Restaurants and Eateries / Western Cape

Pet friendly Restaurants in Cape Town

Updated Friday, 26 May 2017

Recently we found a lost dog, a beautiful golden Labrador with violet eyes, and the sweetest demeanor. No one claimed her and she became part of the family. We named her Perdie, and she was the perfect dog – our absolute shadow. She suffered from separation anxiety though, which meant that unless we wanted the house howled down and chewed to bits, she went everywhere with us.

This of course presented a challenge when eating out. We felt that most restaurants would not take kindly to us arriving with Perdie in tow. However, we discovered that there are quite a few restaurants in Cape Town which are surprisingly accommodating when it comes to dogs. Usually they had a few conditions, such as that you must sit outside, that your pooch is well behaved and does not disrupt other diners.

Some restaurants are more welcoming than others, but many will let you in. Just phone ahead and check whether or not you can bring your dog, as arriving unannounced might lead to a frosty reception. Many establishments may ask that you sit outside and that your dog stays on a leash.

Pet friendly Restaurants in Cape Town

In the beginning we did not know this. By chance we knew that the Gardeners Cottage at the Montebello Centre in Newlands welcomed dogs, having seen diners and their dogs there in the past. So Perdie was brought along, with a water bowl, and we sat out under the trees. The day was balmy, so this was not an issue. We had a delicious breakfast with divine croissants, and one of Cape Towns best Eggs Benedict.

Our next outing later that week, was accompanied by padding footsteps, and we decided to have brunch at the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant, which we discovered is very dog friendly, and there were several dogs accompanying their owners. There was a convenient water bowl for the four legged patrons to have a drink, and the waitress brought over a container of doggie biscuits for Perdie, which had to be severely rationed, as she could eat them all, given half a chance. She happily munched away while we ate our way through a delicious Full English Breakfast.

Perdie even went out to Franschhoek. We had lunch as Essence, and sat outside. The waitress loved dogs, and lavished attention on Perdie, and brought her some water. I can highly recommend Essence’s waffles with brie and green fig, and they do delicious lattes. Since then Perdie has been on many more outings, and I have discovered several places that are dog friendly.

One of the best is Vondi’s in Sea Point, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and your pooch can enjoy the doggy bar, which has a doggy menu serving a choice of doggie meals ranging from Chicken or beef bowls with gravy and puppy crunchies. This is one outing your dog is sure to appreciate.

Other restaurants that are willing to have dogs are the Constantia Nek Restaurant, as long as you sit outside. Some of the waiters are very fond of dogs, and may rustle up some tidbit from the kitchen. The Duck Pond Restaurant in Stellenbosch welcomes dogs, as long as they are kept on their lead, as they fear for their free range ducks.

The Café Paradiso in Tamboerskloof also welcomes dogs and I know of friends whose dog received a treat from the owners. The key to getting in and getting a snack in restaurants is look cute, use those big soppy eyes, but don’t push your luck. A nice calm manner also means you can get away with a lot and many restaurants will be willing to make an exception for such a dog swayed by doggy charm.

Useful Cape Town Links

Pet Friendly Restaurants include

Vondi’s in Regent Road, Sea Point. Telephone: +27 (0)21 439-1784
Constantia Nek Restaurant, Constantia: Telephone: +27 (0)21 794-5132
Rhodes Memorial Restaurant, Rondebosch. Telephone: +27 (0)21 689-9151
Café Paradiso,110 Kloof Street,Tamboerskloof. Telephone: +27 (0)21 423-8653
The Gardeners Cottage, Newlands Avenue, Newlands. Telephone: +27 (0)21 689-3158
Essence, Shop 7 Huguenot Square, Huguenot Street, Franschhoek.  Telephone: +27 (0)21 876-4135