Number 44 - Carte

Tolbooth

➤ Old Pier, Harbour, Stonehaven AB39 2JU, AB39 2JR, United Kingdom

Carte • Cafés • Seafood • Mexican • Asiatic

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"The building itself is historic, and the museum is really the only reason you should step foot inside. The restaurant itself food was good, albeit smaller portions, so not a place to go if you’re really hungry. The server was awful, which is why the 1 star rating. When you enter, the chef calls out a quick hello as you walk past the kitchen service window, a lovely welcome. However, our server was Gus, and he was one of the rudest servers I’ve ever encountered. We weren’t expecting red carpet treatment, but being kind to your guests shouldn’t be the exception. Both my husband and I worked in the service industry for years. We know good service, and this was not it. Gus began our dining experience by belittling us when we asked for a jug of tap water for the table, bringing us a bottle of flat water instead and “correcting” us for not being clear about what we ordered. How does one misunderstand a table asking for a jug of tap water? He then proceeded to take our drinks menu away before we’d had a chance to consider what we were eating before ordering a beverage. When we’d entered the restaurant a customer coming out told us they had enjoyed the sea bass on special. When my husband inquired, Gus told him “I would have told you if we had any”. How about just saying there was none left and leaving it at that? The meal was full of insulting remarks, but the final insult came when Gus came to collect our dishes after the meal and commented that he’d never seen people clean their plates as well as we had, to which my parents responded that they hadn’t licked the plates. My husband then shot back “I guess most people don’t finish their food here”. There was no way in hell we were staying for dessert. I’d rather have a past due Kit Kat from the petrol station that’s been sat on for 8 hours in the car than suffer through dessert at this place. The food was good, but not nearly good enough to make up for the deplorable way we were treated by this server. I can’t tell you when I’ve felt so unwelcome or belittled in a restaurant. Perhaps because we were dressed comfortably for a long drive and arrived slightly rumpled that we were treated with such disdain. If you enjoy a heaping pile of snobbery with your meal, go. If you prefer to feel welcome, and that your custom is valued, go somewhere else. Like, ANYWHERE else in the bay would have been better than this place."

The Old Pier Coffee House

➤ Shorehead, Stonehaven, AB39 2, United Kingdom, AB39 2JY, Aberdeenshire

Carte • Cafe • Soup • Cakes • Coffee

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"Just what you need to get you started when you arrive in Stonehaven. PS. When you don't sell ice coffee you could serve 60ml shot over a scoop of an ice cream. Parking: There's a public carpark nearby. Service: Take out Meal type: Other Price per person: £10–20 Recommended dishes: Pastry Parking options Free parking lot"

The Ship Inn

➤ Shorehead, Stonehaven, AB39 2, United Kingdom, AB39 2JY

Carte • Sushi • Cafés • Pizza • Asiatic

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"After a visit to the wonderful Dunnotar castle, a classic between the castles and postcards of Scotland, with walk through the immediations of the same included, we went to the port of Stonehaven, where you can always eat quite well. Like so many other times we went to the Ship Inn and the truth is that the experience was amazing, once again: mussels with cream sauce, garlic and onion, fresh cod and cooked bine (fish and chips but well cooked) cullen skink (sopa parinera de potatoes y pescado ahumado) and above all and absolute novelty a smoked salmion paate that powerfully called our pink fry. But once we tasted it, it was amazing... texture, presentation and an intense flavor of top quality salmon. Everything more than good. The simple place."

The Bay Fish Chips

➤ Beach Promenade, AB39 2RD, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Carte • Fish • Curry • Chicken • Gluten Free

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"I just want to start off by saying I really like what the place offers. From the locally sourced ingredients, eco friendly packaging, and the sleek and modern design. The staff were also friendly. Although neither of us require gluten free items. The menu was really accommodating and inclusion is important. However, our individual experience of the food was really disappointing. The chips are really thick cut and do not absorb the seasoning of salt and vinegar well. We have been trying hard to describe the flavour of the chips, and for us, it tasted like burnt oil and this matches the smell/aroma in the shop itself. I understand a high pricing structure for high quality and locally sourced ingredients and I support that however this was not value for the goods we received on the day. There was also a wee wait for the food which usually is fine as it is an indicator of being cooked to order but what we received doesn’t compensate for the wait time. Both my boyfriend and I left most of our chips. The sausages were ok. A little seedy but that’s not unusual for chip shop sausages. I’d be reluctant to come back in a hurry."

Carron

➤ Cameron Street, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Carte • Soup • Meat • Steak • Cheese

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"had a booking of tonight for a meal with local motorcycle group. Despite the people who appear at different times (facebook meet time problem with the ears back), the personal was fantastic to make sure that we have something to eat before us, the drinks flow left, and in the position to adapt tables to the late arrival. the food was delicious, cooked to order and beautifully presented. a mixture of appetizers, rice and broth on the table did not mean annoying in the order for a large group. the most important courses were not disappointed. fresh and delicate meat, prepared for perfection and with taste break out. also the vegetarian at the table were satisfied with their offered options and directed. all this in a beautiful art deco situation for a great night made with friends, with impeccable service by raj and his team. highly recommended."