Dining out doesn’t have to mean leaving your four-legged companion at home. Across the country, a wave of pet-friendly cafés and restaurants are ensuring that man’s best friend can be part of your next brunch, lunch or long-overdue catch-up.
These aren’t just casual patios with water bowls - they’re venues that care about creating a warm welcome for both two-legged and four-legged guests, where menus are crafted with flair and settings invite you to linger longer. Here are five pet-friendly dining destinations where the food’s as memorable as the atmosphere.
McGinns of Kenilworth – Kenilworth, Qld
Tucked into the charming town of Kenilworth, McGinns is a café that champions
slow mornings, great coffee and the kind of food that fuels adventurers and
locals alike. Set along leafy Elizabeth Street, it’s the ideal place to pull up
a seat outdoors with your pup, shaded by umbrellas and surrounded by lush
potted greenery. Inside, rustic charm rules with warm timber finishes and
display cabinets brimming with homemade treats.
Start your day strong with the spin on eggs
Benedict - served on toasted Turkish pide, layered with baby spinach, tender
pulled pork and draped in velvety Hollandaise. It’s hearty, satisfying and the
perfect match for a barista-made flat white. After a walk through town or a
local bush trail, this café is just the ticket.
Don’t forget to bring your furry mate along - book your table in advance.
Royal Brighton Yacht Club – Brighton, Vic
Few venues capture relaxed coastal dining quite like the Royal Brighton Yacht
Club. Set right on the Brighton beachfront, this venue is the epitome of
laid-back luxury, with an expansive deck overlooking the marina - ideal for
enjoying the sea breeze with your dog by your side. Indoors, the coastal décor
continues with breezy seating and timeless touches that let the view take
centre stage.
Breakfast is an event here, especially when you’re enjoying
toasted crumpets topped with salmon gravlax, prawns, caviar bush tomato pearls
and a drizzle of dill oil. Later in the day, pizzas, seafood and grilled
favourites like ribeye on the bone make it a prime spot for long, lingering
lunches.
Make a booking and enjoy a meal with a view.
Café Kin – Nelson Bay, NSW
There’s a reason Café Kin stays top of mind long after you leave. This Nelson
Bay gem combines homely hospitality with a playful energy that’s perfect for
sun-drenched brunches. Whether you choose a cushioned indoor corner or a sunny
courtyard seat with your pup, the vibe is always welcoming, relaxed and real.
The menu walks the line between comfort and creativity.
Chilli scrambled eggs on sourdough bring the heat, while the salmon and
avocado bagel delivers freshness in every bite. Don’t miss the signature loaded
banana bread - topped with mascarpone or coconut yoghurt, seasonal fruit and
Kin’s house caramel espresso sauce.
Craving a coastal bite with your dog beside you? Book your next visit to Café
Kin today.
Saint Helen Café – Hawthorn, Vic
On Riversdale Road, Saint Helen Café has carved out a loyal following thanks to
its commitment to quality and community. From its rustic brick exterior to the
cosy, cushion-filled interior, it’s a space that feels like home - only with much
better coffee. Out front, the pet-friendly tables make it a perfect spot to
soak up the morning sun with your dog curled at your feet.
The food is as vibrant as the atmosphere. Early risers rave about the scrambled eggs with Manchego, chilli, spring onion and Parmesan, served over sourdough. For something even heartier, the potato rosti comes loaded with grilled halloumi, crumbed mushrooms, smoked salmon and more.
Grab your leash and lock in a table for your next brunch at Saint Helen.
Whether you’re chasing sun-soaked decks, garden nooks or inner-city charm, these cafés and restaurants prove that dining out can be just as enjoyable for your dog as it is for you - because good food and great company shouldn’t come with a leash limit.
