For when leaving them at home is simply not an option.
Nothing can dull the excitement of eating out like seeing your dog’s sad eyes as you head out the door. They’re desperate to be involved, so you bring them along when you can, but you’re likely limited to the scanty places where their presence is tolerated — pubs, parks or outdoor cafes.
For some dogs, this just isn’t enough — this isn’t what they signed up for in life (you’ll know if you have one of these). What about the dogs craving a little haute cuisine? Or a cosy catch-up over a glass of pawsecco?
Well, fear not.
Here are 10 places to dine in London with your dog, where they’re not just allowed but welcomed with open and accommodating arms. (Distribute food scraps at your own discretion.)
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Soutine, St John’s Wood
For the pup who’s partial to a Parisian rendezvous, Soutine in St. John’s Wood is the place to be. This French bistro-style spot from The Wolseley Group feels as upscale as it gets, but with the added charm of an accommodating neighbourhood favourite. The menu includes an array of French specialty dishes such as escargots à la bourguignon, ravioles du dauphiné, dry-aged ribeye steak and souffle Suisse, while the pups can nibble on homemade dog biscuits as they join in the chatter.
Huō, Belsize Park
Looking at its interior, you mightn’t assume dogs would be allowed inside Huō — all sleek contemporary wood decor and a counter that screams small plates. But don’t be fooled, canine companions are welcome in both the indoor and outdoor seating areas. The menu encompasses a fusion of dishes from across China and Southeast Asia, made using traditional Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean recipes, with standouts such as handmade dim sum, soft-shell crab, Thai sea bass fillet, and crispy shredded chilli beef.
Vera’s, Blenheim Terrace
For casual meet-ups (both human and dog — because we all know some dogs have best friends), Vera’s is the place to frequent. With a counter full of baked goods and coffee to start your day, and a wine bar for when the hangout stretches into the afternoon, it’s an easy-going spot. The outdoor terrace and indoor seating mean the weather won’t cut your time short, and if your dog starts getting antsy, you can always switch things up and move indoors.
Read more: Best London restaurants and bars for cosy outdoor dining
Los Mochis, Notting Hill & London City
Named after the founder’s mini Yorkshire Terrier, Mochi, Los Mochis is as dog-friendly as a restaurant can get. This fun spot combines the boldness of Mexican cuisine with Japanese flavours and techniques, with signature dishes from the tasting menu including salmon tiradito with shichimi and yuzu tamari, spicy hiramasa maki with truffle chilli goma and mint cress, and ube panna cotta dessert with Madagascan vanilla and purple yam-dusted meringue. And with private-dining options available for special occasions, your dog can join in the celebration, too.
Read more: Chef Justin Tsang’s top five East and Southeast Asian restaurants in London
Rossella, Kentish Town & Muswell Hill
A genuinely welcoming Italian in Kentish Town, Rossella is set to open a second location in Muswell Hill next month. Here, classic Italian dishes and generous portions give it the unmistakable feel of a family local. And of course, dogs are family too, so all are welcome indoors and outdoors at both locations. Expect all the familiar favourites — pizza, pasta, hearty mains and chocolatey desserts — and browse the deli counter for meats, pastries and coffees. It’s the perfect spot for a ladies’ lunch with the pooch in tow.
La Brasseria Milanese, Westbourne Grove & Marylebone High Street
La Brasseria Milanese’s take on modern Italian cuisine offers pretty much everything you could possibly crave when dreaming up the perfect Italian lunch. For the best experience, go for something special like the Ossobuco alla Milanese, a saffron risotto with slow-cooked veal shank and parsley, lemon and garlic dressing — a traditional recipe from Lombardy that’s perfect for sharing. The restaurant’s spacious interior and outdoor seating make it a great spot to relax with your dog by your side while you indulge.
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Brutto, Clerkenwell
The aroma of pasta and steak in the air — Brutto is a bit of a haven for any dog. The East London restaurant’s late founder Russell Norman could often be found here, along with his dogs. And that sentiment has carried on tenderly — you’ll often see pups lounging casually at the feet of patrons dining on the classic Florentine dishes of this New York-inspired eatery. Expect low lighting and trendy decor.
Kudu, Marylebone
A newly opened Marylebone spot, south-African inspired Kudu’s mix of smoky bites and centrepiece sharers makes it the ideal spot for long catch-ups over sizzling food. It’s the kind of place where the staff will likely offer a bowl of water for your dog as you settle in. Standouts include the poussin with pastrami spice, radicchio atchar and naartjie and the 400g chateaubriand sharer, with African carrots and beef fat crispy fingerling potatoes on the side.
Read more: The chefs firing up London’s restaurant scene with gut-friendly menus
Drake & Morgan, across London
Delightful touches such as treats and water bowls make every Drake & Morgan restaurant not just dog-friendly, but genuinely enjoyable for your pup. With a mix of gastro pub and small-plate type dishes, these spots are ideal — especially on sunny days, when you can relax on the terrace. And for your dog? A well-earned glass of pawsecco (please drink responsibly).
Read more: Dine differently: London’s quirkiest restaurants for an unforgettable night out
Feels Like June, Canary Wharf
In the buzzy Wood Wharf, Feels Like June brings a slice of California to London. Housed inside the pet-friendly hotel TRIBE London Canary Wharf, this laid-back eatery welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area. The playful menu features farm-to-table dishes such as whipped lemony ricotta, tempura aubergine, halloumi burger, chicken katsu sando, and shredded duck salad.
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