FINE dining, family-run local coffee shops and even a vegan-only café are the best places to eat in Aberdeenshire, according to Trip Advisor.

Yesterday we listed the top 10 eateries in Aberdeen city on the popular travel website, and today it’s the turn of the Shire.

1) The Harbour Restaurant, Gardenstown

Gardenstown may be a tiny place, but its restaurant is attracting big praise from diners. “Jane and Rogers welcoming attitude wins over every customer”, said one. The restaurant’s lemon sole and steaks also get singled out for praise.

Read the full diners’ verdict here

2) Eat On The Green, Udny Green

This acclaimed restaurant serves up fine dining fare – with the emphasis on “fine”. “I’ve been around the world and experienced some very good fine dining … but Eat on the Green beats them hands down,” raves one diner. “Portions we had were huge, not like your typical fine dining miniature size meal,” commented another.

Read the full diners’ verdict here

3) Nooks and Crannies, Fraserburgh

Called “the best place in Fraserburgh for lunch”, by Trip Advisor reviewers.”The soup, no matter what it is, is the best soup you will ever taste….no exaggeration,” says one. Lynne’s home baking is also praised – along with Malcolm who “brightens up everyone’s day with a smile and his conversation”.

Read the full diners’ verdict here

4) Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy

Eating out at this “gem in the countryside” will “thrill the tastebuds”. While some commented on the restaurant’s remoteness, the consensus seems to be it’s well worth the drive. Another diner writes: “Interesting menu, reasonably prices and delicious food and wine.”

Read the full diners’ verdict here

5) Last Bus Works Canteen, New Pitsligo

Who says vegan meals have to be boring? No animals were harmed in the making of this unique-looking vegan café, which one amateur reviewer calls “a jewel on stilts”. Another said: “This was a real different sort of place. A bit like entering another era. The hosts were so friendly and caring people.”

Read the full diners’ verdict here

6) Hornblowers, Gourdon

Fish and chip aficionados have been raving about this place for years, and now Trip Advisor reviewers seem to agree. “Probably the best fish and chips I’ve ever had”, is a common phrase. Others highlight the atmospheric location, overlooking the harbour and lobster pots.

Read the full diners’ verdict here

7) Taste Braemar, Braemar

The soups and sandwiches at this wee coffee shop are singled out for praise, as is the atmosphere. “Tasty cakes/snacks/soups mostly homemade including a good range of coffee, teas and drinks,” said a visitor. “The Smoked Mackerel Pate is a joy, served with rustic bread and a delicious salad – it is a meal in itself,” said another.

Read the full diners’ verdict here

8) Shahi Darbar, Port Elphinstone

The first Indian restaurant in the top 10 is praised for its varied menu, which features you staples like lamb and chicken, but also more eclectic things like scallops, rabbit and duck. One local says: “Shahi Darbar has raised the bar for quality that should have their competitors scrabbling to match them.”

Read the full diners’ verdict here

9) The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie, Ballater

Ballater is known as being a curry-loving village, so it’s no surprise that one of its restaurants makes the list. One diner has a tip for visitors from the Craigendarroch resort: “Only 20 minutes walking time from Craigendarroch whets your appetite and the return journey back up the hill makes for a healthy close to the meal!”

Read the full diners’ verdict here

10) The Villa Coffee Shop, Stonehaven

Another local café/coffee shop beats out fully-fledged restaurants to make the Trip Advisor top 10. Visitors to the town say it’s a great place for a quick bite and sit-down – with the mince and tatties and puddings held in high regard by diners.

Read the full diners’ verdict here