There’s nothing quite like treating yourself and your loved ones to a good meal at a fine restaurant, especially one that also welcomes your furry loved ones to the table! If only, right? Well, if this sounds like a te-‘rrrff’-ic outing to you, we have good news. You can skip the doggy bags and bring the doggies with instead. Keep reading!

Here are a few restaurants and eateries that welcome dogs for wonderful canine-cuisine:

 

Doggles and playtime at Lighthouse Tavern, Gansbaai

 

This fully licensed country pub & restaurant on the fynbos-rich Birkenhead Estate, two-thirds of the way from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas, boasts a pack of friendly dogs of its own. All pets are welcome and there are play areas for them and little ones.

Lady Pamela said, “Great country retreat-away from crowds and near the lovely beach of Romans Bay/Danger Point… Good value for money.”

 

Literally digging the island vibes at River Deck, Western Cape

 

Decked out like an exotic island villa on the edge of the river, just after the N2’s turnoff to Buffels Bay, you and your doggles can enjoy a casual, riverside experience inside or outside, replete with banana trees and real sand. You’ll see water bowls for dogs dotted around, a bar for socialising, pool tables for grown-up games, a kid’s entertainment area, and even canoes for hire to explore the river.

Niels and Colleen said, “Most unique and lekker place on the Garden Route!”

 

Canines and coffee in KZN at Old School Rebel, Pietermaritzburg

 

Biker and boxer-friendly, this coffee bar inside the old Maritzburg red brick building offers speciality coffee, freshly baked artisan eats, bike spares, clothing and more.

Jade James said , “Oh my word what an amazing discovery in busy little Victoria road. I love this little coffee shop and what an awesome place to find gifts for men with The Captains Beard products in stock.”

 

Lap up the river life at Stonehaven on Vaal, in Gauteng’s Vanderbijlpark

 

45 minutes from the city of Johannesburg, ensconced in lush and 10 acres of well-kept gardens, Stonehaven lies on the beautiful Vaal River. The venue is popular for weddings, and bird watchers love it, too. Have a meal from the a la carte menu and let Rover enjoy it alongside you. River cruises are also on offer.

Ansies said , “The doggy menu is good, even though my brat-cum-dog preferred the children’s fillet. The restaurant is a place to relax and simply share good times!”

 

Take a (doggie) walk to Concha café, Ballito, KZN

 

If you’re visiting the quaint town of Ballito on the Dolphin Coast, be sure to check Concha out with your pooch. They offer Portuguese cuisine, a bakery, and breath-taking views. There are open-air and indoor seating options available, and the staff love pets!

A seasoned TripAdvisor contributor said, “if you go for a morning walk on the Ballito boardwalk, be sure to visit Concha for that half-way coffee. A real gem, and so popular with locals and visitors alike.”

 

Time-out for pooches and peeps at The Padloper Coffee Shop, in Riviersonderend

 

This small town has a surprise for you... The Padloper is an animal-friendly coffee shop with a peaceful garden, kids’ area, and lots of space for pets to chill. They have vegan options as well. It is a wonderful place to stop when you’re travelling long distance along the Western Cape’s southern coast.

Renee said , “pleasant garden setting (with mist sprayers for hot days), water bowls for the dogs, satisfying food and a great range of thick milkshakes for the kids (and adults with a sweet tooth).”

Do you have a dog/pet friendly eatery or coffee shop you would like to share with dotsure.co.za’s pet-loving community? Post on our Facebook Page  and get tails wagging!

While planning your next (or first) pet-friendly, fine dining experience, do not forget to also consider pet insurance, even more so if your furry friend often joins in on family trips and holidays. It luckily doesn’t even have to break the bank because dotsure.co.za pet insurance policies start from as little as R73 per month!* You cover the cuddles (and fine dining), while dotsure.co.za covers the vet bills!

 

Dessert menu, please!

 

*T&Cs Apply. E&OE.