4 Best Restaurants in Peebles, The Borders and the Southwest

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

The pleasant white-walled, modern dining room of this bright, airy eatery sits behind the tempting deli counter, and its windows overlook the Tweed. All-day options include salads, platters, and sandwiches as well as heartier choices such as cod with curried cauliflower and a rump of lamb with salsa verde and lemon. Leave a little space for some worthwhile desserts or take time to linger in the bar. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

A country hotel that recalls an old coaching inn, the opulent dining room at the Horseshoe Inn has large gold-framed mirrors and heavy drapes to emphasize its grand style. The dinner menu combines well-established favorites with fine dining, from fish-and-chips to roast lamb and baked cod. There's an impressive three-course roast menu on Sundays for £25. As you would expect, the pace echoes the surroundings and the cuisine—slow with plenty of time to savor. If you elect to stay in the area, the restaurant also has eight rooms.

The atmosphere in this popular restaurant near the Eastgate Theatre on Peebles's main street is relaxed and cheerful; there is a buzz of conversation and an informality that reflects the shared plates that are the basis of the menu. These small plates make dining a creative experience as the dishes reflect and combine several culinary traditions. Options include pork collar with hispi cabbage, mushroom and peanut bao buns, and scallops with chicken butter sauce, just to name a few. The lunch menu is more in line with typical pub grub like bacon rolls and fish sandwiches.