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Howies doesn't fit into the category of a chain because each of its restaurants has an individualistic style, décor and menu. But the underlying commitment to offering remarkable dishes in a relaxed and casual environment is consistently present in all of them. Howies in Aberdeen is situated just off the famous Union Street, right in the heart of town. Quietly elegant with its deep brown furnishings, this is a classy place where you can take the whole family, including the little ones, for a celebration.

The menu changes monthly and focuses on using local suppliers for all their ingredients. From amongst the starters you could choose terrine of ham shank with red onion marmalade and seasonal leaves followed by a main course of lamb chump with celeriac and mustard mash, honey roasted parsnips and a rich jus. End with the delectable Baileys and pear cheesecake or opt for the selection of Scottish cheeses.

Aberdeen is the the home of Aberdeen Angus, hence at Prime Cuts you get the very best that they can find, dry aged for a minimum of 28 days; consequently, they state that they don't have steak knives as the meat is so tender and rich that they're not required! Plus they are by the North Sea, where arguably you find the best lobster in the world, put the two together and that's what they do best at Prime Cuts.

Naturally their menu is not exclusively steak and lobster, as Head Chef, Brian Mutch, a local boy, is a wiz at concocting exquisite examples of Scottish cuisine at its best, using venison, pheasant, corn fed local chicken stuffed with haggis, and all this changes regularly to reflect the season.

Put this together in a warm, comfortable environment dominated by terracotta, leather and wood, where they provide unpretentious, yet well appointed, service - you could also have their Wine Steward assist you in choosing wines that will best complement your meal - and then you realise that their simple aim is to give you an unforgettable evening.

A splendidly grand Victorian mansion which is even more breathtaking inside, making it an ideal case for conversion into an hotel that has stained glass windows, tapestries on the walls and an oak staircase of immense grandeur. Three miles from the centre of Aberdeen it has ample parking.

The Tapestry Restaurant, with its vaulted wooden ceiling is the perfect place for dining on the grand scale and the food more than rises to the occasion. Choose from a light leek and parmesan risotto topped with a poached egg or asparagus, feta cheese, pine kernels and sun dried tomatoes baked in filo pastry with a spicy tomato sauce. Main courses tend to be classic and could be the breast of pheasant stuffed with haggis and served with a woodland mushroom sauce.

Visitors are much taken with the iced Glenfiddich parfait with a berry compote and tuille biscuits. The average carte dinner costs in the region of £38, with lunch at around £9.50. The wine list takes its place in the prevailing quality with house wine at £12.95.