The city’s bi-annual Restaurant Weeks event, featuring 83 eateries, launches today, aiming to inject significant capital into the local economy and support a sector facing considerable challenges.
Aberdeen’s vibrant culinary scene takes centre stage as Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks (ARW) commences its latest edition today, Monday, 24th August, running until Sunday, 6th September 2026. The fortnight-long event, orchestrated by Aberdeen Inspired, sees 83 restaurants, bars, and cafés participate, with many already reporting a surge in reservations.
This initiative arrives at a critical juncture for Scotland’s hospitality sector, which continues to grapple with acute pressures including escalating operating costs, increased business rates, and persistent workforce challenges. Industry analyses suggest that a significant portion of businesses fear closure within the next year, making events like ARW crucial for driving footfall and revenue.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, highlighted the event’s dual role in celebrating the city’s food and drink offerings while providing vital economic stimulus. “Each time it is running, we see thousands of people coming into the city centre – and not just from Aberdeen. We know it pulls people in from Aberdeenshire and further afield, cementing Aberdeen as the vibrant and attractive regional city of the north-east,” Watson stated. He added that this influx is projected to generate an economic boost of approximately £1 million annually for the local economy. This figure aligns with the impact of similar initiatives in other UK cities, with Newcastle’s Restaurant Week, for instance, attracting over 59,000 diners and delivering a £1.1 million boost in August 2025.
The “Foodie Fortnight” offers diners a diverse array of global cuisines, with special lunch and dinner menus priced between £10 and £35, alongside curated à la carte and tasting experiences.
Restaurateurs are optimistic about the potential uplift. Dolores Rivera of Kultura Filipino Restaurant and Bar noted, “From our experience of previous Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in business, with some evenings becoming fully booked. We anticipate being very busy again this year, so we’re looking at putting additional staff on to help us cope with the expected demand and ensure we can continue to give our customers a great experience.” Rivera also views it as a strategic platform: “For Kultura, we hope Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks will help us reach more people, promote our restaurant to a wider audience and, ultimately, gain more loyal customers. It’s also a great opportunity for us to introduce more people to Filipino cuisine and showcase the flavours and dishes that make it so special.”
Elena Ionascu, owner of Da Vinci Italian Restaurant, confirmed a healthy flow of bookings, particularly for weekends. “Bookings are coming in nicely, especially for the weekend, although we still have availability during the week. We expect it to get busier as we get closer and we’ll make sure we have the right team in place, so everyone still receives the warm, personal service we’re known for,” she said. Ionascu urged local support: “Come into town, enjoy some lovely food and support your local restaurants. Behind every independent restaurant there are people working incredibly hard, and every table really does make a difference.”
Susan Hogg, Brand Manager at Café Andaluz, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the social aspect of dining out during the event. “Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is a brilliant opportunity for people to try somewhere new or rediscover a favourite in a different way. Tapas is perfect for that because it naturally brings people together, you’re sharing dishes, trying different flavours and spending more time enjoying the moment,” Hogg commented. “That’s what we love about Spanish dining. It’s not rushed, it’s not formal, and it’s all about conversation, laughter and making time for the people you’re with. We want guests to feel that sense of warmth and connection when they visit Café Andaluz during Restaurant Week.”
To enhance engagement, Aberdeen Inspired has reintroduced its “Dine, Scan, Win” campaign, offering diners the chance to win a £50 Aberdeen Gift Card daily via QR codes in participating venues. Shona Byrne, who oversees Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks for Aberdeen Inspired, remarked, “It just adds an additional layer of excitement and enjoyment to a meal out during Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks. You just need to scan the code as you are dining to find out whether you have won the £50 Aberdeen Gift Card up for grabs that day. I think people will have a lot of fun with it.”
You Might Also Like:
Record participation and packed venues mark Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks success story
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks set to bring boost for city hospitality
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks serves up a feast of firsts for August return
Aberdeen venues encouraged to join Best Bar None and showcase excellence in hospitality
The popularity of ARW, described as “the largest event of its kind in Scotland”, is further evidenced by the rapid sell-out of its two “Secret Suppers,” where diners discover their venue only on the day. Byrne noted that restaurants eagerly participate, with bookings rising during what is traditionally a quieter trading period. “As well as celebrating Aberdeen’s hospitality sector, it is that boost in footfall and business for venues that is the driving force behind Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks,” she affirmed.
Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), organises Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks as part of its broader mandate to enhance the city centre. Having successfully secured a renewal for its five-year term until 2031 through an overwhelming business ballot in June 2026, the organisation continues to champion initiatives aimed at improving the urban environment, attracting visitors, and boosting the local economy. Other notable projects include the world-renowned Nuart Aberdeen street art festival and the highly successful Aberdeen Gift Card scheme, which has injected £7.5 million into local businesses.
With strong public anticipation and robust participation from local eateries, Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks is set to provide a significant boost to the Granite City’s economy and reinforce its reputation as a premier culinary destination.
