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Venturing outdoors with your dogs is always a delight, whether it’s for beach strolls, park visits, or simply soaking up the natural beauty around. But, outdoor excursions don’t have to be cut short when hunger strikes and your stomach starts growling! We’ve put together the ultimate list of dog-friendly restaurants across South Africa.
From outdoor grassy areas where zoomies are encouraged, to “pawties” with pupcakes and doggie menus galore, here are over 30 spots that cater to canines! Explore the country with your best friend in tow and don’t be met by puppy dog eyes as you leave home without your good boy and girl.
All these venues welcome dogs both big and small, however everyone’s safety is always priority number one. Please keep your dog on a leash, unless given permission to take them off. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, pet policies may change, so it’s always good to double-check with the restaurant before heading out.
Cape Town
Aegir Project Brewery Noordhoek
Noordhoek
At Aegir, the whole family is invited, including the doggos. Known as a home-away-from-home to locals, you can eat, drink and lookout over the Noordhoek beach. After a morning stroll along the coast, grab a coffee while the kids play on the jungle-gym and the pup has a drink of water. Then, in the evenings, enjoy sundowners while tucking into Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas and craft beers from the brewery.
Afternoon Tea at The Mount Nelson
Gardens
The cakes have been baked, the tea is brewing, and the team at The Nelly is eagerly awaiting your (and your pup’s) arrival for their iconic Afternoon Tea. Whether you are human or canine, dress to impress and enjoy an afternoon tea tray filled with an array of sweet and savoury treats at the incredible Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel.
Bacini’s Pizzeria and Deli
Kloof Street
A hike up the iconic Lion’s Head trail calls for delicious “post-walkies” rewards. Just a stick’s throw away from the base of the mountain, Bacini’s welcomes you and your four-legged friends. Known for its delicious pizza, ice-cold beers and jugs of refreshing sangria, it’s no wonder that the tables here are always full.
Banana Jam Café
Kenilworth
An Afro-Caribbean restaurant where the food is delicious and the beers are ice-cold, Banana Jam has everything you need and want for a perfect day out with your furry friend. Boasting a beautiful garden and open-plan interior, you can kick-back and enjoy traditional Caribbean cuisine, alongside mouth-watering burgers and pizzas while taking advantage of their famous happy-hour specials available from 5 to 6 pm.
Clarke’s
Bree Street
An icon on the Bree Street strip, you don’t have to miss out on one of the best breakfasts, lunches or dinners in the city for the sake of your dog. Take them along with you, find a spot out on the street or in the shaded inner courtyard and let them curl up under your feet. On Tuesdays, get together all your fellow pet-parent friends and join the team at Clarke’s for their famous two-for-one burger special.
Folk Café
Muzienberg
Don’t leave anyone at home. Sit outside and enjoy the ocean breeze while admiring the mountain while the kiddos run around and the pups enjoy lazing out in the sun. Be entertained by live music while munching on something delicious from their extensive menu. If the chilly weather starts to roll in, warm-up by the fireplace or brave the cold for a dip at the St. James tidal pool.
Foresters Arms
Newlands
Forries is an institution in the Southern Suburbs, and for good reason! Whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks with mates, catching a rugby game, or just looking for a delicious meal where the kids play and the dogs are welcome, Forries caters to it all.
Greenhaus
Sunningdale
Make a reservation for you and your fur baby at Greenhaus in Sunningdale. With ample space to roam around, a special “pup” menu, and other good boys and girls to play with, your furry friend will be sure to get the 5-star treatment!
Jack Black Taproom
Diep River
Nestled in the heart of Diep River, you can expect banging burgers, perfectly chilled craft beers and live entertainment. Pets are welcome so you can sit down for a relaxed meal with your dog in tow. They also host regular events, from brunches and quiz nights, to amazing burger specials and more, so follow Jack Black Taproom on social media to find out about all their going ons.
Judd’s Local
Kloof Street
Judd’s Local is where friends become family, even the pups! After your walk around the busy De Waal Park (a favourite with dog owners), you can wind down with a glass of wine from their extensive selection, or fill up on a delicious bowl of pasta, juicy burgers and perfectly cooked steaks.
La Parada
Constantia Nek
After a walk in the Tokai forest, make your way to La Parada at the top of Constantia Nek for Spanish-style tapas, sundowners and live entertainment. You and your pup can soak in the scenery of the surrounding mountains and vineyards while enjoying the crisp mountain air and a refreshing drink.
Limoncello Ristorante
Chapman’s Peak
If you and your fur baby are craving Italian food that offers great value, Limoncello Ristorante will definitely hit the spot. Sitting at the foot of Chapman’s Peak and looking out over the ocean, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fresh seafood, pasta, pizza and out-of-this-world desserts. With tons of outdoor seating and a beach nearby, it’s every dog’s dream.
Sonnekus by Ideas Cartel
Muzienberg
Enjoy the perfect early morning date with your pup. After a walk along St. James Beach, past the colourful huts and tidal pools, head over to Sonnekus by Ideas Cartel where old-fashioned hospitality and modern comforts mix. If breakfast is your favourite meal of the day, they have generous servings of both hot and cold brekkies, delicious coffee, and a selection of teas. At Sonnekus it’s a dog’s life after all.
Simon’s Restaurant
Groot Constantia
Simon says: “Bring the dogs!” With super special doggo menus, you can spoil your four-legged friend while munching on a scrumptious meal yourself. After your leisurely walk around the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, take a seat under the massive oak trees or get toasty next to the fire during the chilly winter season.
Sonny & Irene
Sea Point
Celebrating café-style classics in a beautiful setting, Sonny & Irene has everything from your morning cup of coffee to delicious lunches and filling dinners. So, after your stroll along the promendade, head on over. They have the “pawfect” setting to snap Insta-worthy pictures of your four-legged friends in their “cute-as-pie” interior.
Sotano
Mouille Point
Don’t let those pleading puppy eyes make you feel guilty as you leave the house. Sotano not only has drool-worthy food for you but also a special dog-friendly menu for your doggo too! Located on the buzzing Mouille Point strip, you can kick-back before or after a walk along the promenade, making for an ideal outing with your furry best friend.
The Foodbarn Café & Tapas
Noordhoek
A favourite for both bikers and dog-owners, The Foodbarn Café is a “must” after a walk along the beach. Tuck into their much-loved brunch menu or browse their selection of fresh breads and pastries in the deli. While you fill up on delicious treats, your dog is free to run around on the grassy outside area and get out all the zoomies!
The Hart
Melkbosstrand
Head to the West Coast to find this little slice of heaven. The Hart in Melkbosstrand welcomes the whole family, including the ones with four legs! With a menu that caters to everyone’s tastes, even the pickiest of eaters, as well as cocktails for the adults and water bowls for the doggies, The Hart is the perfect spot to feel relaxed and kick-back while taking in the views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The Strangers Club
Sea Point
After long, lazy strolls along the promenade, head up the street to The Strangers Club for a delicious breakfast or filling lunch. Sit outside undercover with your dog beside you, or cosy up next to the fire when the mist comes rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Winelands & Surrounds
Bossa Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
Looking for a relaxed and casual dining experience with a lively ambience for you and your fur baby? Bossa Stellenbosch is the perfect place to unwind while sitting on the large stoep. Grab a spot under the umbrellas and trees to escape the summer heat. If you’re a rugby fan, they have you covered too! Join them for the Rugby World Cup and catch all the live action with your pup in tow.
Deux Lions
Franschhoek
There’s nothing better than a relaxing lunch out under the trees, or curled up next to the fire with delicious treats and eats at Deux Lions. Oh, and there’s space for humans too! Deux Lions in Franschhoek welcomes you and your furry friends to spend the afternoon with them, taking it slow while sipping on a selection of wines from their boutique winery and dining on meals created by Executive Chef Nanda Cardoso.
Saggy Stone Lakes
Somerset West
Sitting on the shore of Somerset Lake, besides the lush pine forest, the Saggy Stone brewery craft beers, burgers, and pizzas are plentiful! Sit outside on the deck under the umbrellas and watch the Rugby World Cup while your dog snoozes by your side.
Garden Route
Barrington’s
Plettenberg Bay
You might find yourself lingering at Barrington’s longer than expected. With a unique menu, outdoor terrace, grocer, bakery and plant nursery to wander around, you and your pup can enjoy a full day out together!
The Fat Fish
George & Plettenberg Bay
The Garden Route is full of places to see with your doggo. The Fat Fish in Plett is an essential stop on the route according to Dineplan reviewers, who rank it among the top 100 spots in South Africa! Loved by locals and tourists alike, now it will be your pet pup’s number one spot too. Enjoy fresh seafood while your doggo sniffs the fresh air.
If you’re in Plett, you can enjoy a run on the beach before refueling at The Fat Fish and, if you’re in George, you can escape the busy city center for a piece of tranquility.
The Lookout Deck
Plettenberg Bay
Indulge in fresh seafood out on the deck, or be seated inside the wooden interior. The Lookout Deck truly lives up to its name, admire unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean with the whole family while munching on perfectly cooked prawns. You can also catch the sporting action on the screens or just enjoy this tranquil spot as you rest after a casual stroll along the beach.
Gauteng
Blind Tiger Café
Sandton
Whether you’re looking to catch a live rugby game, test your knowledge with a fun quiz event, dance to live entertainment or simply looking for a good bite to eat, Blind Tiger Café is serving up all this and more. In a setting reminiscent of an old-school pub, you and your four-legged friend are invited to bring on the good times and become a part of the family. Don’t forget to give the tiger a scratch when you visit!
Doppio Zero Castle Gate
Pretoria
Life is too short to leave your doggo at home. Head over to Doppio Zero at Castle gate for wood-fired pizza, tapas, burgers and more. With an outdoor play area, the kids will have a great time playing too. But, if a doggie date is on the cards, book your table and enjoy a selection of specials!
Ground Café
Muldersdrift
Relax outdoors and savour the warm, gentle winds from the rolling hills of the Cradle. Say hello and pat the “Ground Hounds” who have called the farm home for the last 16 years. Choose a dish made from ingredients that grown right on the property, and order your hound a delicious meal off their furry friends menu. Then sit back and enjoy everything Ground Café has to offer.
La Parada
A familiar site and setting for both you and your furry friend, La Parada offers Spanish-style tapas and sharing plates tailored to our South African tastes. Enjoy sundowners, salsa dancing and snacks with your buddy right beside you.
Pablo
Sandton
If your taste leans towards the diverse flavours of the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean, Pablo Sandton is where you will find it. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, then transitioning into dinner and cocktails, you and your doggo can gaze over the Sandton sky-line while dining next to the pool and being entertained by DJ’s.
Reflection
Sandton
Feast on piping hot wood-fired pizzas while being entertained by live bands and surrounded by good company – including the doggos! Take a seat on the outside terrace, surrounded by greenery, and escape the fast-paced city life of Sandton. Watch your pizza be fired in their outdoor oven and enjoy the unique ambience of this al-fresco restaurant.
Whisk Wine Bar
Centurion
In search of a laid-back venue offering top-notch food and delicious drinks? Then Whisk Wine Bar should be on your list. Sitting pretty in Centurion, you can bring along your furry buddy while you both enjoy a relaxing dining experience. While you peruse the menu, so can your pup. Ask for the Whisk Doggy Menu and build them their very own bowl! From pap and rice, to chicken and meatballs. Leave some room for dessert though, as peanut butter balls and ice cream are also on the menu!
Want the full list of pet-friendly options near you?
Visit our website or download the free Dineplan App, search your location, and then filter by the “pet-friendly” attribute to see all the countless options close by.
La Parada Olivedale is not pet friendly, and chased myself my toy Pekingese away. They were not busy nor friendly.
Camps Bay Social Club is super dog-friendly! They welcome dogs, making it a great place to eat with your furry friend. There are sports grounds nearby for your dog to run around, and being off the main strip of Camps Bay makes it a safe spot. The vibe is relaxed, and the staff is really nice. Definitely check it out if you have a dog!