Franco’S
If you ever find yourself wandering the charming streets of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, there’s one name locals and food lovers alike will drop without hesitation-Franco’S. Tucked away at Port Brae, Peebles EH45 8AW, this cosy Italian gem is more than just another eatery; it’s a flavorful escape into hearty, home-style Italian cuisine with a warm and welcoming vibe.
At first glance, Franco’S looks unassuming, almost like a secret spot only a lucky few know about. But once you step inside (note: it's not wheelchair accessible), you’re met with the aroma of fresh herbs, melted cheese, and baked dough-classic signs of a real Italian kitchen in action. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite, grabbing takeaway on a rainy Peebles night, or settling in for a slow dinner with a glass of wine, Franco’S somehow caters to it all.
Let’s talk popular dishes, because this is where Franco’S truly shines. Their Bruschetta is a go-to starter-crispy, garlicky bread topped with juicy tomatoes and basil that hits all the right notes. Pizza lovers can take their pick from a comforting Margherita, the meaty delight of Sausage Pizza, or the ever-controversial but strangely addictive Hawaiian Pizza. If you’re into something richer, the Mushroom Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza come loaded with flavor and just the right amount of char from their oven.
One of the standout dishes? Without a doubt, the Pork Escalope with Mushroom Sauce. It’s tender, rich, and pairs perfectly with a glass of Malbec or a chilled Moretti beer. Speaking of drinks, the wine list is thoughtfully curated-nothing overwhelming, just great choices that actually go well with the food. Oh, and for the sweet-toothed, don’t leave without trying the Banana Split or the indulgent Tartufo.
If you’re a pasta fan, Franco’S doesn’t hold back. The Lasagne is bubbling, cheesy, and comforting-the kind of dish you dream about after a long day. Spaghetti and Rigatoni also make regular appearances on the menu, and they’re everything you’d expect from a place that understands Italian food. Add on a side of Mozzarella Sticks or the crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Arancini, and you’ve got yourself a feast.
Franco’S isn’t about the frills-it’s about solid Italian fare, friendly service, and a laid-back environment. It’s also one of those rare places that feels equally suitable for solo diners, couples on date night, or friends catching up over Limoncello cocktails. You won’t find a loud, modern aesthetic or fancy Instagram walls here. What you will find is warmth, character, and a focus on what matters most: the food.
Another plus? They offer both delivery and takeaway, so you can enjoy that Calzone Ripieno or Mushroom Pizza from the comfort of your sofa, too. Late-night cravings? Covered. Craving good coffee with dessert? Done. Need something stronger? Franco’S serves cocktails, spirits, and a surprisingly good coffee for an Italian place in the UK.
Franco’S also scores points for being a solid lunch and dinner spot. Whether you’re stopping by for a mid-day bite or planning a relaxed evening out, the kitchen stays consistent. It’s no wonder it's a local favorite among Peebles residents. And while it’s not the most accessible spot physically, it makes up for that with heart, hospitality, and heavenly plates.
If your culinary radar is tuned into authentic Italian flavors, family-style hospitality, and great value, Franco’S is exactly where it should be.
Reviews
We were in Peebles for a week with work and dined at Francos a couple of times - we loved it! The excellent staff and Francesco himself could not have made us feel more welcome and the food was some of the best Italian food I have had in Scotland. It was bustling both nights we were there, and clearly the place to eat in Peebles!
Wednesday night and the place was packed.... paaaacked. Glad we made a reservation, please make a reservation!!! Haha!! Great, classic simple menu choices, cooked with deep Italian love!! Didn't get our servers name but she was was fantastic. No negatives.... NONE!!!
A fantastic local Italian restaurant. We arrived just in time to get a table as a walk-in at 6pm on a Wednesday. After that the restaurant filled very quickly. That tells you a lot. It is clear that people come back many times from the warm welcome they received from Franco. The food was straightforward Italian - mainly pizza and pasta. Everything we ate was excellent. The prices are very reasonable. Gluten free options are available for both pizza and pasta. Staff were excellent. We will definitely return and would recommend to anyone looking for a decent meal at great prices.
They have the most beautiful classic Italian road bikes on the walls. The man that runs it is a total charmer, especially if you show interest in his bicycles. We went for the gnocchi special and a spicy sausage pizza. They'll do it half and half for ya like pizzerias in the good old days. Both were good, but the gnocchi was exceptional. Almond pesto and cheese, ooft. We didn't even ask if they had tiramisu, we knew they would. It was a treat.
very busy on a friday night at 7:30, glad we made a reservation but the service was quite slow. took forever to get our order in and when our food came, we received 2 pizzas instead of a pizza and a pasta - we told our waitress and yes she offered to change the pizza for the pasta but we were hungry so we said it was fine - mistakes happen after all. the pizzas were okay, i wouldn’t say anything special. we also had to ask 3 separate times for our bill..