As you’d imagine for Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen is well served when it comes to excellent places to grab quality coffee or a tasty lunch. Here is our selection of the very best coffee shops and cafés in the Granite City.
With renowned handmade macarons, scrumptious French patisseries, and an impressive range of teas, coffees, and hot chocolate to die for, Almondine has rapidly made a name for itself. There are gluten-free options available, crêpes, salads, sandwiches and, if you book ahead, afternoon tea with the option of a glass of bubbles for a wee bit extra.
With an excellent local sourcing ethos, friendly staff and the feel of a true community hub, Café Cognito is a great place to grab a bite to eat. The food menu varies depending upon what is available locally, but there are breakfast options, light bites, paninis, cakes, ice cream and waffles, to name a few. Great in Scotland‘s summer, with a quirky outdoor seating area, in winter there are also blankets, heaters and umbrellas for those who want to still sit outside!
A coffeeshop that is also a secondhand bookshop seems like the perfect pairing, and Books and Beans delivers on this promise with flying colours. Food-wise, the soups deserve a special mention, with unusual and wonderful homemade varieties made daily. They also serve sandwiches, paninis and salads and special dietary requirements can be catered to. The coffee, tea, and hot chocolates are all fair trade, and there’s an excellent selection. If you want to have a relaxing cuppa surrounded by shelf upon shelf of books (and who wouldn’t?), then this is the place for you.
Cocoa Ooze are an award-winning chocolatier whose café sells cakes, scones, sandwiches and baguettes, along with a good range of teas and coffees. These are well received and tasty — but when you factor in the chocolate, Cocoa Ooze really shines. The truffles are wonderful, the chocolates themselves divine, and the hot chocolate selection simply amazing. Their afternoon tea option (book ahead) is fantastic too. If you are a fan of cocoa, then you should not miss a visit here.
Situated in a quirky refurbished railway arch and featuring fantastic quality home cooked food and superb coffee, Sweet Mumma’s Kitchen also has a reputation for their efficient and friendly staff. There are also gluten-free options available. In fact the only real complaint is that this café doesn’t open at the weekends! If you are nearby during the week, however, then you are guaranteed to find something to tempt you.
Located just a short walk from The Machar, in the heart of Old Aberdeen, Kilau Coffee is a favourite of Aberdeen’s student and academic population alike. They have an extensive range of gluten and lactose-free options, as well as catering for vegans too. Despite being constantly busy, the café has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere and friendly, efficient staff. Kilau is a true hidden gem.