So you fancy going for a bite with your bezzie mate in tow but for some reason a lot of cafes and restaurants aren’t as excited about you bringing your dog as you’d hoped. We’ve got you. We’ve scoured Edinburgh for eateries that go above and beyond to please you and your furry pal. These spots don’t just allow your dog to sit inside with you while you dine or drink, they’ll give her a warm welcome! Here’s our pick of a few of the best dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Edinburgh.
Bear in mind that some establishments can get quite busy in the evening so your dog might prefer to be tucked up in bed if the surroundings are too loud for her sensitive wee ears. And if you fancy going for a bite but your dog prefers to stay at home, don’t worry! On Rover.com you’ll find plenty of local sitters who provide dog boarding in Edinburgh and who’ll keep your little buddy company while you enjoy a night on the town.
Piecebox Cafe
Address & Map: 2 Polwarth Cres, EH11 1HW
It’s safe to say that Piecebox is your dog’s new favourite place. They offer well-behaved cuties like the one above sausages on arrival! The gorgeous cafe also has an excellent menu which includes a lot of vegetarian options as well as an amazing range of cakes which are baked in-house. Add a Bloody Mary, Prosecco, beer or cider to their legendary all-day breakfasts for just £3.
Cowan & Sons
Address & Map: 33 Raeburn Pl, EH4 1HX
Fresh water and maybe a few cuddles await your furry little pal at Cowan & Sons, while you can look forward to killer breakfasts and lunches, as well as some top-notch live music. This charming independent cafe has been delighting Stockbridge residents and visitors since 1997. Owners Noel and Rebecca Cowan get a lot of their produce from local suppliers: coffee from Williams & Johnson Coffee Co., baked goods from Twelve Triangles, meat from Bower’s, and beer from Campervan Brewery. Your dog’s also sure to appreciate the lovingly restored historic stained glass windows, reclaimed wood accents, exposed brick, and original tiles.
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The Blackbird
Address & Map: 37-39 Leven St, EH3 9LH
Winner of the Scottish Style Award 2013, The Blackbird combines bistro-style food (including several gluten-free and vegan options) with weekly live music sessions, a comprehensive craft beer selection, and house batch cocktails! Look forward to their tasty slow braised beef short rib, pan-fried sea bass and fantastic selection of sandwiches and burgers. And if you and your furry wee guest are in the mood for breakfast they do homemade waffles and Eggs Benedict. The Blackbird’s fantastic beer garden will be a hit with friendly dogs looking to mingle during summer months.
The Ox
Address & Map: 49-51 London Street, EH3 6LX
Staff at The Ox, a bright and cosy gastropub, will welcome your well-behaved dog with a pat on the head, a water bowl, and some dog biscuits. Meanwhile you can tuck into top-notch pub fare like beer battered haddock with chips, sausage and mustard mash, or ribeye steak with chips and salad from the bar menu. They also do cracking roasts on Sundays, and their a la carte menu includes fresh oysters, duck breast with pickled cabbage salad, and miso-glazed cod with seaweed mash, smoked mussel velouté, and samphire. Yum.
Affogato
Address & Map: 36 Queensferry St, EH2 4QS
Good boys and girls are always more than welcome at Affogato, a dinky gelateria just a minute’s walk from Princes Street. Arguably the best gelato spot in town, Affogato specialises in artisanal Italian ice-cream but also serves a range of cakes, pastries, and coffee. As well as vegan ice cream and waffles, they’re famous for their dog-friendly gelato!
Brewdog
Address & Map: 143 Cowgate, EH1 1JS
Craft beer empire, Brewdog, make no secret that they loves dogs. The bar’s Edinburgh branch—styled with reclaimed furniture, exposed brickwork and plenty of stainless steel—can be found amid the rock bars of the Cowgate. Famous for their stone-baked, sourdough pizzas and creatively-named IPAs, pale ales and stouts, the Brewdog crew go out of their way to make your dogs happy. For £5 per hound, your birthday boy or girl can have their very own birthday party at Brewdog and can bring as many humans as they like for free. Everyone gets a party hat and dog-safe cakes as well as Brewdog’s signature dog-safe beer will be provided for all furry guests. They also actively support Guide Dogs Scotland so you can’t help but love them!
The Bottom Line
There’s nothing better than grabbing a bite with your best friend. But not all dogs enjoy dining out at restaurants—and that’s fine. You can find the perfect local sitter to stay with your little buddy while you enjoy a lovely meal on Rover.
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Featured image: Brewdog