The best dog-friendly restaurants and bars in Auckland

Tucked away in the Hawthorn Dene Homestead, this café is dog and kid friendly. Relax and enjoy delicious food in a quiet atmosphere surrounded by plum trees and a beautiful garden. You can enjoy their all-day breakfast, hot salads, gourmet burgers, a variety of cabinet dishes, gluten-free/dairy-free/vegan cakes, high tea, and fluffy homemade scones, muffins, organic coffee, and iced drinks.

Looking for a spot to have Sunday brunch with your entire family, including your dog? Take the ferry from Auckland Central or go a short distance by car to Brothers Beer Juke Joint in Birkenhead for some food and drinks. Even dog dishes are available on the menu. While you enjoy traditional southern BBQ food and a craft beer, you can spoil your dog with a beef & lamb stew for $7 or a pup sundae with whipped cream and beef bits on top.

After a long day of fetching at the beach, head to Takapuna Beach Café, grab a table outside with your dog and enjoy a delicious mango & strawberry gelato while gazing out at the sea. If you are an early riser, start your day off right with the grill breakfast, which includes black pudding, bacon, rosti, and eggs your way. 

Dogs are always welcome at Wynyard Pavilion. Whether you stop by in the morning for brunch (make sure you try the popular Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles) or stay for dinner, there are plenty of outdoor tables where you are welcome to sit with your pooch while you tuck into the delicious Steinlager Ultra Beer Battered Fish & Chips and sip on an Aperol Spritz. 

Bring your four-legged friend to Ponsonby's brewery Brewport for a craft beer and a fun time. While you enjoy a pint in the beer garden, your dog can munch on a free homemade gourmet dog biscuit. Plus, on Wednesday at 4pm, your pup can socialise at the weekly Paw and Pints happy hour—perfect for an afternoon hangout with your best furry friend. 

Little Creatures, located in a former aircraft hangar in Hobsonville Point, has a large outdoor bar area that is always buzzing with well-behaved dogs. After finishing the 5km Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway, head there for a well-deserved beverage and bite to eat. If you feel like your pooch needs to run more, take him to the Te Onekiritea Point dog park that features a fully fenced, off-leash area. 

After a long walk and play in the rolling green hills of Cornwall Park, stop by Cornwall Park Café for a bite to eat. Sit at one of the outdoor tables and order The Cornwall Park Grande breakfast that includes eggs your way, bacon, spicy pork sausage, grilled tomato, herby mushrooms, tomato relish, greens, potato puff gems, and sourdough. Add some extra bacon to share with your dog. 

Bring your dog along to Brick Bay. You can walk the Sculpture Trail together (with your four-legged friend on a leash) and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. Indulge in a morning or afternoon tea with sweet treats or taste some delicious wine accompanied by a fabulous lunch featuring fresh and seasonal products—a perfect way to treat yourself before or after your walk. 

For a dog-friendly restaurant on Waiheke Island, head to The Heke. Your four-legged friend is more than welcome if they are on leash. If you bring your dog, grab a staff member and they will take a photo of your pup. Use the hashtag #dogsoftheheke so you can follow that tag and see all the wee mates enjoying The Heke. Your pup might even be lucky enough to get a special homemade dog treat biscuit. 

The Paw Bar & Eatery is a happy place for all ages and a haven for you and your pet to hang out and chill. Order some tapas to share and a cocktail and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while your pet is making a lot of new friends. The cocktails have fantastic names such as Golden Retriever Daze, The Sweet Pug and Cavoodle De Fun. 

And for cat lovers, head to Purrs & Beans in Birkenhead. Formerly known as the BaristaCats Café, you can pet and cuddle (and adopt) the residents’ cats for up to one hour. Like in a regular café, you can enjoy a coffee and a bite during your session, or you are also welcomed to just pop in and grab them to take away. All purchases contribute towards the cats' care and the continual running of their forever home. Make sure to book your meow session in advance! The entry session price varies from $8.50 to $25.