Whether you’re heading out on an early morning oil-rig rotation or catching a leisure flight to London, knowing where to eat at Aberdeen Airport before you board makes the whole experience smoother. This guide covers every restaurant, bar and café currently open at ABZ – with opening times, locations (before or after security), and what to expect on the menu.
✈️ Planning ahead? Combine your airport dining with a pre-booked park and fly package at Aberdeen Airport to arrive relaxed and ready to eat.
Quick Reference: Aberdeen Airport Eating Places at a Glance
| Restaurant / Café | Type | Before or After Security | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Distilling House | Bar & restaurant | Before security | 05:00-22:00 |
| Bocco | Italian kitchen & bar | Before security | 06:00-21:00 |
| The Granite City | Bar & restaurant | Before security | 05:00-22:00 |
| Costa Coffee | Coffee shop | After security (Gate 5) | 04:30-20:00 |
Opening times are a guide and may vary on weekends and bank holidays. Always check with the airport directly on the day.
The Distilling House – Pub & Dining, Before Security
The Distilling House is one of Aberdeen Airport’s most characterful dining spots – a pub and dining room with a distinctly Scottish identity. Think hearty mains, a solid whisky selection, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a popular choice for both early departures and passengers waiting to collect arriving travellers.
- Good for: Pre-flight meals, meeting arriving passengers, drinks with food
- Location: Before security, landside
- Opening times: From 05:00 daily (check airport website for weekend variations)
Bocco Italian Kitchen & Bar – Before Security
Bocco brings a bit of continental warmth to Aberdeen Airport’s dining scene. As an Italian kitchen and bar, it’s a solid option if you’d rather have a proper sit-down meal than a grab-and-go snack before your flight – think pasta dishes, antipasti, and a bar menu that goes beyond the usual airport fare.
It’s positioned before security, making it equally useful whether you’re flying or picking someone up.
- Good for: Sit-down pre-flight meals, Italian food, groups
- Location: Before security, landside
- Opening times: Check with the airport for current hours
The Granite City – Pub & Kitchen, Before Security
The Granite City is a well-established Aberdeen Airport institution. Named after the city’s famous silvery stone, it’s a Scottish-style pub and kitchen serving a broad menu of bar classics and heartier meals, with live sports on TV and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a go-to for travellers who want something more substantial than a coffee and a pastry before their flight – and it’s conveniently located landside, near baggage reclaim, so arriving passengers can eat here too.
- Good for: Full meals, live sports, larger groups, arriving passengers
- Location: Before security (near baggage reclaim)
- Opening times: Mon–Fri from 05:00, Sat from 05:00, Sun from 06:30 (closes 22:00 most days; 18:00 Saturday)
Costa Coffee – After Security, Gate 5
Once you’ve cleared security at Aberdeen Airport, Costa Coffee at Gate 5 is the most reliable stop for your pre-flight caffeine fix. The full Costa menu is available – espresso drinks, flat whites, teas, hot chocolates – alongside cold sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. The early opening time makes it ideal for the first wave of morning departures.
- Good for: Coffee, quick snacks, early flights
- Location: After security, Gate 5 (airside)
- Opening times: Mon–Fri and Sun from 04:30; check for Saturday hours
Aberdeen Airport Food & Drink: Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are open before security at Aberdeen Airport?
The Distilling House, Bocco, and The Granite City are all located before security (landside), so you don’t need a boarding pass to use them. They’re also open to those collecting arriving passengers.
Is there anywhere to eat after security at Aberdeen Airport?
Yes – Costa Coffee is located airside at Gate 5 and opens from the early hours to cover most departures.
What time do Aberdeen Airport restaurants open?
Most landside options open from around 05:00-06:30. Costa Coffee airside opens from 04:30, making it one of the earliest options for passengers on very early flights.
Can I eat at Aberdeen Airport if I’m collecting a passenger?
Yes. The Distilling House, Bocco, and The Granite City are all in the public (landside) area and accessible without going through security.
Does Aberdeen Airport have a bar?
Yes – both The Distilling House and The Granite City operate as bars as well as restaurants, serving draught and bottled drinks alongside food. Bocco also has a bar.
What is the best restaurant at Aberdeen Airport?
The best option depends on what you’re after. For a full sit-down Scottish meal, The Distilling House or The Granite City are strong choices. For Italian food, Bocco is the pick. For a quick coffee airside, Costa Coffee at Gate 5 is your best bet after security.
Make the Most of Your Time at Aberdeen Airport
Eating well before a flight is easier when you’re not rushing. If you’re flying from Aberdeen and want to arrive stress-free with time to enjoy a proper meal, consider booking airport parking with APH – our Aberdeen Airport parking options are designed to get you from your car to the terminal quickly, with no last-minute scrambles.
Information correct at time of publication. Restaurant availability, opening times, and menus are subject to change — always verify directly with Aberdeen Airport before travelling.
Why is there no glutenfree options past security for food. Flying at 8.30 am and would really like to buy anything fresh that day as we have to stay overnight in a hotel before flight and will not be able to take fresh food from the day before with us.