THE Square is a bit like the Tardis ... it really is much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.
I can’t count how many times I’ve walked past the restaurant, tucked away on a route leading to Golden Square, oblivious that an eatery was there.
But once you’ve been inside the cavernous dining room, you can’t imagine how you could have missed it before.
And once you’ve sampled the fine fare on offer you’ll also kick yourself you didn’t know about it sooner.
My pal and I ventured into the restaurant for dinner and a mid-week blether. Faced with a spacious, open dining area with plenty of nooks and crannies for more private parties, we opted for a table on the raised section of the room giving us a view over the restaurant – ideal for people watching.
The menu is packed with unusual takes on traditional fare and we struggled to pin down our choices with the tempting dishes on offer.
Eventually, after pestering the patient waiter for his recommendations, I opted for the chicken liver parfait starter (£5.95). The velvety pate slice was wrapped in smoky ham and served with spiced oatcakes and a tangy chutney which cut perfectly through the richness of the chicken liver.
My friend went for the tiger prawns (£6.50). A generous portion of seafood was served with a spicy, chilli sauce and, despite the generous portion, she managed to finish the lot.
For the mains, I had even more trouble picking, but the waiter advised me to go for the Thai prawn curry (£13.50). And it was a good steer – juicy prawns were served with an aromatic and fiery sauce with cooling coconut rice and a crispy poppadom on the side. My pal went for the lamb main (£14.95). The tender meat was accompanied by creamy mash and green beans. Despite the fact summer is still with us, she loved the comfort food. We were stuffed after two courses – but couldn’t resist a pudding.
My friend went for the cheesecake (£5.95) which was a little too light for her liking but didn’t stop her clearing the plate. And I opted for some ice cream – delicious Orkney churned chocolate and vanilla with chocolate sauce and a wafer (£5.95).
With a couple of drinks and a cup of tea to finish, the meal came to a fairly reasonable £60. The only gripe was a service charge was automatically added and I’d probably have been more generous had the choice been left to me. The Square is definitely one of the best finds I’ve made in Aberdeen in recent years.