
Moonfish Cafe
A chic Aberdeen bistro celebrated for its exquisite seafood and modern British cuisine, extensive gin list, and warm hospitality.

Highlights
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Moonfish Cafe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic Aberdeen bistro celebrated for its exquisite seafood and modern British cuisine, extensive gin list, and warm hospitality.
"An unforgettable culinary experience with delicious, original dishes and outstanding, attentive service."
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is popular and can be busy; making a reservation is advised to avoid waits.
Consider the Taster Menu
A great value option for a fantastic culinary journey through the chef's best dishes.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern British, Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 1224 644166
Address
9 Correction Wynd, Aberdeen, AB10 1HP, United Kingdom
Website
moonfishcafe.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Seafood & Modern British Cuisine
Diners rave about the expertly prepared local seafood and innovative modern British dishes with seasonal twists.

Chic Atmosphere & Extensive Gin List
A cozy, stylish bistro with a relaxed vibe, complemented by an impressive collection of gins.

Hospitable Owner & Attentive Service
Experience warm hospitality from the owner and friendly, attentive service that makes every meal special.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is popular and can be busy; making a reservation is advised to avoid waits.
Consider the Taster Menu
A great value option for a fantastic culinary journey through the chef's best dishes.
Lunchtime Portions
Lunchtime servings are perfectly sized for a midday meal, offering a delightful experience.
Mind Table Times
Be aware of strict table occupation times when booking, though they are usually adequate.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is popular and can be busy; making a reservation is advised to avoid waits.
Consider the Taster Menu
A great value option for a fantastic culinary journey through the chef's best dishes.
Lunchtime Portions
Lunchtime servings are perfectly sized for a midday meal, offering a delightful experience.
Mind Table Times
Be aware of strict table occupation times when booking, though they are usually adequate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moonfish Cafe is widely praised for its high-quality, innovative seafood and modern British cuisine, presented in a chic and cozy setting. Diners frequently highlight the attentive service and the impressive gin selection. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some find the portions a bit small for the price, though others find them just right for a fine dining experience.
"The Moonfish Cafe was a excellent introduction to fine dining in Aberdeen. We didn't make a reservation but just added our name to the wait list. We had a 30 min wait and walked over to a pub down the street. The wait was well worth it. The menu was refreshing in that there weren't too many choices and they change often. This type of menu tells you the restaurant concentrates on putting forth high quality food with every meal. I started with the Rarebit appetizer, my main was a filet of beef, and I finished with a cheese plate. The attention to details with every dish was wonderful. Overall, our meal was excellent! We even spent some time talking to Brian, the owner, and he was very hospitable and friendly. Thank you Brian and Moonfish cafe for the wonderful meal!"
Kevin Wojdak
"Maybe the reviews by others and plenty of coverage online hyped it up abit for me but I found myself wanting more. The restaurant was really popular and for good reason. Great decor, very welcoming service and amazing presentations. Maybe I was expecting too much but the fish wasn't the star in the dishes. Still well executed nonetheless but maybe overshadowed by the ensemble?
Would have to return to try again when the menu changes so I'm still keeping my hopes up."
Ephraim
"Absolutely outstanding 👏
Some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted.
Highlights were the scallops and monkfish!
Can't wait to go back.
Fantastic service, choice, flavours and atmosphere 👏 👌"
Kyla McDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular and can get busy.
Moonfish Cafe specializes in modern British cuisine with a strong focus on high-quality, local seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Yes, the restaurant is known for its extensive gin list and also offers well-chosen cocktails.
Portion sizes are generally considered appropriate for fine dining, with some finding them filling and others feeling they could be larger for the price.
Yes, a 4-course taster menu is available and highly recommended for a comprehensive culinary experience at good value.
The atmosphere is described as cozy, chic, stylish, and relaxed, making it suitable for date nights or special occasions.
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The Moonfish Café boasts a historic location in the centre of the city on the Correction Wynd in the old Merchant’s Quarter – a wynd being the Scots term for a narrow lane. Where the Moonfish Café now stands there was once a House of Correction for ne’er-do-wells and local vagrants in the 17th century and the restaurant now offers diners the fantastic view of St Nicholas’ Kirk. Thankfully times have changed the place – the Café can boast of having been a runner-up in the Observer Food Monthly Awards and received a glowing write-up in the 2014 Waitrose Good Food Guide.
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At this small dining room on a narrow cobblestone street in City Centre, the decor is minimal and the shelves are packed with dozens of gins, many British-made. Chef-owner Brian Mcleish changes the menu every six weeks in accordance with the phases of the seasons; his modernist dishes, which have earned the restaurant Michelin recommendations for the past six years, take cues from traditional Scottish cooking—think a clever interpretation of a fish pie in the form of baked scallops, roasted-cauliflower puree, basil pesto, and house-cured sausage under a puff-pastry top.
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Back when most of the dining in the city centred around hearty, filling fare Moonfish took up the reins on the fine dining front. Here you’ll find a charming and well-versed team out the front and a still buoyant kitchen brigade managing back-of-house who deal in dishes like braised ox tongue with chilli crisp and tonnato and Thai green lamb shoulder with a cucumber and peanut salad. Expect a comfortable dining room plus all the little bells and whistles – like an anise bouche and petite fours – that make a meal like this feel properly spoiling.
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The chic Aberdeen bistro is renowned for its seafood and inspectors were suitably impressed by the quality of its offerings after this year's visit. The inspector said: "Tucked away in a medieval wynd, or narrow lane, Moonfish Café has that fit-for-purpose, ready-to-go look about it. "And go it does, with innovative modern British cooking, perhaps opening with crispy potato, cheese custard and Madras curry, then hake with onion, rice and brown butter, ending with rhubarb millefeuille, mascarpone and vanilla.
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Standing as Aberdeen’s only eatery to be recognised by the Michelin Guide, one of the most desired accolades a restaurant can aspire to, you’re sure to receive top-star food, drink and service at Moonfish Cafe. The kitchen’s constantly changing innovative menu of modern British cuisine consists of a focused menu for lunch and dinner, with dishes including grilled hake, steamed mussels, guinea fowl, and more. If your mum has a sweet tooth, she’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the dessert offering.
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Moonfish Café can be found in the very heart of Aberdeen on the historic Correctio Wynd. This location is where the House of Correction for vagrants and delinquents stood back in the 17th century, but now it is home to a stunning café that takes inspiration for its menu from all parts of the globe. The chef (and owner) has travelled the world extensively over the years, and has brought back to Aberdeen some fine ideas on fusion cuisine, especially where seafood is concerned.
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Tucked away just off Union Street in the shadow of the Kirk of St Nicholas, Central Aberdeen’s Moonfish Café is a popular eatery that specialises in two things – seafood and gin. Boasting a spacious and stylish interior, the Moonfish Café offers visitors a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Visitors can expect to find a menu made up of locally sourced delicacies such as grilled mackerel, halibut and salmon.
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With modern surroundings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a thoughtfully-selected drinks menu, Moonfish Cafe has been delighting foodies for over 15 years. This gorgeous, Michelin-starred bistro offers fine dining in an unpretentious setting, and has a small yet varied menu of innovative dishes which constantly change depending on the seasons. If dinner is slightly out of your price range, go at lunchtime for their set menu which is very reasonably priced!
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Address: 9 Correction Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1HP, United KingdomPhone: +44 1224 644166Website:moonfishcafe.co.ukDetails: $$, Seafood restaurant. Moon Fish Cafe, situated in Aberdeen, stands as a testament to culinary excellence and an exceptional seafood dining experience. This restaurant consistently delights its patrons with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, resulting in a menu that evolves to showcase the finest flavors of the moment.
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This pretty bistro tucked away down one of Aberdeen’s oldest streets makes a comfortable and convivial setting for an evening out with friends. Bedecked with wooden bent-back chairs and cool grey wood-panelled walls, this has to be one of the city’s chicest restaurants. The menu at Moonfish Cafe has a seafood focus and uses the very best local ingredients for plates that are packed with flavour, and it's great value too.
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Just below the hustle and bustle of Union Street you’ll find Moonfish nestled within Aberdeen’s historic Merchant Quarter providing a menu bursting with innovation and twists on British classics. With colourful plates that are a delight for the eye and a menu that changes every six weeks, it is really no surprise that this seafood restaurant has featured in the 2018 and 2019 Michelin Guides. View this post on Instagram
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We adore Master Chef the Professionals star Brian McLeish's eatery and we think you will too. Established in 2004, its innovative menu is one of the best around, with 2-4 courses on offer and ingredients like sea bass, salmon, duck and beef showcasing what the north east region is capable of producing. It's the type of restaurant that'd be at home in the centre of London as it is in Aberdeen's Merchant quarter.
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If you’re a seafood lover, then you’re a Moonfish Café fan already. Set in the medieval alleys next to the Kirk of St Nicholas, this restaurant has been around since 2004 and has won countless awards in that time including Michelin awards. Definitely more of a fine dining price range, this is somewhere you want to go when you’re treating yourself rather than a fleeting lunch when visiting the city.
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Treat yourself to exquisite Scottish fare at Moonfish Cafe, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into delectable dishes bursting with flavour. Experience the vibrant flavours of India at Rishi's Aberdeen, known for its authentic Indian cuisine and warm hospitality. For a taste of Italy, head to Rustico, where traditional Italian dishes are served in a charming rustic setting.
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Concluding our guide to the best places to eat in Aberdeen is none other than Moonfish Cafe. Located in the city’s Merchant Quarter, this stylish restaurant is featured amongst the prestigious Michelin Guide, with fine dining options from MasterChef finalist Brian McLeish. To start, why not try their smoked Salmon Rilette with pickled cucumber and toast?
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Moon Fish Cafe is a fantastic restaurant that we stumbled upon during a day trip to Inverness, far away from London. The quality of the dishes, such as beetroot and blue cheese wontons and fried shrimp chicken, exceeded our expectations, and every dish was worth the price. The service staff were also very kind, and the atmosphere of the cafe was lovely.
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The menu always surprises me and I know to expect something new when I visit. The chefs and team are really humble about their success (they’ve been included in the Michelin Guide consistently for a few years) and are always pushing themselves to create newness. No matter how many times you visit, the menu is always different which I really like.
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A post shared by Moonfish Aberdeen (@moonfishcafeaberdeen) on Dec 30, 2017 at 4:58am PST. Contemporary and stylish, Moon Fish Cafe serves a range of small and large plates from their seafood-heavy menu. The offerings are ever-changing, but expect everything from in-house smoked salmon to butternut squash falafel, all at reasonable prices.
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Located in Uptown, Moonfish Café offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes ranging from nachos to burritos to fajitas. Don’t forget about dessert flan is popular at Moonfish. You can watch sports on TV while enjoying your meal and there are different dining areas depending on how quiet or loud you want your environment to be.
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According to the Michelin Guide for the United Kingdom, Moonfish Cafe is a simple restaurant that offers the best cooking. Its flavors are described as well-defined with colorful presentation. The Michelin Guide recommends choosing two to four courses and enjoying the mirrored walls and high ceilings of Moonfish Cafe.
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Tucked away near the historic Merchant Quarter, Moonfish Café is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Known for its creative, modern approach, the menu changes regularly, featuring local and seasonal produce. The restaurant also boasts an impressive gin selection if you’re in the mood for a perfect pairing.
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In the city of Aberdeen, check out Moonfish cafe for a seafood dinner and then head for a drink in the Tippling House or Orchid cocktail bar (or both!) to round off your night. See our full destination guide to Aberdeen for more food and drink inspiration in the granite city.
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Description: Moonfish Cafe, located in Aberdeen's Merchant Quarter, offers a blend of casual and fine dining experiences. Known for its modern British cuisine with a focus on seafood, the restaurant serves dishes like citrus-cured salmon and Isle of Mull cheddar soufflé.
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Seafood lovers will absolutely adore this Michelin-starred restaurant in Aberdeen. Moonfish Cafe offers scallops and grilled fish, alongside a variety of gin and cocktails. Featuring scenic views from its window and cosy interiors, it makes for the perfect date night.
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Head chef Brian McLeish, a runner-up on Masterchef the Professionals, creates pretty but substantial plates that leave us drooling – think treacle-cured sirloin with blue cheese and cauliflower, or fillet of turbot with potted shrimp and samphire.
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Moonfish Cafe is a cosy and modern restaurant in the heart of Aberdeen. It is famous for its creative and delicious dishes full of traditional Scottish flavours. The menu changes with the seasons to make sure only the fresh ingredients are used.
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in Great for - Lunch, Great for - Fine Dining and Taster Menus, Great for - Dinner. A fantastic restaurant serving fresh, beautifully presented food that tastes amazing. What more do you want really?!
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Both the view and location are perfect,” Mitchell told Aberdeen Business News, “I’ve always thought it was a great spot when it was Pavarotti’s when I worked at Moonfish.
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Address: 9 Correction WyndContact details: +44 122 464 4166Operating hours:. Cost: £££ Website Menu. If you’re into seafood, Moonfish Cafe is practically a shrine.
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We had a reservation at the highly, acclaimed Moonfish Cafe. We’d heard great things about the restaurant, so our expectations were high.
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Moonfish has always been excellent when I’ve been, I had a good steak at Vovem a couple of weeks ago, if they prefer red meat,
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