Spotting stars like Dame Judi Dench, Hugh Bonneville and Rod Stewart grinning out at me from photos as I made my way up the winding staircase to the restaurant, I immediately knew I was in for a VIP dining experience at The Silver Darling in Aberdeen.
Feeling a tad wired after a particularly full-on week at work, my other half and I soon relaxed as we sank back in our seats, mesmerised by the boats that lit up the dark harbour as they floated past the window in all their twinkling glory.
Enjoying what is arguably one of Aberdeen’s most picturesque settings in the former customs house at the harbour quayside, The Silver Darling, which has legendary status among locals for its fine seafood fare, has an upstairs restaurant with panoramic views of Aberdeen Beach, the harbour and the historic fishing village of Footdee.
As we soaked up the twilight harbour setting, our friendly server was quickly over with water for our table, leaving us to take a deep dive into the extensive menu.
The food
Both huge seafood fans, the menu read like a dream from the seafood platter and mussels to the monkfish and seafood linguine.
It wasn’t just the fish that caught our attention though as our eyes were also drawn to dishes such as the five spiced Gressingham duck breast, the loin of venison and the chargrilled Scottish steaks.
But the seafood simply sounded too good to resist so we started by ordering six Loch Fyne rock oysters and ordered a few glasses of Prosecco.
Beautifully presented in their shells on an attractive round plate filled with ice and slices of lemon, it’s safe to say we didn’t waste any time in filling our boots (or should that be waders).
Taking the lead from my boyfriend, who controversially likes to chew oysters instead of just knocking them back, I was soon in seafood heaven as the sweet and succulent delicacy hit my tongue with tangy hints of lemon cutting through.
Appetites whetted, we were more than ready for our starters.
Greedily biting into my juicy pil pil prawns an explosion of flavour brought my taste buds alive as strong hints of chilli, garlic and olive oil hit my palate.
The Spanish paprika bread was perfect for soaking up the left-over oil.
Across the table, my other half was in his element as he tucked into his crispy szechuan squid served with a Thai broth, pak choi, sugar snaps and celery.
As we waited for our mains to arrive, we enjoyed sipping on our sharp and fruity New Zealand Ana’ Sauvignon Blanc while watching the boats floating in and out of the harbour.
Gasping as a large plate of Stonehaven langoustines was suddenly placed in front of me, I quickly got stuck in with my hands.
Coached by the king of seafood himself – aka my boyfriend – I pulled the tail away from the head, broke the shell and forked out the succulent meat.
Roasted with garlic and lemon butter, the tender langoustine meat was a sweet and salty sensation.
Feeling rather adventurous, I also forked out the head of langoustine which is apparently a delicacy in certain cultures.
Despite its off-putting grey colour, the salty paste tasted amazing paired with chunks of the tender langoustine meat while the chargrilled tender stem broccoli and crispy new potatoes added some crunch.
Declaring his seared halibut with seaweed crust a flaky triumph, my other half cleared his brimming plate in record time.
It wasn’t only the fish that impressed him though as he particularly enjoyed the accompanying roasted garlic and saffron mash, and mussel and watercress sauce.
Pushing the boat out, we also ordered a couple of sides: crab straw fries and charred broccoli with romesco sauce.
Creamy and tangy at the same time, it’s hard to put into words how moreish the crab straw fries were, while the broccoli brought some crunch to the table.
Stuffed to the max we took a wee food breather in an attempt to make room for dessert.
Waistbands stretching, we miraculously found an extra dessert pouch in our stomachs to fill.
With my name literally written all over it, I decided that it was only right that I sampled the bramble crumble with rosemary ice cream and a nut crumb.
Closing my eyes as the warm and fruity bramble and creamy rosemary ice cream hit my tongue, I was in a sweet heaven.
Describing it as the best brownie he’s ever tasted, my boyfriend was also in a sweet like trance as he quickly finished his triple chocolate, espresso and pecan nut brownie which was served with salted caramel and pedro ximinez ice cream and crystallised pecan nuts.
The verdict
Before my trip to The Silver Darling, my colleagues had warned me I was in for a treat and they weren’t wrong.
From the excellent service and the wonderful views to the exceptional seafood and divine desserts, it’s easy to see why this wonderful restaurant is so popular with locals and celebrities alike.
And although it’s not cheap – the langoustines cost £30 alone – you do get what you pay for with the incredible food, amazing staff and stunning location.
Already planning our next voyage to The Silver Darling, we can’t wait to drop anchor again at this precious pearl of a restaurant.
Information
Address: Pocra Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5DQ
T: 01224 576229
Price: £177 for three starters, two mains, two sides, two desserts, two glasses of Prosecco, one bottle of wine, sparkling water and two espressos.
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