Cardiff is a fantastic city for dog lovers, which also extends to its thriving food scene. Across the capital, you’ll find plenty of dog friendly restaurants where your four-legged friend is just as welcome as you are. Many restaurants offer relaxed, laid-back vibes and are happy for well-behaved dogs to join you while you enjoy your meal. So, stop looking for dog friendly restaurants near me, and check out this list!
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Dog Friendly Cardiff
Why shouldn’t well-behaved dogs be allowed inside restaurants? My rescue pooch, Ivan the Irresistible, is my sidekick. I hate leaving him at home and take him everywhere I go. He travels across Wales with me. As an anxious boy, I love how confident he gets in the pub or a restaurant, letting people approach him and even accepting treats.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it… I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly, especially as I’m used to how welcome they are in Devon and Cornwall, where I travel regularly. However, I was wrong. There are plenty of pup-friendly businesses, and owners are welcome, too. You can even get meals and treats for your dog in the restaurants, including sausages in gravy, puppuccinos, and doggy beer.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Cardiff City Centre
Surprisingly, many of the best places to eat in Cardiff City Centre welcome dogs. In fact, this includes some of the best Cardiff City Centre restaurants. No longer is it just for guide dogs. Isn’t that great news? Dog-friendly Cardiff City Centre places to eat are…
Park Plaza
The Park Plaza in Cardiff warmly welcomes well-behaved dogs in both its stylish bar area and outdoor terrace, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed drink or meal with your four-legged companion. Water bowls and treats are available on request, too!
Mowgli’s Street Food
Ok, confession time. I didn’t know that Mowgli’s was dog friendly until I started writing this article. It is a fantastic Indian style restaurant. The décor is pretty, with fairy lights everywhere. There is an excellent selection for meat-eaters, veggies and vegans at Mowgli Street Food. If you can’t decide what to have, choose a tiffin box. The kitchen will choose what three dishes you get to try alongside some rice. Water bowls and biscuits will also be delivered to the table for your dog when your food is served.
The Botanist
Did you know dogs can bring well-behaved humans to the terrace bar for a lovely afternoon of food and drink or into the night under the stars? There are plenty of food and drink choices, from brunch to their infamous hanging skewers. When you make a booking at The Botanist, make sure you tell them you are bringing your dog.
The Cardiff Stable
One of my favourite places for a bottomless brunch is Stable. Come on, pizza, pudding and unlimited pints for £25 – count me in! And, yes, you can take your dog. You can expect casual dining on wooden benches and chilled-out vibes. The dining space is across two floors and has an extensive outdoor area. The Stable Cardiff serves delicious pizza alongside craft beer and cider.
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Corner House
Dogs will have a really good time in The Corner House. They even get given treats! The premium pub, bar and restaurant is in the heart of the city centre. It is the perfect spot for brunch, coffee, lunch, dinner or drinks.
Bills
This one surprised me; Bills on Mill Lane welcomes our four-legged friends. The chain restaurant is known for its simple food with a twist, including a great breakfast, set menus, and special offers throughout the day. Plus, they get to eat out, too, with protein bite snacks, dog ice cream and even wine!
Fat Hippo
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in Fat Hippo‘s outdoor dining area. The restaurant also has selected bar tables that are dog friendly. However, I would recommend mentioning this when you book to guarantee it. On the menu are burgers, dirty fries and sides.
The Welsh House
The Welsh House, a delightful restaurant located close to Cardiff Castle, stands out for its dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect dining spot. With its spacious and comfortable seating areas, both inside and on the outdoor terrace, dogs can relax while their owners enjoy the Welsh cuisine.
Neighbourhood Kitchen
Ok, technically, Neighbourhood Kitchen is in Grangetown. It is on the other side of the river, opposite the Principality Stadium on Tudor Street. The street food restaurant has different suppliers, making the menu ever-changing. Meaning that no two visits are the same. And, you can bring your dog with you.
I visited for the £10 Lobster offer. Every few weeks, there’s a different food offer, from bottomless margaritas and pizza to a crawfish boil, tacos, burgers, and even an entirely vegan menu.
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Dog Friendly Restaurants in the Suburbs
Some of the best restaurants in Cardiff are outside the city centre. And the variety of cuisines is exciting. There are steak restaurants, authentic Chinese restaurants, big juicy burgers, and even Thai restaurants.
Ahead of The Game
Ahead of the Game in Whitchurch is a total game-changer when it comes to clean eating without missing out on flavour or fun. Their ethos is all about fuelling your body correctly without sacrificing flavour. Whether you’re looking to bulk, cut, or want to eat like an absolute legend, they’ve got you. Plus, dogs are welcome to join you!
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Dog friendly Restaurants Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is a great place to take dogs. After a walk across the barrage, head to Mermaid Quay, where there are plenty of dog-approved pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Hubbox
The general vibe of Hubbox is a little bit of Cornwall, matched with decent burgers, mac and cheese, and dirty fries alongside west country beers and ciders and an impressive cocktail menu. Hub Box even has different flavoured lemonades and coolers, which can be pimped with alcohol – whatever your preferences. Like most of the West Country, dogs are welcome in the restaurant.
Bills
This one took me by surprise, Bills in Cardiff Bay welcomes our four-legged friends. The chain restaurant is known for its simple food with a twist, including a great breakfast, set menus, and special offers throughout the day. Dog friendly snacks are also available, including protein bites and ice cream.
Customs Shed
The Customs Shed is located in the Novotel Cardiff, just a ten-minute walk from Cardiff Central Train Station. People tend to regard hotel restaurants as dull, overpriced and uninspiring. It’s not the case here. The team use local products and ingredients teamed with relaxed, trendy decor. And, the best news is that you can take your dog with you!
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
The Cardiff Bay Boat Tour offers an hour-long cruise showcasing the area’s transformation from historic docks to a vibrant waterfront. Departing from Mermaid Quay, the tour provides panoramic views of landmarks such as the Wales Millennium Centre, the Welsh Assembly, and the Wetlands Nature Reserve, accompanied by informative recorded commentary. Dogs on leads are more than welcome to join you!
Dog Friendly Pubs Cardiff
There’s nothing better than going for a pint with your dog. You’ll notice I didn’t include any of the dog friendly pubs near me in the list. I have previously written about the 60 plus dog friendly pubs in Cardiff, including dog friendly pubs in Cardiff city centre and dog friendly pubs Cardiff Bay. In fact, I’ve split the list by areas of the city.
Some of my favourite dog friendly pubs include The Garth Inn on the Main Road in Gwaelod-y-Garth, where you can get proper pub grub and a dog’s dinner (sausages in gravy). The Plymouth Arms in St Fagans – their beer garden is enormous – and Tiny Rebel welcomes dogs. It serves craft beers, real ale and cider, plus burgers, pizzas and picky platters. In most cases, your dog will be offered a treat before you even place your order.
Did you know dogs are allowed on trains?
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. Transport for Wales allows a maximum of two dogs per passenger on the train, free of charge. Just bear in mind they should be kept on the lead at all times or in a basket. I love Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. There’s no excuse not to take your dog with you. Especially if you fancy a dog friendly pub crawl.
Dog friendly Cafe Cardiff City Centre
You’ve guessed it; there are plenty of cafes in Cardiff where dogs are welcome. Watch this space…
Dog friendly Places Cardiff
If you’re struggling to search for dog friendly activities, let me help you with some suggestions, including the address, where to park, if it is free or if there is a cost. Our travel and staycations are included, so you can find some new places to take your dog on holiday.
There are plenty of days out in Cardiff, but if you’d like to go further afield, Wales is filled with natural beauty and fascinating history, and Cardiff is a brilliant base for day trips within the country. So, consider these destinations if you’re looking for day trips in South Wales:
Dog friendly Hotels in Cardiff
Discover the best dog friendly hotels in Cardiff. Enjoy outdoor adventures, spectacular walking, and fabulous places to eat and drink together in these lovely places to stay with your pet. They include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses. Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits!
Dog friendly Shops in Cardiff
If you’re like me, you like to take your faithful pup everywhere with you, including shopping. There are plenty of dog friendly shops in Cardiff that they can access, so you don’t have to leave them at home when you want to window shop or splash the cash.
The Best Dog Walks in Cardiff
There are so many dog-friendly walks in Cardiff. We are so lucky; there are so many green spaces, parks and gardens. It is easy to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city is often behind the treeline. From Bute Park to Ffforest Fawr, there are lots of walks to keep your dog stimulated.
Dog Walks in South Wales
Dog walks in South Wales never have to be boring again. Change your routine if you’re sick of doing the same daily route. You will be truly spoilt for choice with parks, gardens, mountains, waterfalls, country parks and beaches.
Dog Friendly Beaches near Cardiff
There are so many beautiful beaches only 30 minutes from Cardiff. The beaches are perfect for a couple of hours sunbathing, playing sports, reading or relaxing, or an evening stroll or weekend walk.
Eat Out in Cardiff
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, at both the casual and cheap eats, Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the most exciting places to eat in the UK.
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Places to Drink in Cardiff
Whether looking for an after-work drink with colleagues, a boy’s or girls’ night out surrounded by cocktails, or a date night spot, you’re always close to the best bars in Cardiff Bay, the city centre and the neighbourhoods.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
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