You know a good meal or the perfect flat white is always better with one thing – good company. And who said your BFF has to be able to hold a conversation in English?

These days dining with your dog is no longer taboo. But lest your four-legged friend be left waiting on the sidewalk, we’ve rounded up five fur-friendly hot spots where eating off the floor is not just tolerated but welcomed. Try not to be too jealous if your pup has a better time than you do.   

Blackwattle Cafe

It’s possible your pooch may never want to leave here. With its alfresco seating, abundant grassy areas, water bowls, and dog bone biscuits (50 cents a pop), it’s not surprising there are often more dogs here than there are humans. That said, your own needs aren’t neglected. Traditional and delish brunchy items are sure to satisfy even the pickiest humans. 

Blackwattle Cafe
55 Leichhardt St, Glebe NSW 2037
02 9692 9785

Café Bones

If Blackwattle Cafe risks being more fit for dogs than it is for humans, Café Bones guarantees it. The Puppaccino is delicious – uh, so we’ve witnessed – and the lower fat Dogaccino is perfect for pups mindful not to replace the calories they just burned on the walk over. That said, Bones is more suited to extroverted canines, so if your dog prefers to build relationships slowly then a takeaway cuppa might be his preferred option. 

Cafe Bones
Hawthorne Canal Reserve, Canal Rd, Leichhardt NSW 2040
02 8505 4109

Jed’s Foodstore 

The potato pancakes are too good to share (sorry four-legs) but the abundance of outdoor seating means your dog won’t to be bummed out about not getting a taste of the menu. It’s rare to find a human hot spot this willing to accommodate extras, so make the most of it. 

Jed’s Foodstore
60a Warners Ave, Seven Ways, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
o2 9365 0022

Forty Beans

If you’re up on the northern beaches side of town then an Affogato perk-up from Forty Beans is a must, and any furry friends with you won’t have to wait in the car. The dog-encompassing sign out front makes it clear all are welcome, and the afternoon sun there is the perfect place to nap. You, on the other hand, should probably stick to sitting at the tables. The juices and smoothies are great if it’s too hot to bean it. 

Forty Beans
2/11 Lower Beach St, Balgowlah NSW 2093
02 9907 9709

The Norfolk

Your dog might not get the same joy as you do from the excellent Bloody Mary’s, so he’ll have to settle with getting more compliments than your new platform sandals. Much of the food menu, however, is designed for sharing, and don’t think your pooch won’t be willing to second opinion meaty treats like the barbacoa tacos. Add some fairy lights when the sun goes down and date night doesn’t get much better.  

The Norfolk
305 Cleveland St, Surry Hills NSW 2016
02 9699 3177