With Christmas fast approaching, we’ve put together a list of the best festive menus that go above and beyond the usual turkey and trimmings.
So if you are bored of brussels sprouts or sick of stuffing then check out some options that will make the season go with a swing.
From sticky teriyaki to winter squash lasagna, there is something for everyone on our list of unusual dishes.
We’ve even thrown in a breakfast with the man everyone wants to see at Christmas – Santa.
Pig’s Wings
This Upperkirkgate barbeque joint and cocktail bar prides itself on its street-food style. So it is the perfect place for an off-the-wall Christmas treat.
It does not disappoint.
Co-owner Marcos Sasso says the restaurant is cooking up some sizzling pigs in blankets for the festive menu alongside currywurst and sticky teriyaki & miso mayo.
On the drinks side, the Pig’s Wings team have been just as creative. The cocktail menu this Christmas includes a delicious rum and pistachio sour and a white chocolate and raspberry martini.
Or how about a gingerbread espresso martini to really warm the cockles this holiday season?
Address: 22 Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen, AB10 1BA
Bev’s Bistro
Bev Lee’s delightful restaurant on Holburn Street is everyone’s first port of call for great gluten-free food.
The bistro’s Christmas menu is available as gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan and offers a range of delicious options that go beyond the usual fare.
Starters include gin and tonic with juniper grapefruit and lime smoked salmon as well as camembert with marmalade soldiers.
For the main course you have a choice of dishes including winter squash lasagna with brown butter bechamel served with home baked ciabatta.
For the traditionalists (and meat eaters) there is chorizo stuffed turkey breast served with honey roasted potatoes & seasonal vegetables
The menu is ready to go and costs £47.50 per person. It’s also available for delivery.
Address: 123 Holburn St, AB10 6BP
Fresh Mex
Fresh Mex loves to drop in seasonal additions to its Tex Mex menu, and Christmas is no different.
Every year, the Schoolhill restaurant, which only has outlets in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, delights customers with the Christmas burrito.
This festive cracker includes butter-roasted turkey breast, pork stuffing, bacon and cranberry salsa, all wrapped up in a tortilla.
Address: 55 Schoolhill, AB10 1JT
Royal Thai
Royal Thai was the first Thai restaurant established in Aberdeen and one of the places in the city that is open on Christmas Day.
The restaurant’s ‘Christmas banquet’ costs just £30.50 per person and has plenty of scope for those looking to switch up from boring old turkey.
The crispy aromatic duck and chicken spring rolls will liven up any festive occasion.
Address: 29 Crown Terrace, Aberdeen AB11 6HD
Palm Court Hotel
If it’s unusual you’re looking for, then get down to the Palm Court Hotel on Sunday December 4 or the following Sunday on December 11.
The hotel is running a breakfast with Santa that gives children the chance to meet the big man himself – and attempt to convince him they’ve been good this year.
As advertised, a breakfast comes with the £9.95 per child price tag. Adults also get a breakfast for £12.95 each.
Address: 81 Seafield Rd, AB15 7YX
Braided Fig
The city centre restaurant serves up some of the best food in the city, and its Christmas menu is a fine example of its creativity.
Tuck into turkey and smoked bacon meatballs for your starter before moving on to a cauliflower biryani, for example.
As always at the Braided Fig, there are first-class vegan and vegetarian options on offer alongside turkey roulade and pan-seared stone bass with orange-braised fennel.
The menu is available throughout December priced at £45 per head.
Address: 39 Summer St, Aberdeen AB10 1SB
