3 Best Restaurants in The Borders and the Southwest, Scotland

With a minstrels' gallery, crystal chandeliers, and tall windows with views over the Tweed, the dining room at the Tontine Hotel has a grand feel. It's a bit surprising, therefore, that it also serves good home cooking for the family at reasonable prices. Local produce is used for all the dishes, including the steak pie and burgers as well as the vegetarian tagine and Moroccan stew. For the most part the menu remains traditional, though with creative touches. There is also a good wine list. Bring along the kids, as they have their own menu. The view over the Tweed provides a fine background

For a good balance of art and food, look no further than this café at a contemporary art and crafts gallery in the town center. You'll find the freshest ingredients here, from soup to salads, sandwiches to quiches; everything is made on-site, including the bread, and it's all organic. The soup of the day is always a good choice, as are the seasonal fruit pies. The light-filled café is downstairs, beneath the shop and gallery, and has wooden tables and chairs. You can also choose to sit in the conservatory or the lovely walled garden, if the weather allows.

Just off the town's cobbled square, this well-established pub and restaurant with wooden tables and a bustling, cheerful atmosphere seems to be permanently busy. Its extensive menu combines generously sized burgers, steaks, and meat pies with the ever-popular fish-and-chips. The craft beers are good, food is delivered quickly and politely, and desserts are too tempting to resist, especially the sticky toffee pudding (made with dates) beloved by Scots. Reservations are advised for dinner, with the last food orders at 8:30 pm. There is live music on some nights.