Situated in the former Customs House at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour, The Silver Darling has recently embarked on a new voyage.
Renovated to the highest of standards, The Silver Darling has been transformed with stylish interiors that celebrate our unique heritage and complement our stunning setting for memorable meals.
The Silver Darling has an upstairs dining area which boasts floor to ceiling glass windows, providing panoramic views of Aberdeen’s beach, harbour and the historic fishing village of Footdee – affectionately known as ‘Fittie’ by the locals.
Modern, light-filled room in former customs house for Scottish & English seafood dishes.
Elizabeth Howard
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.
… moreNicki Merrett
Gorgeous food in a beautiful location! Just wow! We had plenty of fish (obvs) and it was all delicious! Service was perfect. We came early to see the views, and it was worth it!
… moreJames
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.
… moreJames Cree
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.
… moreMary Williams
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.
… moreFrancesca Pepoon
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!
… moreAnthony Lewis
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.
… moreSommer Bordelon Williams
Although I highly recommend this place for drinks and raw oysters, I was disappointed that both mine and my husband’s fish was way overcooked and not good.
The atmosphere is nice, the staff was friendly, and the little town is worth visiting.
… moreJacopo Massa
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!
… morePaulette Prentice
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!
… more