Aberdeen’s food and drink scene appears to be seeing a dynamic revival in 2025, with a host of new openings catering to a wide range of tastes from international fast food giants to homegrown independents. This year has already welcomed several new spots, with more still to come.
These updates come amid a period of mixed fortunes for the city centre’s hospitality landscape. In recent months, several prominent closures have included the M&S Foodhall at Bon Accord, Thai restaurant Kin Kao, and The Esslemont on Union Street all leaving notable gaps in the retail and dining offering. However, the momentum of new launches suggests there remains strong confidence in Aberdeen’s food sector and there may be potential to bounce back despite the financial hardships many businesses have faced.
Here’s a brief round-up of the newest arrivals and anticipated launches making their mark on the Granite City:
Ceylon Vibes
📍 John Street (Opposite NESCOL)
Opening: TBC 2025
An upcoming Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant set to offer authentic spiced dishes, rice & curry combos, and vibrant street food favourites.
Glenhouse
📍 201 Union Street
Opening: 31 May 2025
A contemporary grill and restaurant featuring local produce and seasonally driven menus in a stylish city-centre setting.
www.glenhouseaberdeen.co.uk
The Fat Pizza
📍 Holburn Street
Open Now
Known for its massive 20-inch pizzas, loaded fries and indulgent sides – a great spot for a casual bite or takeaway feast.
www.thefatpizza.co.uk
Maki & Ramen
📍 Union Square
Opening: June 2025
Highly anticipated ramen and sushi chain bringing its signature
Wendy’s
📍 Former JD Sports, Union Street
Opening: TBC 2025
US fast food brand Wendy’s is preparing to open in Aberdeen, offering its famous square burgers, Frostys, and American-style dining.
www.wendys.com
Kultura
📍 Belmont Street
Open Now
Aberdeen’s first Filipino casual fine dining restaurant, serving bold, traditional flavours and all-you-can-eat Filipino tapas.
www.facebook.com/KulturaAberdeen
Wingstop Aberdeen
📍 Union Square
Open Now
The popular US wing chain has landed in Aberdeen with 11 flavour options, boneless and classic wings, seasoned fries, and Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
www.wingstop.co.uk
Resting Brew Face
📍 Trinity Centre (former Shot ‘N’ Roll unit)
Open Now
A compact coffee and bagel bar from the Resting Brunch Face team, featuring self-order screens, 16 Below Bakes, and refreshing mocktails and matchas.
www.restingbrunchface.co.uk
Third Circle
📍 Rosemount Place
Open Now
A sleek, design-led venue offering craft cocktails and modern small plates – a stylish new addition just off Union Street.
www.instagram.com/thirdcircle.coffee
Zera
📍 Aberdeen Beach Esplanade
Open Now
A minimalist café overlooking the sea, serving speciality coffees, pastries and light bites in a calm, contemporary setting.
www.zera-cafe.com
Cafe Moyo
📍 Thistle Street
Open Now
A Japandi-inspired café known for its beautifully presented open-faced toasts and warm, calming atmosphere.
www.instagram.com/cafemoyoaberdeen
Singh Street
📍 Union Square Shopping Centre
Open Now
Punjabi-style café offering brunch favourites with a twist, street food specials, and vibrant fusion flavours.
www.singhstreetcafe.com
Mediterranean
📍 Thistle Street
Open Now
A locally owned restaurant serving a wide range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a welcoming setting.
www.mediterranean.casa
Popeyes
📍 Wellington Circle, Altens
Open Now
Their second branch in Aberdeen, bringing New Orleans’ style fried chicken to the south of the city with a drive-thru option.
www.popeyesuk.com
The Buffet
📍 The Academy
Open Now
An all-you-can-eat Asian buffet offering a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asian dishes – great value and variety.
www.facebook.com/p/The-Buffet-The-Academy-Aberdeen-61569506471587
Mai’s Vietnamese Kitchen
📍 Back Wynd
Opening: TBC 2025
A family-run spot bringing homestyle Vietnamese dishes and authentic flavours to Aberdeen city centre.
Stay tuned for more updates as new venues continue to open their doors throughout 2025. If you’re a dining business planning to launch this
