Spectra Aberdeen 2026: Here are 14 of the best places to visit for food and drink during Spectra

Search and Trends Writer

Published 5th Feb 2026, 15:25 BST

From late night cafes to bars and restaurants in the heart of the festival, here are some of the best places for food and drink in Aberdeen during Spectra 2026.

Scotland’s Festival of Light officially kicks off in Aberdeen this evening, with the annual event set to warm the cold February nights.

The 2026 edition of Spectra Aberdeen will see the city illuminated by everything from fire-filled sculptures and giant blooming flowers, to thoughtful hand crafted lanterns and immersive light installations.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Spectra Aberdeen 2026, from locations to opening hours

Hoping to encourage visitors to “be curious” – this year’s theme – Spectra will be open from 5.30pm to 10pm daily until Sunday, February 8.

Whether you are planning on heading into the city to enjoy a meal before Spectra opens, or you’re hoping to stop for a warming drink or snack along the way, we can help. Here are 14 of the best places to visit for food and drink during Spectra Aberdeen 2026.

If you're heading along to Spectra this year, here are 14 places to eat worth trying.

1. Best Food and Drink Spectra Aberdeen 2026

If you're heading along to Spectra this year, here are 14 places to eat worth trying. | The Scotsman

Offering both food and drink, Wild Goose in Union Terrace Gardens is well worth checking out if you’re visiting Spectra 2026. Sourcing ingredients from local producers, this venue has several areas from the relaxed upstairs dining area to the Victorian Toilets which provide a unique setting for private dinners and pop ups. Speaking of, while the festival is on Wild Goose will be hosting a pop up bar for visitors.

2. Wild Goose

Offering both food and drink, Wild Goose in Union Terrace Gardens is well worth checking out if you’re visiting Spectra 2026. Sourcing ingredients from local producers, this venue has several areas from the relaxed upstairs dining area to the Victorian Toilets which provide a unique setting for private dinners and pop ups. Speaking of, while the festival is on Wild Goose will be hosting a pop up bar for visitors. | The Scotsman

The first venue to open in the renovated Union Terrace Gardens, Common Sense is an arts focused coffee house and bar. Offering food and plenty of hot drinks, which you are highly likely to need, Common Sense will be open until 10pm throughout the festival.

3. Common Sense Coffee House & Bar — Union Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1DF

The first venue to open in the renovated Union Terrace Gardens, Common Sense is an arts focused coffee house and bar. Offering food and plenty of hot drinks, which you are highly likely to need, Common Sense will be open until 10pm throughout the festival. | The Scotsman

The final location right in the heart of Union Terrace Gardens is SugarBird in the Gardens. The second SugarBird in Aberdeen, with the first on Union Grove, this venue specialises in wine with some nibbles and mixed platters also available. Located across two floors in the Burns Pavilion, it offers an excellent view over Spectra's Fire Garden.

4. SugarBird In the Gardens — Union Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1NJ

The final location right in the heart of Union Terrace Gardens is SugarBird in the Gardens. The second SugarBird in Aberdeen, with the first on Union Grove, this venue specialises in wine with some nibbles and mixed platters also available. Located across two floors in the Burns Pavilion, it offers an excellent view over Spectra's Fire Garden. | The Scotsman