Looking for a place to perch with your pooch? These spots around sunny Durban offer good food and a happy relaxed space for your furry friends.

Afro’s Chicken (OR Tambo Parade)

Situated on the sunny Durban promenade, Afro’s welcomes dog walkers to perch near the yellow container and tuck into one of the famous chicken burgers with tjips. The promenade is full of pooches, runners and children, and is a great outdoor spot for a speedy Sunday brunch with the family in tow.

Bike and Bean (Snell Parade)

Patrons are welcome to enjoy their daily coffee, a tasty snack and the beautiful views of the ocean here after a refreshing swim or walk on the beach. The owner says she loves dogs and is very happy to have them in her restaurant. Your pup will be welcomed with a water bowl and can even be served a doggy cappuccino. The owner also admits that she sometimes likes to treat those that are well behaved with a little piece of bacon or something tasty.

 

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Circus Circus Beach Café (Snell Parade)

The buzzing beachside restaurant offers beautiful ocean views and a casual spot for a weekend breakfast or lunch with your pup. Grab a table outside and the staff will bring a bowl of refreshing water for your dog.

FOAM (Umdloti)

Views of the blue ocean and a sunny verandah make this a perfect pooch-friendly spot. Grab a bright salad or a good cuppa coffee and watch the waves roll in as your furry friend rests by your side.

 

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Freedom Café (Greyville)

Bring along your fluffy friends to this funky breakfast-and-lunch eatery. Guests can dine alfresco under the trees next to the big red container and tuck into inventive bistro-style grub while their doggies chill out in the shade and enjoy bowls of water.

The Galley Beach Bar and Grill (Ballito)

This easygoing seafront restaurant serves casual seafood dishes with relaxing views. Find a spot on the deck to enjoy good old-fashioned fish ’n chips while your pooch dines from the Canine Cuisine menu, which features Paw-Some Snacks (a sliced-up pork banger), Hound Dog Haven (100g grilled and cubed rump), the Pooch breakfast (grilled bacon and sliced pork sausage), Chicken à la Pooch (150g grilled chicken breast), Hungry Pup Quarter Pounder (150g grilled beef patty), and a Milk Draught (bowl of milk). Bowls of water are on the house.

Market Restaurant (Essenwood)

Enjoy lazy lunches under the trees with your well-behaved dogs on leads. They’ll also be offered bowls of water to lap up.

Mo Noodles (Umhlanga)

This Asian-fusion restaurant in the busy area of Umhlanga serves delicious noodle dishes and Thai-inspired curries. Dogs are welcome to sit with their owners but only outside.

Parc (Glenwood)

This sweet suburban sidewalk café in the middle has a love for dogs, meaning it’s filled with pet owners dropping by for their morning cuppa or a leisurely weekend brunch. Their poached eggs are somewhat legendary and the hounds will be looked after with a bowl of water and plenty of attention. Due to health and safety regulations, furry friends are only allowed to be seated outdoors.

Outside at the Parc Cafe. Photo courtesy of Fathima Kathrada.

Old Town Italy (Umhlanga)

This Italian market eatery allows you to bring your pooches along for a morning coffee and pastry. The fur family is only allowed outside and on a leash, but there’s ample space on the sunny pavement for them to bask as you dine.

The Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga)

Pets are most welcome at this stunning sea-facing hotel. The five-star garden villas offer a range of beds and menus to pamper the special pets of hotel guests. The Dogs’ Delights menu includes Woof Waffles with boerewors and gravy; toasted bread with cheese or scrambled egg; chunks of steak in gravy served with rice; and a full doggy breakfast complete with hash browns. If you’re staying at the hotel, contact room service to find out what the pet dish selections are.

Take your dog for a stroll around the Oyster Box Hotel. Photo supplied.

Oh My Soul Café (Durban North)

Oh My Soul is proudly vegan and welcomes animals of all shapes and sizes. Not only do they encourage you to bring your dogs, but they’ll also treat them to a special doggy menu consisting of Hound Dog Nice Cream and pumpkin-and-banana biscuits.

Surf Riders Food Shack (Addington Beach)

This beachfront restaurant on Durban’s Golden Mile serves unfussy fare such as great breakfasts, burgers, pizzas and gourmet shakes. The popular spot is also dog-friendly, with a menu just for your pet that includes a Poochini Snack – peanut-butter sauce, ice cream, layered sponge and biscuit crumbs.

 

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Have a favourite dog-friendly spot? Let us know in the comments below!