These 6 stylish pet-friendly cafés offer gourmet fare, excellent coffee, and the perfect atmosphere for you and your beloved puppy or kitty.
Sydney’s café culture is second to none, and for pet lovers, the city also boasts an impressive array of Pet-Friendly Cafés that welcome our four-legged friends with open arms.
Whether you’re looking for a sun-drenched courtyard, healthy bites, or simply a good coffee with your loyal companion by your side, there are many luxe and laid-back cafés across Sydney that are as passionate about pets as they are about food.
We’ve curated a list of our favourite dog- and cat-friendly cafés from Palm Beach to Redfern, all in Sydney where you can soak up the vibe, enjoy high-quality fare, and treat your pet to a morning out.
A stylish urban café with a strong reputation for quality, Henry Lee’s in Redfern is a must for design lovers and coffee aficionados. Known for its light-filled courtyard and industrial-chic interiors, the café offers plenty of outdoor seating where dogs are not only welcome but often greeted by staff with a warm smile and water on arrival. The food here is as photogenic as it is delicious—think stacked toasties, shakshuka, and vibrant smoothie bowls, all with a gourmet twist.
Pet vibe: Cats are less common here, but if your feline is comfortable in a carrier or backpack, the open courtyard provides a relaxed and calm environment for them to enjoy the sights and sounds.
2. The Boathouse Palm Beach – Northern Beaches
If you’re seeking a scenic escape from the city without leaving your pet behind, The Boathouse Palm Beach is the perfect choice. Overlooking Pittwater, this laid-back yet luxe café is part of The Boathouse Group, known for its beautifully curated coastal spaces and quality produce. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas, where they can bask in the sunshine while you enjoy everything from fresh pastries to seafood-focused brunch dishes. The relaxed Northern Beaches vibe makes it an ideal setting for a leisurely weekend outing with your pet.
Cat-friendly rating: If you have a leash-trained or travel-savvy cat, the calm outdoor space and ocean breeze offer a serene spot to sit and sip.
Image from @TheTravelBugBite on YouTube
For cat lovers who prefer a feline-focused experience, YUMIAO Cat Café in Haymarket is a peaceful urban escape designed with cats at its core. While you can’t bring your own pet here, the café is home to a family of resident cats, each rescued and lovingly cared for. Visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, and simple snacks in a serene, softly lit space while interacting with the café’s cats. It’s the perfect location for those who love animals but may not have their own, or who are looking for a calm, therapeutic break in the heart of the city.
Unique Experience: Unlike other cafés on this list, YUMIAO offers emotional connection and comfort through gentle cat companionship.
Images shared above from visitors to the cafe and posted to @pawhaus_cafe Instagram.
Paw Haus by Pet Us is a one-of-a-kind pet café that harmoniously blends adoptable cats and canine guests in a thoughtfully designed space. Open daily from 8 am to 4 pm with free café entry, it invites patrons to enjoy quality coffee and treats while interacting with rescue cats available for adoption. Dogs are also welcome, and the venue doubles as a boutique pet spa and grooming hub, offering DIY dog‑wash services and canine refreshments like puppuccinos and dog biscuits.
Why Visit: Serving as both a café and an ethical, community-focused animal space—this location is perfect for visitors eager to support cat adoptions or spend time in a pet-centric environment. With rescue kittens and cats roaming freely (or relaxing in cosy corners), and pups cooling off after grooming, it’s an uplifting spot to sip, snack, and possibly find a forever friend.
Naked Brew in Erskineville is a local favourite, known for its cosy courtyard and exceptional coffee. With a menu that champions fresh, vibrant ingredients and a separate dog menu (including bacon strips and doggy ice cream), this café takes its pet-friendly status seriously. Staff are enthusiastic animal lovers, and it’s not uncommon to see dogs lounging under tables while their humans sip cold brews or tuck into vegan pancakes.
Cat-Friendly Note: The relaxed outdoor setting makes this a suitable café for confident cats who are used to outdoor stimulation or travel carriers.
6. Dachshund Coffee – Hunters Hill
Named in honour of the beloved sausage dog, Dachshund Coffee is a bright, minimalist café that welcomes pets with open arms. The menu here is creative and modern, featuring things like slow-cooked pork breakfast rolls, coconut cold brews, and house-made granola. Dogs are frequent guests, and while the café doesn’t have a separate dog menu, they provide water bowls and lots of love. The leafy outdoor seating area is perfect for a quiet, sunlit coffee moment.
Best For: A peaceful yet stylish brunch stop with your small-to-medium-sized dog or relaxed feline companion.
7. The Grounds of Alexandria – Alexandria
An iconic destination for foodies and pet lovers alike, The Grounds of Alexandria is more than just a café—it’s an experience. Nestled in a converted industrial precinct, this expansive venue features lush gardens, artisan bakeries, markets, and even a petting zoo. Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor areas and often treated like royalty with water bowls and plenty of space to relax. Their on-site café offers locally roasted coffee and a menu packed with wholesome Australian fare, perfect for a long brunch. While cats may prefer to perch quietly on laps or in carriers, many local cat owners do bring their feline companions for a stylish morning out.
Insider tip: Visit early on weekends to beat the crowds and explore the charming garden pathways with your pet before settling in for a meal.
