Dog-Friendly Places to Eat in Edinburgh: Cafés, Pubs, Restaurants

Edinburgh is a hilly, walkable city, and a dog on a lead fits in easily on most routes, from Stockbridge to the Old Town to the waterfront at South Queensferry. Eating out is less predictable. Every venue below is listed by Google as allowing dogs, but a listing does not tell you where inside you can sit, so it is worth checking before you set off. We have grouped the places by the kind of visit, starting with coffee and breakfast.

Where can you get breakfast or coffee in Edinburgh with a dog?

Coffee shops and brunch spots make an easy first stop on a walk. Deacon's House Cafe is a coffee shop rated 4.6 from 2,341 Google reviews. The Black Medicine Coffee Company is another coffee shop, rated 4.5 from 2,099 Google reviews.

If you want something more substantial, Greenwoods is a brunch restaurant rated 4.7 from 1,444 Google reviews. Google lists it as serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, with a cuisine mix of British and Dutch, plus vegetarian-friendly, vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. It also has a children's menu and takes reservations.

Other cafés on the list:

• Retro kitchen is a café rated 4.3 from 2,843 Google reviews.
• Craigie's Farming is a café in South Queensferry, rated 4.3 from 3,173 Google reviews.
• Books n Cup Café is rated 4.8 from 1,901 Google reviews.
• Room and Rumours Coffee is a coffee shop rated 4.8 from 1,302 Google reviews.

Which pubs and bars in Edinburgh let dogs in?

Pubs are often the easiest option with a dog, and Edinburgh has a good number on this list. Aff Yer Heid is a gastropub rated 4.4 from 3,630 Google reviews. Google lists it as serving brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, beer and wine, with vegetarian food and a children's menu.

Scran and Scallie is also a gastropub, rated 4.5 from 2,773 Google reviews, and it takes reservations. Teuchters & Room In the West End is a pub rated 4.6 from 1,964 Google reviews, which Google lists as good for children and reservable.

Further out, Thirty Knots is a pub in South Queensferry, rated 4.5 from 1,763 Google reviews. In Stockbridge, The Stockbridge Tap is a pub serving British food, rated 4.4 from 1,009 Google reviews. Google lists beer, wine and a wheelchair-accessible entrance there.

For a bar rather than a pub, Hawt Dawg is rated 4.6 from 1,043 Google reviews and is listed as reservable.

Which Edinburgh restaurants allow dogs for a sit-down meal?

A few full restaurants are listed as allowing dogs too. Google lists all of these as reservable, which helps if you want to mention your dog when you book.

• Youg Shun Edin limited is an Indian restaurant rated 4.8 from 21,564 Google reviews, the highest review count on this list.
• City Restaurant is a fish and chips restaurant rated 4.6 from 2,943 Google reviews.
• The Railbridge Bistro is a restaurant in South Queensferry, rated 4.4 from 2,740 Google reviews.
• Ella Greek Restaurant is rated 4.9 from 2,223 Google reviews.
• The Khukuri Nepalese Restaurant is rated 4.7 from 2,201 Google reviews.
• Hendersons - Eat Better Live Better is a vegetarian restaurant rated 4.9 from 2,067 Google reviews.

Where can you sit outside with a dog in Edinburgh?

Outdoor tables are usually the safest bet when a venue's dog policy is limited. Google lists outdoor seating at two places on this list. Aff Yer Heid, mentioned above, is one. All Bar One is a wine bar rated 4.5 from 997 Google reviews. Google lists it with outdoor seating, beer and wine, live music and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Good Bird is listed by Google as a beer garden, rated 4.3 from 1,238 Google reviews, and it takes reservations. As with the others, check which areas dogs are allowed in before you go.

Tips for eating out with a dog

• Call ahead. Dog policies can be limited to the bar area or to outdoor tables, and a Google listing does not show which.
• Bring a water bowl and a lead. Keep your dog on the lead while you are seated, and have a bowl with you in case the venue does not provide one.
• Choose quieter times. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon suits nervous dogs better than a busy weekend lunch.
• Mention your dog when booking. If you are reserving a table, say so, so staff can seat you somewhere suitable.
• Walk first. A tired dog is more likely to settle under the table.