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Mara

Aberdeen - Italian - Wine Bar & Bottle Shop - ££

Neighbourhood wine bar with a strong Italian accent

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

‘It’s a much-needed addition to Aberdeen,’ says one reader, and they are not alone in praising this Italian wine bar and bottle shop. A bright, contemporary space with modish touches throughout, the come-as-you-are ambience seems perfect for working your way through a short, enticing small-plates menu focused on local and seasonal produce, washed down with Italian wines from a modest, well-chosen list.  Top picks might run from 'tasting plates' of marancini (gently truffled and generously covered in Parmesan) or a sensational quail Scotch egg (perfectly runny) with wild garlic pesto and raw broad beans in a simple oil dressing to slow-cooked pork cheek in two crisp (but quite small) tartlet cases with sweet onion and a Parmesan espuma – in short, honest, good-value cooking with no fancy frills. Another highlight of our visit was a special of roast quail breasts, the leg meat made into a rich, unctuous filling for a delicate single raviolo, which came with...

‘It’s a much-needed addition to Aberdeen,’ says one reader, and they are not alone in praising this Italian wine bar and bottle shop. A bright, contemporary space with modish touches throughout, the come-as-you-are ambience seems perfect for working your way through a short, enticing small-plates menu focused on local and seasonal produce, washed down with Italian wines from a modest, well-chosen list. 

Top picks might run from 'tasting plates' of marancini (gently truffled and generously covered in Parmesan) or a sensational quail Scotch egg (perfectly runny) with wild garlic pesto and raw broad beans in a simple oil dressing to slow-cooked pork cheek in two crisp (but quite small) tartlet cases with sweet onion and a Parmesan espuma – in short, honest, good-value cooking with no fancy frills.

Another highlight of our visit was a special of roast quail breasts, the leg meat made into a rich, unctuous filling for a delicate single raviolo, which came with tenderstem broccoli and a sauce that was perfectly pitched to cut through the richness of the meat. To finish, a Sicilian orange posset and its accompanying velvety, sharp rhubarb sorbet was also pitch-perfect, while tiramisu was served family-style as a scoop from a larger dish, with some terrific vanilla gelato. Also expect warm and hugely knowledgeable service from an engaged and proud team. Overall, Mara is just what every neighbourhood needs.

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VENUE DETAILS

40-42 Thistle Street

Aberdeen
AB10 1XDGB

01224 454826

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Family friendly

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