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Dining out is even better when your dog can join you. From leafy wine farms and garden cafés to seaside terraces and relaxed neighbourhood spots, there are plenty of places across South Africa where you can enjoy a good meal without leaving your dog at home.
This guide brings together 55+ dog-friendly restaurants worth adding to your list, whether you’re after a long lunch, a casual bite or sundowners by the sea. Find a spot near you, book a table and bring your dog along.
Please note: 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
📍65 Beach Rd, Chapmans Peak, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
With Noordhoek Beach close by, Aegir is an easy option for a relaxed meal with your dog. Take a seat on the sundowner deck and tuck into Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza, burgers and other casual favourites.
Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson
📍76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
The iconic Mount Nelson is known for its much-loved afternoon tea, served in a beautiful garden setting. Take a seat outside with your dog and choose from savoury bites, sweet treats and loose-leaf teas.
Bacini’s Pizzeria and Deli
📍177 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Bacini’s brings classic Italian cooking to Kloof Street, with wood-fired pizzas, pasta and plenty of favourites to choose from. Sit outside with your dog and take in the Kloof Street atmosphere.
Banana Jam Café
📍157 2nd Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Banana Jam brings Caribbean-inspired flavours, comfort food and a laid-back neighbourhood feel to Kenilworth.Take a seat in the garden with your dog for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Bella’s at Camps Bay Retreat
📍7 Chilworth Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Tucked into the leafy grounds of Camps Bay Retreat, Bella’s offers a quieter alternative to the busy beachfront. Bring your dog along for a relaxed meal, with a seasonal menu focused on local ingredients.
Clarke’s
📍133b Bree St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
⭐ 4.5 on Dineplan
Clarke’s is a Bree Street favourite for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with outdoor tables and a shaded courtyard where you can bring your dog along. The menu covers wood-fired pizza, burgers, fresh salads and bar snacks.
Dias Tavern Claremont
📍11 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont, Cape Town
⭐ 4.3 on Dineplan
Dias Tavern is a great spot for unfussy Portuguese comfort food. Expect seafood, grilled dishes and Portuguese classics in a laid-back setting, with outdoor seating where you can bring your dog along.
Die Damhuis
📍32 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Die Damhuis is one of Melkbosstrand’s best-known seaside spots, with a historic setting close to the coast. Take a seat outside with your dog and choose from seafood and South African favourites before heading to the beach for a walk.
Folk Café St. James
📍54 Main Rd, St James, Cape Town
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Just beside the St James tidal pool, Folk Cafe is a lovely spot for a meal by the coast. Take a seat outside with your dog and enjoy wood-fired pizza, seasonal dishes and freshly baked cakes, with mountain and sea views all around.
Foresters Arms (Forries)
📍52 Newlands Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town
⭐ 4.4 on Dineplan
Known affectionately as Forries, this Newlands institution is a laid-back spot for a meal with your dog. Enjoy gastro-pub favourites, or time your visit for a Sunday roast or some live sport.
Greenhaus
📍14 Leadville Way, Sunningdale, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Greenhaus is a relaxed, leafy spot with plenty of space for you and your dog. Choose from pizzas, burgers and contemporary dishes, while your pup can pick something from the dedicated pup menu.
Iron Steak and Bar
📍114 Bree Street, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Iron Steak and Bar is a great spot for a meal on Bree Street, with pavement tables that are perfect for people-watching. Bring your dog along and tuck into flame-grilled steaks, Wagyu burgers and other steakhouse favourites.
Judd’s Local
📍143 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
A neighbourhood favourite in the heart of Gardens, Judd’s Local is a welcoming spot for a meal after a walk around nearby De Waal Park. Bring your dog along and tuck into seasonal dishes, burgers, tapas and more.
Limoncello Ristorante
📍69 Beach Rd, Chapmans Peak, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
At the foot of Chapmans Peak, Limoncello offers authentic Southern Italian cooking in a relaxed setting with spectacular sea and mountain views. Bring your dog along and enjoy pizza, pasta and other Italian favourites.
The Deli Social
📍2 Dorman Way, Hout Bay, Cape Town
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Nestled in the heart of Hout Bay, The Deli Social is a lovely spot for a relaxed meal with your dog. Take a seat outside and enjoy handcrafted sandwiches, fresh focaccia and small-batch baked goods, or stop by for a slow morning coffee.
The Eatery Wood Fired Grill
📍70 Belvedere Road, Claremont, Cape Town
⭐ 4.4 on Dineplan
The Eatery Wood Fired Grill serves up wood-fired dishes, seafood and South African favourites in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bring your dog along and take a seat outside for your meal.
The Greek Fisherman
📍78 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
The Greek Fisherman is a great spot for Greek and Mediterranean flavours, with plenty of seafood and grilled dishes to choose from. Sea Point’s promenade is close by for a stroll before or after your meal.
Simons Restaurant
📍Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
⭐ 4.2 on Dineplan
Set within Groot Constantia, Simon’s Restaurant offers a relaxed setting with views across the vineyards. Take a seat on the terrace with your dog and enjoy contemporary South African dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
Sonny & Irene
📍19 Kloof Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Just a short stroll from the Sea Point Promenade, Sonny & Irene is a stylish neighbourhood café with a dog-friendly outside terrace. Stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, with everything from freshly baked treats to burgers, seafood and seasonal dishes on the menu.
Sotano
📍 315 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
⭐ 4.2 on Dineplan
Inspired by its seaside setting, Sotano serves Mediterranean flavours alongside sushi, tapas, breakfasts and hearty mains. Head to the relaxed terrace for a meal with your dog and take in the coastal views.
The Conservatory
📍93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
The Conservatory offers a lush Constantia setting for a relaxed meal with your dog. Its outdoor seating looks out onto the greenery, while the menu changes with the seasons and focuses on fresh, local ingredients.
The Hart
📍Shop 4, Mira Mar Centre, 26 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
With its relaxed atmosphere and seaside views, The Hart is a great spot for a meal in Melkbosstrand. Take a seat on the deck with your dog and tuck into burgers, seafood, steaks and other crowd-pleasers.
The Melting Pot
📍137 Waterkant St, De Waterkant, Cape Town
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
The Melting Pot brings globally inspired flavours to De Waterkant, with a menu built around dishes made for sharing. Take a seat outdoors with your dog and order a few plates to share.
Cape Winelands
3 KITCH3NS
📍Silver Forest Boutique Lodge and Day Spa, 177 Parel Valley Road, Somerset West
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Tucked into the leafy grounds of Silver Forest, 3 KITCH3NS offers a relaxed setting for a meal away from the city. Expect tapas, pizza and grilled dishes, with plenty of outdoor space for a meal with your dog.
Bossa Stellenbosch
📍Paradyskloof Centre, Strand Rd & Blaauwklippen Rd, Stellenbosch
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Bossa is a relaxed spot in Stellenbosch with outdoor seating and views across the surrounding area. The menu covers everything from burgers and pizzas to steaks and South African favourites, with plenty to choose from.
Chefs Warehouse at Maison
📍R45, Franschhoek
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Set on the Maison estate, Chefs Warehouse is a more refined option for a day out with your dog. The four-course sharing menu focuses on local produce, while the estate setting provides a scenic backdrop for lunch.
Copper Kettle Restaurant
📍143 Raithby Rd, Raithby, Somerset West
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Copper Kettle takes an easygoing approach to elevated dining, blending French, Italian and South African influences. Its outdoor setting and views across the surrounding countryside make it a great spot for lunch with your dog.
Deux Lions
📍Excelsior Rd, Franschhoek
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Set among the Franschhoek vineyards, Deux Lions combines seasonal cooking with a warm, homely feel. Expect locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully prepared dishes and a peaceful garden setting where you can enjoy a meal with your dog.
Franks Corner Bar and Grill
📍 42 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Franks Corner Bar and Grill brings a casual feel to Franschhoek, with comfort food and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a meal with your dog.
Melfort
📍 Valley Road R44, Marianne Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
⭐ 4.9 on Dineplan
Melfort brings farm-style dining to the Stellenbosch Winelands, with plenty of open space to enjoy with your dog. The menu focuses on locally sourced produce, making it a good choice for a relaxed meal in the countryside.
Nederburg Wines – Picnic & Events
📍 Sonstraal Rd, Paarl
⭐ 4.5 on Dineplan
Nederburg’s gardens are a great spot for a day outdoors with your dog. Bring along a picnic, take in the Paarl Winelands and make the most of the estate’s open spaces.
Saronsberg Cellar
📍 Waveren Rd, Tulbagh
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Saronsberg Cellar is a relaxed spot to take in the wine-farm setting, with wine and charcuterie served beneath the oak trees. There’s plenty of outdoor space for an easygoing afternoon with your dog.
The Millhouse Kitchen
📍 Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
⭐ 4.5 on Dineplan
The Millhouse Kitchen makes the most of its Lourensford setting, with the Helderberg mountains and vineyards creating a beautiful backdrop for lunch. Enjoy its seasonal menu before or after exploring the estate with your dog.
Veldt Restaurant
📍 Morgenhof Wine Estate, R44, Stellenbosch
⭐ 3.5 on Dineplan
Veldt Restaurant sits within Morgenhof Wine Estate, surrounded by vineyards and open countryside. With outdoor seating and plenty of space around the estate, it’s a relaxed spot to enjoy a meal with your dog.
Warwick Wine Estate
📍 R44, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
⭐ 4.5 on Dineplan
With lawns, vineyards and plenty of space to explore, Warwick Wine Estate is a great choice for a day out with your dog. Bring along a picnic or enjoy a meal while taking in the Stellenbosch scenery.
Webersburg
📍 Annandale Rd, Webersburg Estate, Stellenbosch
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Surrounded by vineyards and mountain views, Webersburg is a lovely spot for a long lunch with your dog. With a seasonal menu and plenty of outdoor space, you can make the most of the estate setting.
Durban
Lupa Osteria Westville
📍124 Jan Hofmeyr Rd, Westville, Durban
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Lupa Osteria Westville is a go-to for Italian favourites, from wood-fired pizzas and pasta to generous dishes made for sharing. Bring your pup along and settle in outside for a relaxed meal.
The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel
📍2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea with your dog at The Ocean Terrace, overlooking the Indian Ocean at The Oyster Box. Settle in for a leisurely meal with seafood, curries and other hotel favourites on the menu.
Johannesburg
Blind Tiger Café
📍62 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Johannesburg
⭐ 4.7 on Dineplan
Blind Tiger is a relaxed Parkview neighbourhood favourite, with a California-inspired menu that’s ideal for a casual breakfast, lunch or coffee with your dog.
Ground Café
📍Plot 19 Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Ground Café is a relaxed spot under the trees, with a garden where your dog can join you. Tuck into everything from wood-fired pizzas and burgers to fresh breakfast and lunch dishes.
Modena Parkhurst Restaurant
📍4th Ave, Parkhurst, Johannesburg
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Modena brings Italian cooking to one of Parkhurst’s most popular restaurant strips. The menu focuses on regional Italian dishes and classic techniques, making it a good option for a proper Italian meal with your dog by your side.
Nice on Poplar
📍17 Poplar Ave, Riverclub, Johannesburg
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Nice on Poplar offers a relaxed neighbourhood setting with greenery and outdoor seating. Enjoy an all-day menu while your dog takes in the open-air surroundings.
PABLO Sandton
📍84 Katherine St, Sandown, Sandton
⭐ 3.9 on Dineplan
Bring your dog along for a relaxed meal at PABLO Sandton. The outdoor seating is ideal for settling in with your pup while you tuck into wood-fired pizzas, pasta, burgers and more.
Reflection
📍Cedar Rd, Broadacres AH, Sandton
⭐ 4.5 on Dineplan
Reflection offers a garden escape in the middle of Broadacres, with outdoor seating, greenery and water features. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, tapas and other easy-going dishes with your dog.
Pretoria
Create Red Barn – Irene
📍7 Nelson Rd, Sunlawns AH, Olifantsfontein, Irene
⭐ 4.8 on Dineplan
Set in a relaxed country environment, Create Red Barn is a great spot for a day out with the whole family, including your dog. Enjoy the café menu and freshly baked treats, with plenty of creative activities to keep you busy.
Doppio Zero Hazelwood
📍24 Oaktree Ave, Hazelwood, Pretoria
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Doppio Zero Hazelwood is a dog-friendly spot in one of Pretoria’s popular dining precincts, serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes from breakfast through to dinner. Expect everything from coffee and breakfast favourites to pizza, pasta and more.
Kleinkaap Picnics
📍87 Jim Van Der Merwe St, Clubview, Centurion
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Kleinkaap is all about an escape into nature, making its picnic offering a natural fit for a day out with your dog. Expect fresh produce, charcuterie and Mediterranean and South African flavours in leafy surroundings.
PLTFRM Wolwespruit
📍501 Jochemus St, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Planning an active day out with your dog? PLTFRM, inside Wolwespruit Bike & Trail Park, is a great place to stop for a meal. Its open-plan restaurant and outdoor areas look out over plenty of greenery, while the menu includes pizzas, tapas and South African-inspired dishes.
Whisk Wine Bar & Tapas – Centurion
📍1 Cornwood Ave & Nellmapius Dr, Irene, Centurion
⭐ 4.4 on Dineplan
Bring your dog along for a relaxed meal at Whisk, where you can sit outside and enjoy a selection of tapas and wine-bar favourites. Share a few plates and settle in for an easy afternoon.
West Coast
Die Gaaitjie Restaurant
📍Sampson St, Kliprug, Paternoster
⭐ 4.6 on Dineplan
Right on the Paternoster coastline, Die Gaaitjie is a great spot for a meal with your dog. The seafood-led menu focuses on local produce and contemporary influences, while the beach is right outside for a stroll before or after lunch.
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!