Being recognised by the Michelin Guide is regarded as one of the most desired accolades a restaurant can aspire to.
While achieving a recommendation in the guide itself is no easy task, there is much to be celebrated in being recognised by Michelin, especially if you are awarded or retain a star.
A star is the ultimate hallmark of culinary excellence and they are only awarded to restaurants who execute their offering to the highest of standards – both in the kitchen and front of house.
Venues can be awarded one, two or three stars and this star system was first introduced in 1926, 26 years after the guide was first published in 1900.
Below, we outline the honours list of four north-east venues recognised by the guide. None has a Michelin star but all are included in the guide as a mark of excellence.
Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish
Owner and head chef Kevin Dalgleish opened Amuse in July last year but has already won a place in the Michelin Guide.
The former executive chef of The Chester Hotel is originally from the Borders and trained at The Savoy in London.
His Aberdeen restaurant uses Scottish ingredients and French techniques to create dishes that deliver on flavour.
Address: 1 Queen’s Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL
Cafe Boheme
Cafe Boheme opened its doors in 2003 and was added to the Michelin Guide in February.
Paul Mair, who took over the fine dining restaurant around five years ago, is delighted that the team at Cafe Boheme has been recognised.
He told the P&J: “Once we reopened [after lockdown] we decided to focus on the a la carte and tasting menus and took away our little lunch menu. We said let’s look at and focus on what we want to do.”
Address: 23 Windmill Brae, Aberdeen AB11 6HU
Kildrummy Inn
A traditional inn focusing on excellent food showcasing the best of the rich and diverse Scottish larder – what more could you ask for?
Kildrummy Inn is a family-owned and run establishment situated at the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, offering a mixture of affordable luxury and comfortable tranquility.
An impressive range of seafood and meat dishes are available, as well as desserts like sticky toffee pudding and berry parfait, so your hunger cravings are sure to be curbed.
Address: Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire AB33 8QS
Clunie Dining Room at The Fife Arms
At Braemar’s magnificent Fife Arms hotel is the Clunie Dining Room, which combines Scottish fine dining with a modern dose of Highland quirk.
A giant stag sits in the centre of the dining area but it is the food that dominates as the restaurant showcases the best of Scottish produce and ingredients.
Address: Mar Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire AB35 5YN