Johannesburg is home to plenty of restaurants that welcome furry patrons, making it easier than ever to enjoy a meal without leaving your best friend at home.
This article covers some of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Johannesburg, from bustling markets, relaxing outdoor restaurants, to cosy cafés.
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Key Takeaways:
- Johannesburg offers a wide selection of pet-friendly restaurants with dedicated outdoor seating & staff who welcome furry friends with open arms.
- Many establishments go the extra mile, like Arbour Café & Goddess Café, which offer dedicated dog menus with treats & wholesome meals for your pup.
- Bustling city spots like Milk Bar & the 4 Ways Farmers Market offer a great balance of food for pet owners & families, & ample space for pets.
Top 10 Pet-friendly Restaurants in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a bustling & diverse restaurant scene, with a number of establishments extending their hospitality to your pets.
The featured pet-friendly restaurants have been selected for their welcoming settings for four-legged friends, if they have dedicated outdoor spaces for pets to run or relax, & special amenities like dog-specific menus.
Keep reading to see our top picks, where you & your best friend can enjoy a great meal & a memorable day out.
● Arbour Café & Courtyard
Location: Shop 6 Wrenrose Court, 64 St Andrew St, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 2196
Situated in the serene Wrenrose Court, Arbour Café & Courtyard is a French-inspired restaurant that offers a tranquil escape for you & your furry friend.
Arbour Café has a welcoming attitude towards pets, with well-behaved dogs on a leash allowed in the spacious courtyard seating area. The staff are happy to provide water bowls, & they have a dedicated dog treats section on their menu, from peanut butter biscuits to chicken & steak for your pet.
The restaurant is a treat for humans too, with a focus on wholesome, fresh ingredients & a French flair. The menu includes a range of options, with their savoury galettes & sweet crepes being a highlight. Arbour Café also offers bottomless brunch on weekends & hosts private functions like birthdays or year-end functions.
To book a table, you can call them or send an email. They are open from 7 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 3 pm on Saturday, & 8 am to 3 pm on Sundays. You can also view the Arbour Café menu or visit Arbour Café’s website to learn more about the venue.
● Blind Tiger Café
Location: 62 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Randburg, 2122
The Blind Tiger Café is a cosy neighbourhood spot that offers a laid-back, welcoming vibe. It’s an ideal choice for pet owners who appreciate a casual atmosphere & a place that feels like a local hangout. This café is known for its charm & is a favourite among residents.
They are a pet-friendly establishment & welcome all animal visitors, on the condition that they don’t disturb other guests. They have a resident cat, Charlie, who adds to the establishment’s charm. The café is a great spot for a relaxed coffee or quiet meal with your furry friend.
With its focus on fresh, California-inspired fusion cuisine, the menu offers a diverse range of options, from burgers & salads to classic cocktails. The café hosts live music nights & quiz events, creating a fun & lively atmosphere. It also has both indoor & outdoor seating, so you can pick your preferred spot to relax.
You can book a table on Blind Tiger Café’s website. You can also WhatsApp or call them at 076 030 4200 for takeaways. The café is open from Tuesday to Friday from 12 pm & from 11 am on Saturdays & Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.
● Cnr Café
Location: Buckingham Ave & Rothesay Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg, 2196
Nestled on a quiet corner in the leafy suburb of Craighall Park, Cnr Café is a beloved neighbourhood known for its casual, community-oriented atmosphere. It serves as a social hub for locals, & is a relaxing spot for a meal, a coffee, or a quick break with your pup.
Cnr Café is a pet-friendly space, with a generous outdoor area that’s a popular hangout for neighbourhood dogs, & the staff are known to provide a bowl of water to keep them hydrated. Its location near a green belt also makes it a perfect post-walk destination for pet owners.
The menu at Cnr Café focuses on fresh, wholesome food, including pastas, pizzas, salads, signature meals & classic sandwiches, with most dishes made from scratch in-house. The café is a firm favourite for its relaxed setting, making it an ideal place to catch up with friends on the weekend or simply enjoy a quiet moment.
To book a table, you can call them or use the reservation form on the Cnr Café website.
● Doppio Zero Greenside
Location: Barry Hertzog Avenue & Gleneagles Rd, Greenside, Randburg, 2034
As a well-established name in Johannesburg’s culinary scene, Doppio Zero Greenside is a bustling bakery, café, & restaurant that has become a social hub in the city. Situated on a popular corner, this spot offers a bustling atmosphere for pet owners looking for a more vibrant dining experience.
Doppio Zero is known for its dog-friendly dining experience with a spacious outdoor patio. Like many dog-friendly restaurants, they are required to be well-behaved in public spaces & kept on a leash. The staff are also very accommodating towards pets, allowing you to enjoy a lively meal without fuss.
The restaurant’s menu is inspired by Mediterranean flavours, featuring an impressive selection of burgers, pastas, small sharing plates & wood-fired pizzas, along with fresh breads & pastries from the on-site bakery. It is a fantastic spot for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a quick coffee, a leisurely brunch, or a full dinner.
You can book a table online on the Doppio Zero Greenside page, call them, or visit Doppio Zero’s website to read their menu or learn more about their other locations in Johannesburg. The restaurant is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sundays & Mondays, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm from Tuesdays to Thursdays, & 7:00 am to 10:30 pm on Fridays & Saturdays.
● Goddess Café
Location: 48 4th Ave, Linden, Johannesburg, 2195
Situated in the charming suburb of Linden, Goddess Café is a whimsical, pink-themed cafe that offers a stylish experience for you & your furry friend. This cafe’s unique aesthetic has made it a popular spot for special occasions or locals looking for a more stylish dining experience.
Goddess Café is a truly pet-friendly haven, & they adore their furry guests. Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating area, where each pup is served a fresh bowl of water & a little doggie treat. Another highlight for pet owners is the dedicated pooch menu, with wholesome meals made from chicken, rice & vegetables.
For pet owners, the cafe’s menu is as beautiful as its decor, offering a variety of high tea options, indulgent breakfasts, & delicious lunch items. Their boutique pancakes, Goddess Café pink waffles & cake options are particular favourites for diners.
You can visit the Goddess Café’s website to book a table online, or call central reservations. The café operates from 7:30 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays & from 8:30 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Goddess Café also has a second Johannesburg branch at Park Meadows Shopping Centre in Kensington.
● Ground Café
Location: Plot 19 Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift, 1747
Ground Café offers a classy country escape for both you & your furry friend. Situated in the peaceful, rural setting of Muldersdrift, this venue combines a charming restaurant with an expansive outdoor space & dedicated hiking trails, making it ideal for pet owners who prefer an active day out.
Not only are leashed dogs welcome in the spacious outdoor seating area, but they are also invited to join their humans on the property’s dedicated walking & hiking trails, which range from 3 km to 9 km. The café also serves dog treats & “pupp-accinos”, ensuring that your four-legged friends are well looked after following a day of exploring. For more scenic routes to tackle together, see our guide to the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Gauteng.
The menu for humans is equally impressive, offering a range of breakfast & lunch options, served alongside Naked Coffee. You can also pre-book picnic & hiking packages. The atmosphere is rustic & relaxed, with a beautiful garden setting that makes it an ideal spot to unwind with friends & family.
To book a table, you can call them directly or email them; booking is recommended on weekends. Ground Café operates from 8 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday & is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. Visit the Ground website for more information on the venue & trails.
● Milk Bar
Location: 11 Holt Street, George Lea Park (Sandton Sports Club), Parkmore, Sandton, 2196
Milk Bar is a contemporary, African-inspired eatery located in the vast George Lea Park. Set in the Sandton Sports Club, the restaurant’s open setting is a favourite among pet owners who appreciate a lively place with great food, where they can also bring their furry friend along.
They are an established pet-friendly spot, welcoming well-behaved, leashed dogs in their spacious outdoor seating areas. While they don’t have a specific dog menu, the staff will provide water bowls to ensure your pet stays hydrated.
Milk Bar’s menu is inspired by African culture with a modern twist, offering a range of delicious burgers, pizzas, & chicken dishes, along with bunny chows, flatbread wraps & hearty breakfasts. It is also a relaxed spot for after-work drinks & cocktails.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner seven days a week, from 7 am to 11 pm daily, including public holidays. You can book a table by calling them, booking online via Dineplan, or visiting Milk Bar’s website.
● Nice on 4th
Location: 37 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Sandton, 2193
Located on the famous 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, Nice on 4th is a beloved neighbourhood café that has been serving up classic meals for years. With its prime setting on a bustling, tree-lined street, it is a fantastic spot to people-watch, catch up with friends, or enjoy a meal or coffee with your pet.
Leashed dogs are welcome at their outdoor sidewalk seating, & it is a popular post-walk destination for many people in the area. While they don’t have dedicated pet-friendly dishes, the staff are very accommodating.
The menu offers simple, good food, with a focus on breakfasts, brunch, light lunches, & excellent coffee. Their range of cakes, croissants, other baked goods & their breakfast basket are special aspects of their menu.
To book a table, you can call them or book online via Dineplan. Nice on 4th operates from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm from Mondays to Sundays & they serve breakfast until 2 pm every day.
● Reflection
Location: Broadacres Shopping Centre, Cnr Cedar & Valley Rd, Broadacres, Sandton, 2055
Tucked away in the Broadacres Shopping Centre, Reflection is a stylish pizza bar & restaurant with a lush, botanical-inspired setting. Featuring a garden with over 300 plant species, water features, & relaxing picnic-style outdoor lounge areas, it provides a serene escape for families & pets alike.
Reflection proudly describes itself as kid & pet friendly, & leashed dogs are welcome to join you in the leafy outdoor seating areas. The garden setting makes it a perfect spot for owners who want to relax over a long lunch with their pup by their side.
The menu at Reflection centres on wood-fired pizzas, tapas & salads, paired with a selection of locally sourced wines. It is also an excellent spot for weekend drinks, with live music on select weekends & a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
To book a table, you can call them or visit Reflection’s website to make an online reservation. On Fridays, the restaurant trades from 8 am to 10 pm. Trading hours vary by season, so check the latest times on the website before heading out.
● 4 Ways Farmers' Market
Location: Taroko Farm, Modderfontein Reserve, Norfolk Lane, Modderfontein, Johannesburg
Set within the picturesque Modderfontein Reserve, The 4 Ways Farmers Market is a bustling open space that caters to foodies, families & furry friends. Surrounded by nature & vast lawns, it is a perfect destination for those who want fresh air & a relaxed day out.
The market is incredibly pet-friendly & well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, provided they stay on a leash at all times. Bring along poop bags so you can clean up after your pup. While there isn’t a dedicated “dog menu,” many of the food stalls are happy to provide water bowls to keep your animals hydrated. The atmosphere is casual & communal, with plenty of space for your pet to lie down comfortably while you enjoy a meal.
The market itself boasts over 50 food stalls, along with craft stalls, a flower market & a nursery. You can find everything from delicious street food & artisan goods to live music & entertainment. The laid-back vibe, coupled with the open green spaces, is ideal.
The market is only open on weekends & operates from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays & Sundays, with weekdays reserved for private functions. There is a gate fee of around R25 per person to access the market. Visit the 4 Ways Farmers Market website for more information on vendors & events.
Final Thoughts on the Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Johannesburg
This guide has highlighted a diverse range of the best pet-friendly restaurants across Johannesburg, from inner-city cafés to outdoor markets, & more
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed brunch or a quick coffee, the city offers a fantastic selection of welcoming venues for you & your companion.
For a truly special outing, Goddess Café is a superb choice for its whimsical, pink-themed wonderland & dedicated gourmet menu for dogs. Alternatively, Ground Café offers a unique country escape, providing an expansive outdoor venue with dedicated hiking trails for your pet to enjoy.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected medical visits or illnesses, whether you’re out exploring or lounging at home.
As SA’s leading pet insurance broker, MediPet offers a range of pet insurance plans that provide comprehensive, genuine & transparent cover. Get a free, obligation-free quote online today.
On our blog, we provide other resources for dog owners, from the best pet-friendly accommodation in Johannesburg & the best grooming services in Johannesburg, to pet insurance guides, & more.
A little note: the providers, products & services featured in this article are here to help with your research, not to crown any winners. This isn’t an exhaustive list, an official ranking, an endorsement, or a recommendation by MediPet. We’ve included providers based on publicly available information at the time of writing. As always, do a little digging of your own to find the option that feels right for you, your pet & your family.
This article was last updated on 28 October 2026.
