The Times
Chitra Ramaswamy enjoyed some “simply delicious” oysters and scallops along with the sea views at this “institution” with a “stunning setting” overlooking Aberdeen harbour. Service, though, was “patchy”.
Chitra Ramaswamy - 2025-12-01Harden's survey result
Summary
“A stunning setting on top of the old customs house” on Pocra Quay makes this restaurant the “perfect place to sample the local fish and shellfish” while “watching boats come into the harbour as the sun sets” – “all the food is very fresh and there are some excellent vegetarian options; they also have a creative list of cocktails and a lovely wine selection”. ‘Silver darling’ is an old nickname for the herring that used to be such an important catch for the fishermen of ‘Fittie’ (officially Footdee), the historic fishing village you can see from this perch.
Summary
On the upper level of the old Custom House, a “fantastic setting with views over Aberdeen Harbour” makes this “unique” venue a brilliant choice for a meal of “excellent fish dishes cooked in a variety of styles”. “If you can, book a window seat” – “it’s great with all the lights at night, too”.
Summary
“One of the best views you will get, watching the comings and goings of boats in Aberdeen harbour,” combines with “excellent fish”, “beautifully cooked and presented” at this venue set on top of the old Customs House by the water. The vistas are “especially amazing at night”, so “try for a window table” to make the best of your meal here.
Summary
“With great views over Aberdeen Harbour”, this “unique fish restaurant” is perched on top of the old customs house, “with extensive glass windows” (through which you may see seals as well as “boats coming and going in the docks”). It wins praise for “assured, innovative cooking” where “quality rather than quantity” is the prime objective.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Silver Darling?
North Pier House, Pocra Quay, Aberdeen, AB11 5DQ
Restaurant details
Highchair,Portions
12
No dress code
60
+16 after 8 pm
The Silver Darling Restaurant Diner Reviews
Reviews of The Silver Darling Restaurant in AB11, Aberdeen by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of The Silver Darling restaurant.
Alistair S
Unique setting for sampling local fish and ...
Reviewed 10 months, 6 days ago
"Unique setting for sampling local fish and shellfish"
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Post your own review of The Silver Darling and contribute to our annual restaurant review guide.What the Newspaper Critics are saying
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
North Pier House, Pocra Quay, Aberdeen, AB11 5DQ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8 pm |
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