It’s a well-known fact that dogs are a man’s best friend, and so it’s only right that we should get to dine and unwind with them, too. Thankfully, more and more restaurants in the UAE are embracing pet-friendly policies, and realising that dogs deserve a seat at the dinner table – or at least under them.
Ranging from casual surf cafes to Italian fine dining restaurants, there are now so many beautiful outdoor and indoor pet-friendly venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Offering special pet areas, water bowls, complimentary dog treats and more, below are 11 of the best places to grab a bite with your favourite family member.
Abu Dhabi
Desert Lotus, Al Raha
The terrace of Desert Lotus is a gorgeous place to hang out with your dog, and absorb the fresh air while the weather is still pleasant and fresh. Along with offering a wide array of delicious veggie-friendly Thai specialties and weekend breakfasts, the daily happy hour offers the perfect excuse to take your best friend out for a well-deserved sunset stroll…
@desertlotus_restaurant.
Diablito, Yas Island
An iconic Yas Island favourite, Diablito offers a tempting mix of laid-back vibes, tasty tapas, and stunning views over the blue waters and stylish yachts of Yas Marina. Along with offering some mega daily promotions, the rooftop terrace of this pet-friendly place is open to pups of all shapes and sizes, and you’re guaranteed to receive warm service with a smile.
Le Noir Cafe & Kitchen, Saadiyat Island
Home to Abu Dhabi’s best bottomless brunch and mimosa deal, dogs are more than welcome to kick back and relax on the shaded terrace of Le Noir. Immensely family (and pet-friendly) and a popular meeting place for the Saadiyat Island community, kids can enjoy their own indoor play area, while the menu spans epic breakfasts, mammoth salads, veggie burgers, tofu ramen and more. @lenoirrestaurant.ae.
Mika, Yas Island
As one of Abu Dhabi’s seven Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurants, Mika offers sensational Mediterranean specialities for surprisingly reasonable prices. Overlooking the luxurious yachts of Yas Marina, the terrace is a magnificent place to dine during the cooler months and dogs can even come inside provided that they don’t sit on the coaches or chairs, or try to eat from the table.
@mika.abudhabi.
Paradiso Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Perched on the lively pier of Yas Bay, dining on the terrace of Paradiso Abu Dhabi is like being transported to the Amalfi Coast for the evening. Offering authentic crispy pizzas, homemade pastas, aperitivo spreads, brilliant tiramisu and much more, all served against 360-degree waterfront views, it’s a great spot for a celebration with two and four-legged family members. @paradisoabudhabi.
Dubai
Ella’s Eatery, Palm Jumeirah
Completed with an Instagram-worthy outdoor area and a cool and funky interior, Ella’s Eatery makes both humans and animals feel right at home. If you want to sit inside with your dog, simply make a reservation in advance, or you can just rock up when you feel like it and savour the sea breeze from the waterfront terrace. Known for its amazing breakfast brunch deal and stone baked pizzas, it’s also a picturesque pet-friendly setting for an afterwork drink with your most devoted companion.
@ellaseatery.
Single Fin, Jumeirah 3
Far more than a chilled and trendy hangout for Dubai’s surfing community, dogs are also invited to experience the cooler than cool vibes of Single Fin. Located just steps from the golden sands of Kite Beach, the outdoor area offers dog water bowls, and there’s a huge choice available for vegans and vegetarians, too. From the organic acai to the fresh smoothies, vegan poke bowls, vegan wraps and homemade protein balls, everything that this chic beach shack serves is nothing less than exceptional.
@singlefindubai.
Reform Social & Grill Dubai, The Lakes
While Dubai is filled with fancy cocktail bars and restaurants, sometimes there’s nothing like a casual trip to the pub. Famous for being one of the most pet-friendly venues in Dubai, pets are allowed in all the shaded outdoor areas, while the ‘puppacinno’ specials allow doggies to even join in with coffee and gossip time, too. Completed with a four-metre screen showing live sports, a giant jungle gym and climbing frames for little ones and lots of green areas, the tempting menu also offers veggie breakfasts and burgers, nut roasts, and more high-quality comfort food.
@reformdubai.
Social Company, The Greens
Whether you want to take your pet out for a bite to eat, or you just like being surrounded by cute puppies as you work, Social Company is ideal for both business and pleasure. Dogs are welcome to enter the air conditioned cool of the stylish dining room, while the abundance of leafy plants and excellent vegetarian and vegan options is sure to inspire creativity and big ideas, and leave both humans and animals in a fantastic mood.
@socialcompanydxb.
Toto Restaurant, Downtown Dubai
Italy has one of the world’s best cuisines, and it tastes even better with your furry friend by your side. Inviting well-behaved dogs to indulge in the art of Italian fine dining, the slick and elegant terrace of TOTÓ Restaurant is proudly pet-friendly, and its striking Downtown views are sure to take your breath away. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we’re sure you’ll agree that the pizza is one of the best in Dubai.
@totorestaurantdubai.
Uptown Social, JLT
One of the latest outlets to open at JLT, there’s always a gathering of furry friends on the pet-friendly shaded terrace of Uptown Social. While dogs are provided with water and snacks, the menu spans a wide choice of wholesome and nutritious breakfasts, salads, power bowls, pastries, coffees and more. Welcoming to remote workers, the library corner features plenty of interesting books, while the ‘Love Your Pet Days’, PJ parties, and other quirky events are always tonnes of fun.
@uptownsocialdubai.
