. (Shopping Centre Car Park at Harriet Street or Loch Street)
I will continue to add to this post as time goes by, so feel free to contact me with your recommendations.
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Family Walks in Aberdeen & Shire
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Great list of places to take with the kids in tow! We used to regularly go for a walk along the beach then a late breakfast at the Sandollar.
Glad you share good memories of Sand Dollar too. Their black pudding and scallops was one of my favourites as Mr Baby dozed after a hectic morning swimming!
Always great to have some family-friendly places to eat recommended- I hate always reverting to chains but sometimes you just want a place with a good menu and facilities or toys and it’s not easy to tell at times. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
The chains do a great service for families but there are plenty of other gems too.
A great list of places. You certainly have some good eateries in Aberdeen and great when they have good additional facilities for children. I’m very intrigued by the Turkish delight ice cream! #citytripping
It’s definitely a winner 🙂 !
I like the sound of Fly Cup’s ethos. My mother-in-law is from Aberdeenshire, but I’ve never visited. You’re tempting me with all this talk of tasty morsels! #citytripping
Everyone’s a winner with an ethos like that combined with great cakes! Yes, you should visit some time.
Wow, your experience is really valuable. Great information!
Thanks. I love finding good food when I travel so thought I’d share some local knowledge.
Thanks so much. Finding somewhere for quality family dining makes a difference to me.