8 of the best restaurants in Aberdeen for pre-theatre dinner

Aberdeen’s bustling theatre scene is evenly matched by the vibrancy of its restaurants, so check out our list of top spots for a pre-show dinner.

Many of the restaurants are close to His Majesty’s Theatre, which is the main draw in Aberdeen when it comes to stellar stage performances.

But we’ve included a few venues further afield that also cater to the theatre crowd.

So whether you’re looking for a coffee before curtains up or a full-blown meal with a standing ovation, we have some inspiration for you.

1. Tarragon on the Terrace

This restaurant opened in September of 2024. With a casual menu on offer, and a pleasant, friendly atmosphere, it is an ideal spot for a pre-theatre meal.

The “small plates” menu includes Cullen skink, served alongside a rowie (£8), or a sizeable portion of chicken liver pate with onion jam and oatcakes (£9).

Beer battered fish and chips from Tarragon on the Terrace. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

The beer battered haddock is again a huge portion (£18 for a full, £10 for a half), so you definitely get bang for your buck at Tarragon on the Terrace.

This place isn’t cheap, but the prices aren’t extortionate either.

Address: 137 Rosemount Pl, Aberdeen AB25 2YH

2. Chop Grill and Bar

This St Andrew Street eatery offers a pre-theatre menu at £19.95 for two courses or £23.95 for three courses.

Starters include the well-loved caesar salad, chilli garlic prawns and haggis bon bons.

For mains, you could try their falafel and spinach burger barbecue smoked ribs, or the beer battered haddock.

The Chop Grill & Bar is great for nights out. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

Their mouth-watering dessert menu features a white chocolate brownie and a gin and elderflower cake.

Very tempting choices, especially if you have a show to catch around the corner at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Address: St Andrew St, Aberdeen AB25 1LR

3. The Terrace at HMT

You can’t get closer to His Majesty’s Theatre than The Terrace.

The restaurant, which opened in 2022, is connected to the theatre and just a quick leap and a bound from your seat.

The views alone are worth the booking – diners can see right into the Union Terrace Gardens.

Dish on table at The Terrace at HMT. — The Terrace at HMT is right next to the theatre. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

The menu includes burgers (£15), steak salad (£14.50) and seabass (£15) to name just a few.

They also offer small plates such as breaded brie wedges (£8) or loaded fries (£8) if you’re just looking for a quick bite.

Address: His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GL

4. Mi Amore

Located on Huntly Street, Mi Amore has been around long enough to develop a bit of a cult following.

The pre-theatre dinner menu offers two courses for £18.99, and choices include all the Mi Amore favourites such as lasagne al forno and penne picante.

Calamari at Mi Amore. — Mi Amore has some great pre-theatre dishes. Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson

Calamari fritti is another popular dish on Mi Amore’s pre-theatre menu, as is their minestrone soup.

Address: 80-82 Huntly St, Aberdeen AB10 1TD

5. The Noose and Monkey

The Noose and Monkey is a stone’s throw from HMT and sits on the curve of Rosemount Viaduct that allows you to see all the way up to Union Terrace Gardens.

It’s a quirky choice for a pre-theatre meal, but you won’t be disappointed. The food here is excellent.

Selection of starters at The Noose & Monkey — The Noose & Monkey is a great choice for pre-theatre food. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

Dishes include chicken fajitas, fish and chips and the wide selection of Noose Burgers, such as the nacho chicken burger (£17.90) and a vegetarian cauliflower, kale and cheddar burger (£16.75).

Mini churros appear on their dessert menu, and the appetisers include Scottish mussels, soup of the day and garlic mushrooms. Yum!

Address: 31-35 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1NQ

6. Nargile

Nargile on Skene Street is again ideally situated nearby His Majesty’s Theatre.

The pre-theatre menu is served between 5pm and 6.15pm, and is priced at £19.95 for two courses.

Diners can chose from a wide selection of great dishes.

Dishes on table at Nargile. — Some dishes available at Nargile.

Starters include filo pastry parcels stuffed with spinach and feta cheese, as as well as a spicy chargrilled sausage dish.

And for mains, you could enjoy stuffed aubergine, chickpea and vegetable casserole, mixed kebab and much more.

Address: 77-79 Skene St, Aberdeen AB10 1QD

7. The Craftsman Company

The Craftsman serves Aberdeen’s other theatre district – the one around the The Tivoli on Guild Street.

It’s a great choice for food and it’s bound to get busy just before a show.

The Craftsman Company is in Aberdeen’s other theatre district. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson

The menu includes a huge range of burgers (£12.50-£13.95), nachos and bagels.

They also serve a grazing board which might be a good option if you’re heading to the theatre with friends.

The grazing board combines cured meats, cheeses, mini oatcakes, focaccia, caramelised onion chutney, hummus, mixed olives and fruit.

If you don’t have time for food – or suspect you may fall asleep mid-show – check out a Craftsman artisan coffee.

Address: 2 Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 6NE

8. Poldinos Ristorante & Pizzeria

Poldino’s has been serving Aberdeen since 1977, accruing an outstanding reputation in the process.

Its location on Little Belmont Street means that it is a popular choice for a pre-theatre meal.

The restaurant has a range of starters to choose from, including king prawns served with garlic butter, chilli and cherry tomatoes (gamberoni all’aglio) for £12 and traditional Italian vegetable soup (minestrone toscana) for £6.50.