You no longer must pick between Sunday brunch and spending time with your furry friends. The Northern Beaches is blessed with lots of alfresco dining venues that give your four-legged pals the paws of approval.
Here’s our list of the best, local dog-friendly cafes and restaurants that will welcome you and your furry companion.
The Newport
For a pawfect day out with the whole family, our beautiful waterfront pub overlooking Pittwater is the place to be. This alfresco hotspot houses multiple dining options with a huge communal deck and expansive garden ideal for dog-friendly dining. Drop by for a morning coffee at the Kiosk CafĂ©, stay for a leisurely lunch at The Shack, or watch the sun go down with Vinnie’s famous pizzas. The Newport is so dog friendly it even has an annual Dog Show – just make sure to always keep your dog on a leash.
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12pm-late
Address: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Website: https://merivale.com/venues/thenewport/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewportsyd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenewportsyd
Park House Mona Vale
If you’ve visited Mona Vale’s open-door, multi-purpose dining and social space, Park House, you’ll have already spotted a pup or two in the courtyard. Everyone brings their dogs along! The garden bar and restaurant offer casual and formal dining options for special occasions or casual catch-ups with friends, and the retractable roof is put to good use to make the most of the space rain or shine.
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am to late
Address: 2 Park Street, Mona Vale
Website: https://parkhouse.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkhouse.mv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkhouse.mv
Girdlers, Dee Why, Manly, Avalon and Warringah Mall
Simple, honest goodness is the core of Girdler’s health-conscious cafĂ©s – and they’re dog lovin’ folk too! Grab an organic coffee and wholesome brekkie at Dee Why’s beachside promenade after taking Rover for a sunrise stroll. Or pop in to any of their other three Northern Beaches locations for good food and good doggie company.
Hours: Mon-Sat: 6am-4:30pm and Sun: 7am-4:30pm
Website: https://www.girdlers.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/girdlers/
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/girdlers_cafe/
Oceans, Narrabeen
There’s always a lively atmosphere (and exceptional food at Oceans). This laidback eatery is known for its extensive menu of fresh seafood, steaks, gourmet burgers and ribs. It’s not only the perfect place for a post-swim snack but an ideal location to watch the sun go down with friends, family and furballs. They even have a #dogsofoceans hashtag to showcase all their furry visitors.
Hours: Mon: 6am-3pm, Tue-Fri: 6am-7:30pm, & Sat-Sun: 7am-7:30pm
Address: Cnr Ocean & Malcolm Street, Narrabeen
Website: https://oceansnarrabeen.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceans_narrabeen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceansnarrabeen/
The Boathouse, Shelly Beach
Iconic hospitality group, The Boathouse, now offer classic Australian waterfront dining at ten beachside locations in Sydney. Their Shelley Beach venue has a kiosk and café that serves an extensive menu of breakfast classics, healthy salads, fresh seafood, and small bites for the kids. Dogs are welcome on leash in the front garden and waterside deck.
Hours: Daily: 7am-3pm
Address: 1 Marine Parade, Manly
Website: https://theboathousesb.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboathousegroup_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theboathouseshellybeach
Sunset Diner Avalon
Sitting pretty in pink in the heart of Avalon is pup-friendly Sunset Diner; a Miami-inspired casual burger joint serving old-school shakes, wholesome salads, loaded burgers and sky-high sundaes. Signature frank griddle dogs also appear on the menu, so we suggest ordering one to share with your pooch in their outdoor garden!
Hours: Mon: 12-8pm, Tues: Closed, Wed-Thur: 12pm-8:30pm, Fri: 12pm-late, Sat: 11am-late, Sun 11am-8pm
Address: 41 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon
Website: https://www.sunsetdiner.com.au/avalon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetdinerofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetdineravalon
H20 Café, Narrabeen
On the tranquil shores of Narrabeen Lake, you’ll find H2O Café. This all-day eatery is your go-to after a walk with your dog around the 8km Narrabeen lagoon loop. They have dedicated menus for breakfast and lunch, including bacon benedict, creamed corn and fetta fritters, and seafood chowder hot pot pie. You can also book in for afternoon high tea or enjoy cocktails by the lake on Friday and Saturday nights.
Hours: Daily: 7:30am-5pm, Fri & Sat: 6-10pm
Address: Shop 3, 1431 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen
Website: https://h2ocafe.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h2ocafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H2OCafeRestaurant
Main image: The Newport