Maggie's Grill, located in the heart of Aberdeen's Marischal Square, offers a relaxed dining experience with a focus on home-cooked soul food. Founded in 2014 by Sebastian Lord and Richard Parfitt, the restaurant specializes in Cajun and barbecue dishes, utilizing locally sourced produce. The menu features generous portions of ribs, hearty sandwiches, and authentic Cajun recipes, all crafted with care and served in a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its flavorful offerings and friendly service.
What each source says
- Open Table 4.7 1,097
- Google 4.7 1,014
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious and Flavorful Food The food is consistently praised for its taste and quality, with many reviewers highlighting the BBQ, fried chicken, and other menu items.
- Excellent for Special Occasions Maggie's Grill is a great venue for birthday celebrations or family meals. Staff are accommodating and make an effort to make guests feel welcome.
- Friendly and Attentive Service Staff members are often described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing to a positive dining experience. Servers are polite and quick to resolve any issues.
- Generous Portion Sizes Many dishes are served in large portions, offering great value, especially for the price. Consider sharing a platter or being prepared to take leftovers home.
- Great Atmosphere and Location The restaurant boasts a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by its location in Marischal Square. The open space and views add to the overall appeal.
Criticised
- Can Be Noisy The restaurant can get quite noisy, especially when busy, making it difficult to have conversations. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have experienced inconsistencies, such as bland dishes or overcooked items. This could affect overall satisfaction.
- Limited Vegetable Side Options The side dish selection may lack variety for those seeking vegetable-focused choices. The available options might not appeal to everyone.
- Potential Wait Times The restaurant can be busy, which can lead to wait times for seating or food service. Booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid delays.
- Pricey Menu Some reviewers find the prices to be on the higher side, especially considering that sides like chips may cost extra. This makes it more of an occasional treat rather than a regular dining option.
The longer read
Maggie's Grill in Aberdeen is a popular spot known for its generous portions of Southern-style comfort food and BBQ. Many reviewers recommend booking in advance, especially during peak times, as the restaurant can get quite busy. The service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff often going the extra mile to accommodate requests and dietary needs. Several reviewers specifically praised the staff for being welcoming to families with young children. The restaurant's atmosphere is generally lively and bustling. However, some reviewers have noted that it can get quite noisy, especially when busy. The location in Marischal Square is considered a plus, offering views of Marischal College and the surrounding area.
The food receives mostly positive reviews, with several dishes standing out. The ribs, fried chicken (especially the buttermilk fried chicken), nachos, brisket, and macaroni and cheese are frequently mentioned as favorites. The sharing platter is noted for its generous size and variety, making it suitable for two people. Some reviewers have found the food to be exceptionally flavorful and well-cooked, comparing it favorably to Tex-Mex restaurants in the United States. However, a few reviewers have found some dishes, like the burger, to be dry or bland. While portion sizes are generally considered large and satisfying, a few reviewers feel that portion sizes have decreased and prices have increased over time. Several reviewers appreciate the use of local ingredients. A few reviewers have mentioned the lack of vegetable side dish options. Some reviewers were disappointed that chips now cost extra with burgers. Desserts receive mixed reviews. The chocolate brownie is highly recommended by one reviewer, while another reviewer had a negative experience with the shortcake. Cocktails have also been highlighted positively. A few reviewers have noted occasional inconsistencies in service, such as delays in receiving drinks or being offered dessert. Overall, Maggie's Grill is recommended for its generous portions, friendly service, and tasty comfort food, although some reviewers find it to be on the pricier side. The restaurant is a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 01224 635330
- Website
- maggiesgrill.co.uk
| Mon | 16:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.5 across the 51 places to eat we hold for Aberdeen, where the most-reviewed is Miller & Carter Aberdeen.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the most recommended or signature dishes to try at Maggie's Grill in Aberdeen?
- Is Maggie's Grill a good choice for families with children and does it offer any kids' menu or amenities?
- How does Maggie's Grill handle food allergies and are there good options for special dietary needs?
- What is the general atmosphere and vibe like at Maggie's Grill in Aberdeen?
- Do you need to make a reservation at Maggie's Grill or is walk-in seating usually available?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.