The Silver Darling

What a little gem of a place on the harbour at Aberdeen. It's warm, welcomimg and stylish with a fantastic menu. This place was recommended to me by a friend who lives in Aberdeen, so when the opportunity of a short break arose we decided to book The Silver Darling for a "girls night out". If you don't know, 'silver darling' refers to herrings, and the 'herring girls' who followed the migration of the fish down the east coast of Scotland and England, gutting and preparing the fish for sale. Anyway, back to the food... the menu is full of of fresh, local fish and seafood, with the addition of a daily special starter and main course. We opted for the Cullen Skink (smoked haddock and potato soup) and the daily special of lobster gratin for starters, followed by the seafood linguine and the pan-fried halibut for mains. The halibut came with a celeriac cream, kale and herby mashed potatoes. The linguine was served with a whole langoustine. The food was of excellent quality, well prepared and perfectly presented. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and were knowledgeable about the menu. We had a fantastic evening, if I'm in Aberdeen again The Silver Darling will most definitely be in on my 'to do' list. Definitely recommended if you find yourself in this part of the world.

Weird location on the waterfront port in a commercial area. Not a bad thing - just unusual. Service was a bit lacking due to scarce wait staff. Also waited a long time between appetizers and main meal. Had to flag wait staff to ask about our meal and “coincidentally” it was magically ready after asking. Suspect it was sitting under heat lamps for a bit. Food was hit/miss. The chilled oysters and haggis bites were good as an appetizer. The halibut main course was dry but the seafood linguine was very tasty. Dessert was fine but in the end, only a mediocre experience.

We stopped for lunch 8 of us , we hadn’t booked, but the staff quickly made up a table for us. Great location at the end of the harbour with views watching the ships sail into dock. The restaurant is decorated to reflect the nautical location, loved the Aberdeen fish market catches wall. We chose from an extensive fish menu ( meat & veggie options available) mussels, Cullen Skin soup fish and chips and a burger. Everyone enjoyed their lunch. We were on a flyer to the airport, it would have been good to linger longer at the Silver Darling.

This place had so many reviews we went for my daughter‘s 15th birthday and we’re completely disappointed first of all the pictures make you believe that you’re going to be getting a Seaview seat in a glass building… well that building was next to the actual glass building, the staff were rude as we tried to get their attention to be seated ignored us for like 15 minutes and they weren’t even full, our food was very bland had to add lemon and pepper to even enjoy it, the atmosphere would of been great if our waitress wasn’t so grumpy, I told my waitress and the staff about five times that it was my daughter’s 15th birthday and was hoping they would sing for her birthday but instead I had to prompt them three times to even bring out her ice cream that we had already paid for, the food quality was like a mediocre fast food restaurant (I know the pictures of the food might look good but I have had better in places less fancier than this, and I loved it - “TORBAYS OF HYTHE IS STILL #1” when it comes to fish & chips!) it was an experience we won’t ever forget, and I doubt we will ever come back. 2 Star restaurant at best.

This is one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen. Located by the pier and beach, the ocean views are lovely. Staff were wonderful, friendly, helpful, and professional. The wine and drinks selections are excellent, with something for everyone. The star of the show, though, is the delicious and inventive food. I had the halibut, which was fresh and delicious, and served with baby potatoes and runner beans in a remarkably delicious sauce. My husband had the hake, perfectly cooked, with fennel salad, garlic mash, and this amazing roasted pureed garlic with basil oil. Delicious! We shared the sticky toffee pudding and misogyny caramel sauce with ice cream that was so indulgent and such an inventive take on the ubiquitous dessert. A perfect meal!

Wonderful restaurant in Aberdeen, in the harbour area, overlooking the sea. The crab soup as a starter was the best dish I could have chosen. We went with friends I was travelling with to Scotland, to try the fish and chips, and we were not disappointed at all!

We arrived early but were seated quickly which we appreciated. We had crab soup and the special of carpaccio of sea bass to start - both sublime, and haddock and chips and hake for the main. The haddock was meaty but batter tasted of nothing and slightly under fried. We finished with sticky tide pudding which was tasty. Service was more cafe than restaurant. Overall- okay but could be elevated which I think most patrons would want.

I booked dinner by myself here for my 55th birthday. I was traveling there to Scotland and especially to Aberdeen as part of research researching my families ancestors. The food was pretty good, but I was a little underwhelmed. I ordered halibut because it’s my absolute favorite and it was overcooked. I think my waitress after a little while became busy with other tables and I felt like I didn’t get much service and it took quite a while to get my bill. Based on reviews and people talking I expected more. The location and views were amazing. I will say that the sticky toffee pudding was the best I had in Scotland. I would still recommend!

We blindly booked this based on reviews while we were touring the University. Amazing food and service! And can't beat the view. Would go back in a heartbeat!

We went to the Silver Darling with four in the evening. The positives remain, a great view with ships passing by and the food quality is excellent. We had great starters, mains and desserts, mainly fish but also the meat dishes are great and the specials are nice as well. We were a bit disappointed by the fact you really have to ask for bread and when it comes it is not a lot with a strange tasting butter. Most unfortunate was that we were forgotten for quite a while before being served. They apologised, but service can be inconsistent.

Love this place, came here with a group of guys on a golf trip and it was the best food we had in Aberdeen by far. Love the view of the harbor and the ships passing and the dolphins playing. I had the fish and chips and it was fantastic started with a dozen oysters that harvested that day. All of the fish served at the table was exquisite - in retrospect i should have ordered the sea trout because it looked fantastic. Highly recommend

Terrible service, surprise charge for water that was on the table when seated, and extra charge for more hot water for tea, food not hot when served, did not tell us they charged for water

This little place is a hidden gem. It is up several stairs but they have the Captains Table on the ground floor for those who can't do stairs. I did the stairs and the view is unforgettable. The food is good, especially the bread. Staff were attentive and helpful.

This restaurant is fabulous. Service is incredible the food is superb and the views of the harbour and the beach only adds to the ambience of this seafood restaurant.

My husband and I drove down to have lunch at the Silver Darling yesterday. Once we found the restaurant and got parked we went up stairs for lunch. The stairs pose an issue for those who cannot navigate them. The view of the North Sea is very nice and we watched the big freight boats come in to doc. Our wine was good but our food was not good! We ordered the lobster which was over cooked/mushy and took 30minutes to get. The meal was expensive and disappointing! Very sad. The food could easily be changed and for the cost this restaurant should be able to afford a good chef!

Wonderful place to take in some of the seaside sights in Aberdeen, and enjoy excellent gourmet seafood. The restaurant is located on the second floor of an old building right at the entrance of the harbor, so you get spectacular views from anywhere in the restaurant. Besides, the chef has a really gourmet touch. All of the ingredients are really fresh, and the combination of flavors is outstanding. I highly recommend this place. Just be careful with your times, they close very early for lunch... 1:30pm. I got there at 1:40 and the cooks had already left.

Food was good, service great, view amazing. I had the pleasure of being here on a sunny day so really got a nice view of the harbour and North Sea. The food: - they brought out a complimentary appetizer after I'd already ordered. I thought they might based on other interviews. Nice touch. The three little bites were all good. Trying to remember but I think it was a little fried blood sausage croquette, tuna, and a ceviche. - my actual starter was ok. I had the am seafood croquettes and they were cooked to perfection, not oily. They just needed more of the avocado sauce as the croquettes themselves were kind of bland. that was highlighted because they were coupled with a chopped cucumber salad and cucumbers in my opinion have very little flavor, too. -my main was delicious. Steamed rock turbot, cooked to perfection and finished with just a little buttery crust on one side. It was really good and glad they made up for the blandness of the croquettes with this. Overall a very good restaurant. Highly recommend.

Not at all good in customer service. Unfortunately, we did not have a reservation. After spending substantially on a major cab fare to arrive the hostess was flippant and not really interested in our predicament. Therefore we left with a rather bad, stinky fish taste in our mouth.

Phenomenal meal here. The atmosphere and ambiance are top notch. The pan fried scallops were delicious, and the venison with herb spätzle was very good. Finish with the cheese board!

Situated in the surreal charming old fishing village, the atmosphere and views are lovely. It is as if time has stopped, old fishermen houses and fishing net sheds, 1.70 meter doors (5.5 ft for the imperials), tiny white windows and courtyards facing the sea. All this lovely stuff is surrounded by silos and rusty old oil pipeline drums and offshore equipment, but you can obscure that if you keep your focus on the houses. I came here in the evening, and I thought this restaurant was lovely and somewhat romantic with a nice touch of class. Very nice wines to choose from and I wanted to eat everything on the menu, because it sounded amazing and defiantly smelt like it too... Some may say it is a crime to order meat in a seafood restaurant especially in Scotland. I am guilty as charged. I was hungry and in Aberdeen, and they were serving an Aberdeen Angus fillet steak with stuffed portobello mushroom and potatoes in French soft cheese. I mean come on... Throw me a bone here.. I said to myself, if they are offering this in the middle of an already short sea food menu, it had to be good. And Oh boy that was one of the better steaks I have had. Juicy and soft, cooked to perfection, the red sauce was nice and the portobello was fantastic. I also managed to steal some of my girlfriend's sea bream, which was very tasty especially with the tapenade it came with! Yes it was abit pricy, but I won't forget that steak. It was a nice elegant evening, nice atmosphere, very nice food, wine and good service. Next time I promise I will behave and order seafood. In the mean time, enjoy!

When dining out with friends, it is sometimes difficult to shine the harsh light of objectivity onto the warm glow of camaraderie. Nevertheless, we must try. As the stars indicate, Silver Darling is A-OK. The restaurant is nautical as expected and up a set of circular stairs with views of the harbor on three sides. In the summer when it doesn't get dark until after 11PM, I am sure the views are spectacular all evening long. During the time of short days when it full dark comes at half past 6, not so much. The service was fine with a main wait person and two or three others attendant. The food was fine. Specifics: The courtesy offering of sashimi tuna, squid and a small serving of pumpkin compote all served together on a small plate was a welcome beginning. The pumpkin was the standout - perhaps of the entire evening. It was served in a shot glass and I wondered if anyone would notice if I attempted to stick my tongue in it? For the starter I chose the scallops. Nice, well browned on each side but not too overcooked. And for my main I chose the Sea Bream prepared with a green curry. It was ok, but fell down a little for me as I found the curry sauce a little oily, and I do not favor the skin-on as I think it does not add to the dish in any way - meaning flavor or texture. Desert was the cheesecake customized with some strawberry gelatin on top as opposed to the more traditional sauce. Slightly pricey, but so is everything in Aberdeen. One word of caution, the fine print of the menu adds 10% service charge to the bill - even for a small party. This is slightly unusual in the UK where VAT the service charge is not automatic (as in France for example). An enjoyable evening with present company the major highlight - as it should be.

The Silver Darling is located on Pocra Quay with one glass wall facing the North Sea and the other facing the mouth of the River Dee/shipping canal into Aberdeen Harbor and the Nigg Bay Golf course. Either way you have a spectacular view. We came for lunch on a blustery April day. The tide has just started going out and a pair of porpoises was fishing in the shipping canal. For our lunch, we went straight to the mains and had the "Deep fried haddock in beer batter with homemade chips, roast cherry vine tomatoes, mushy peas & wasabi mayonnaise" and the "Fillet of cod poached in red wine infusion with tender cabbage, smoked pancetta, celeriac potato mousseline & old grain mustard sauce". The server recommended to pair the cod with the "Picpoul de Pinet- Coteaux du Languedoc Domain de lauriers 2011 " and indeed this matched quite well. Well, the cod was perfectly poached in the red wine, the smoked pancetta added some rich notes along with the cabbage. This was great little dish. The haddock had a tasty crispy crust to got with the very fresh haddock and the wasabi mayonnaise was excellent with the fish and the chips. The mushy peas were a nice break from peas overcooked peas -these still had a little texture and a bright, fresh pea note in the taste. The Silver Darling (here is the website so you can see the interiors and views: http://thesilverdarling.co.uk/) is clearly aspiring for excellence. Unfortunately, our visit had one major flaw. The servers, confused by which order was supposed to go to what table, set part of our order down in front of another set of guests. Then, after a minute or so realizing their error, the picked the order back and proceeded to just set the same dish in front of us. Well, I don't view this as an adequate level of service from this level of restaurant. They really need to work on their staff training, particularly how to handle rather fundamental mistakes such as this. Hopefully, this was an isolated error in judgment. Summary: Excellent Food Stunning, Unique Location Service - well, I'll will update my opinion on this if I return. For now, I will just leave the simple report of the problem for your own information as you select where to dine. Certainly, this lapse is why they are not currently getting five stars from me.

We went whilst on holidays in Scotland. We only stayed briefly in Aberdeen, but a Scottish friend recommended it. The experience was delighful. The food was spectacular: I had a seafood melange with some very tasty different fish and shellfish...I'll try and post a picture because it looked as good as it tasted. The danger of "mixed seafood" is that the individual flavours blend into one indistinguishable tatse, but this was not the case. Each morsel sang its own song. Was a Chateauneuf du Pape the right wine to pair with it? Probably not, but I'm a believer that a great red will match with anything. The setting was very charming, in an old converted shipyard building, with a cute little lighthouse next door. Large boats pass by just outside the 360 degree windows, and when the sun is setting you couldn't ask for a better view. A post-dinner stroll through the area reveals the old fishing village of Fittie which eventually grew to make the city of Aberdeen. As a Canadian, it reminded me very much of Atlantic Canada. It was warm, welcoming, and beautiful. All in all, a top notch dining experience and a wonderful evening out.

The restaurant is in a beautiful location, and the hostess was able to find us a table without a reservation. Several cab drivers told us we should try the restaurant and we were excited try it. My mussels were over cooked and there was no sauce with them, a dry cauldron with shriveled mussels. The woman next to us sent her meal back, so maybe the cook was having a bad day. My husband liked his smoked cod. Service was stressed but not rude at all.

Went for a birthday dinner and had a great time. Good atmosphere and great cuisine. Pricey, but worth the money.

This is a great little restaurant in one of the prettiest parts of Aberdeen. Excellent views especially at sunset with a wonderful view over the harbour. The food is excellent even if portions are on the small side, the presentation and quality is wonderful. It would be perfect for business, romantic and small family dinners.

We celebrated a good friend's birthday at this restaurant that came highly recommended. The food was exceptionally fresh and tasty and they specialized in seafood. I was very satisfied with the service and the food offering. They started with an appetizer worthy amuse bouche of fresh crab meat croquette and tender Scottish smoked salmon with a shot of a lobster bisque. Really very generous and very telling of what the rest of the meal will be. We had the grilled shrimp appetizer, which bowled the whole table over. I wish I had order more. It was smoky and sweet, which is always very hard to get with low quality shrimp. I had the halibut fillet that made me realize what I have been missing my whole life when it comes to what halibut should taste like. It was great and I could not have asked for a better entree except maybe for dessert, which was a flight of creme brulee. It was textbook perfect and very satisfying. The rest of the table shared in a very nicely plated cheese plate. It was delicious and really showcased tastes of Scottish dairy. The other nifty thing about this charming restaurant that is perched like a lighthouse at the end of the bay is it is close to the beach and we had a wonderful stroll after wards. The sea was wild and the waters churned with abandon, which elevates the food experience unlike anything else. This restaurant is so good that it is almost worth going to Aberdeen just to go to this restaurant. Almost...maybe? This restaurant is truly darling and it desreves a big hug each time you go.

If you like fresh sea food then you will love the Silver Darling restaurant in Aberdeen. This restaurant in right on the harbour front in Aberdeen so it's very accessible and great if you are just out shopping or having a meal before you go out. The restaurant itself is known throughout Aberdeen for its fine food and great service. The restaurant is quite large and seats a lot of people. I know the restaurant has some great reviews and it is always listed n the local paper so if you are in the area have a look. The building itself is quite unique looking, it is not too old but looks like a small castle from the front, it's a nice break for the normal restaurant in the city centre. This is idea for family meals, again if you are going on a weekend evening I would recommend calling ahead and booking a table as it is very popular.

Very good seafood restaurant. Have only had the lunch menu but I thought it was fantastic. The location is stunning and you get friendly french service. The specials are usually worth going for.

It's nouvelle cuisine, so be sure and order all 3 courses or you'll be hungry! But these guys really know how to cook fish. Silver service and great views, easy parking right outside.

This is not Ethiopian, if anything it is French inspired! Superb restaurant with glass all round, so you can watch the ships go in and out of Aberdeen Harbour. The food here is not about quantity (so if you have an American-sized appetite you might be better sticking with your double whopper Mc-thingy), but if you like quality, not quantity with a strong bias towards fish, this will suit you.

Silver darling is an amazing restaurant. The food is of excellent quality. It i pricey but worth it. Lunch menu is good value and is actually a very good option as it allows you to take in the beautiful sea views. The oysters was fantastic and the wine menu is great. Parking is easy but if you leave the car along the sea front it allows for a lovely walk to work off the lunch!

We read reviews and heard that this was a "Top 10" seafood restaurant in the UK! NOT TRUE! Maybe the normal chef was sick and had his 5 yr old cook chopped up fish parts he found floating behind one of the big craneship propellers. Food left us feeling queasy and grossed out. Tasted old and reheated. Waiter tried but seemed very awkward, like he knew that it was a sham restaurant. Let me tell you about our experience. 1. Initial bread offered to us was cold and stale, they gave us only 1 small slice and walked away. 2. Free appetizer was o.k, but baby sized. 3. We weren't allowed to order the starter while we were deciding on our main, why? 4. Ordered appetizer was a mackerel thing that was o.k but tasted very fishy. 5. Main dishes were really gross! Like really gross, we both still feel sick. All we could think about was writing this review to either get the owners to wake up and fix their restaurant or warn people. 6. Toast brought with main dish was blackened burnt and hard as a rock. When I asked for new toast they brought more burnt toast, WTF? Terrible... Owners of this restaurant, u got some work to do. 70 pounds UK? You should be ashamed. Id rather eat food you buy at sainburys downtown at 11:00pm.

Wow! What a beautiful place and most of the food was great -- particularly the amuse-bouche. The service wasn't all that friendly.

Very much overrated. While the presentation is excellent and the view of the harbor ship channel ok, the food lacked taste. Only my wife's starter, scallops, was worth going back for. The trout starter and mullet main were bland. The cod was poached in red wine but you couldn't tell from the taste.

Fantastic food and beautifully presented. Didier Dejeon is a quality chef.