Oscar's Café in Scottish Borders

Go here now before everyone else figures out what amazing value this place is! The drive through the Scottish countryside is stunning (a half-hour drive from the railway stop at Galashiels). The owners have created something special that I simultaneously want to keep to myself and share with the world. Oxana's hosting (and baking and wine-pairing) skills mean you are welcomed with friendly service, clear explanations of the wine pairings and amazing, sweet treats. We have been twice - once in September and once in November - and from beginning to end, our glasses were never empty, and we were treated to amazing service. Now, the food is really something to talk about. Bryn is doing something special here. The food is fresh and innovative while remaining down to earth and approachable. A simple parsnip soup sent our table to heaven with its perfect spice. We had pork belly with the crunchiest crackling and lentils with vegetables that were flavoured so beautifully I couldn't tell what was in them. Blue cheese with truffled honey had all of us begging for more. Every bite is a delight, and some of it was items I wouldn't normally order. This food, this place, is truly something special, reflecting our Borders community and some of the best food in Scotland. Go now!

Got to say, I’ve never had a bad meal or experience in here. The ham hock and lentil soup as amazing, the steak and mushroom pie was outstanding. It was packed with lean steak in a lush, beefy broth type gravy. Great fies, a la dente peas and everything was piping hot and cooked to order. Even the plates were warm, which I always appreciate. The staff were great and the owner is a real friendly guy. If yer heading North or South on the A68, make sure this is yer pit stop, even for a coffee and cake. Made me smile today whilst I was eating, it was that good. It looks like a greasy spoon if you pass it on the road, but it’s not! It’s on a par with very good pub grub, and it’s really clean inside, as is the kitchen which I passed on the way to use the bathroom.

Stopped in for some lunch today. Friendly service with a good and varied choice of menu. Offers half portions of meals if more suitable. Brilliant value. Hot and cold options available. Felt like the teapot was bottomless, think it was 3 cupfuls in total!

Wonderful food and so nicely presented and the young man serving was so polite and professional. Only negative was the disappointing vegetarian options for my sister. Macaroni cheese is more suited to a cafe menu. But a lovely evening none the less.

Don't normally do reviews, and only stopped for a quick coffee and bacon roll, but felt this place really deserves an excellent review. Rare to find a place that does such a decent coffee (cappuccino done properly, in a sensible sized cup not a Costa bucket), the staff were lovely - all of them - and there was a nice stove in the corner on a bitterly cold January morning. Never stopped off here before on an A68 run - will make a habit of it now.