3 Best Restaurants in The Borders and the Southwest, Scotland

Lovely and old-fashioned, this white-washed inn is always full, mainly because of its good beer and hearty, well-cooked food including steak and ale pie. Located directly on the harbor, it has few local rivals, but customers come from far and wide to eat here and walk the headland behind the pub to the rocky shore of the Solway Firth. That exercise may help you appreciate the excellent housemade desserts. When weather permits, you can eat at tables in the garden. For those who want to linger, there are also seven reasonably priced guest rooms, five of which overlook the pretty harbor.

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

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.