If Aberdeen restaurants seemed unusually busy during the latest Restaurant Weeks, there was a good reason.

An estimated 35,000 diners took part, generating more than £1 million in spending during the two-week event.

Eighty-three restaurants, cafés and bars participated, offering specially priced menus, tasting experiences and other promotions.

The figures suggest something encouraging about the city’s hospitality scene.

People were willing to get out, try somewhere different and support local venues when given a good reason to do so.

Participating businesses reported new customers, returning diners and busy weekends, while younger customers were also among those discovering venues for the first time.

Online interest was substantial too, with Restaurant Weeks ambassador content attracting around 1.1 million Instagram views.

More than 7,000 entries were also recorded for the event’s Dine, Scan, Win promotion.

The impact extends beyond the restaurant table.

Busy hospitality venues can support taxis, bars, shops and the wider city-centre economy.

The longer-term opportunity is turning first-time visitors into regular customers after the promotional menus have finished.

Aberdeen’s food and drink businesses still face significant cost pressures, but the turnout suggests there remains a strong appetite for eating out locally.

What Aberdeen restaurant, café or hidden gem do you think more people should discover?