Promenade Cafe in Aberdeen City

We book several months ago to have the Christmas menu tonight. The booking experience was poor as we were required to fill out an Excel spreadsheet to order our three courses, like ordering from a catering company. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were brought to our table and were told we would be greeted and served by one of the staff members very soon. However, not until 15 minutes did one of them come to our table to suddenly bring us the first courses and took our drinking orders. No greeting or introduction or anything between. First courses: (1) Beetroot salad was ok. (2) Prawn cocktail was mediocre with non-toasted, cold breads. Second courses: (1) Roasted turkey was dry with thin gravy tasted like that made from gravy granules. Overcooked brussels and tasteless roast potatoes. (2) Salmon was on the verge of overcooked and the “crushed new potato” underneath was indeed a fishy coarse-mashed potato. Again, the sauce tasted like tinned white sauce. Third courses: (1) Christmas budding was quite hard and chewy. (2) Lemon tart was not bad but not different from store bought. In conclusion, we think we paid for overpriced food and non-existing service. Avoid for special occasions.

Popped in for a quick bite while shopping. Usually looks busy when I've passed, but quieter today, so pick of the tables. Quickly brought menus and specials mentioned. Partner opted for soup of the day and an ultimate cheese toasties, while I settled on the fishcakes (daily special) and fries. Soup was tasty and came with some toasted roll. Ultimate toastie was loaded with cheese in chunky loaf and got the seal of approval Fishcakes were also very good. Worth a visit.

I thought the Atholl Hotel xmas dinner was very very poor ive just been there this afternoon , for the price they charge I was really disappointed

First time I've been in years (January 2025). Still excellent.

Cafe Contour is one of our favourites in the city centre. Always great service, good music, coffee, cakes , breakfast, sandwiches, etc. Very dog friendly- Rita recommends the biscuits!