The 10 best pet-friendly restaurants in and around Durban

Tucked away at Willow Way Manor Estate in Hillcrest, Willow Way Café is a cosy daytime coffee shop run by the Kilfoil family, serving up a farm-style menu made with seasonal ingredients and plenty of homegrown charm.

It’s an intimate spot for a relaxed coffee, breakfast or lunch, with a peaceful estate setting that makes it a lovely option when you want to escape the bustle of the city. And, importantly for this list, four-legged friends are welcome to join you in the outdoor areas.

The café is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm, with Mondays and Tuesdays reserved for a little downtime. Opening times can change around private functions, so it’s worth checking ahead before heading out.

Address: 1 Willow Way, Hillcrest, Outer West Durban

Nestled at Fig Tree Farm, Millflour Café is a warm, family-friendly spot where you can settle in for freshly made pizzas, burgers, salads, waffles and vegan-friendly options, with plenty of tempting bakery treats for those with a sweet tooth.

And yes, your four-legged friends can join the outing too. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area as well as the semi-enclosed coffee bar, making it an easy spot to grab a coffee, light bite or leisurely meal with your pup in tow.

The café is open Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday from 8am to 4.30pm. On Fridays, dinner is served until 7.45pm, with the café closing at 9pm – perfect for their ‘Friday Evenings on the Farm’.

For a quicker stop, the Millflour Coffee Bar serves pastries, cakes, toasted sandwiches and wraps alongside freshly brewed coffee.

Address: Fig Tree Farm, 57 Inanda Road, Hillcrest

Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub is a quaint Austrian-themed pub in the heart of the Midlands, serving hearty Bavarian and country-style fare since 1999. It’s also home to their famous crispy eisbein.

Dogs are welcome outside and on the verandah, and there’s even a dedicated doggy menu. Prices range from R9 to R45, with options like dog biscuits and various combinations of protein, rice, and vegetables.

Address: Rawdons Estate, R103, Nottingham Road

Why should your furry friends miss out on the fun? Just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Durban, Hebron Haven offers country charm at its finest. Surrounded by rolling lawns, a sparkling swimming pool, peaceful river walks, and relaxed dining, it’s the perfect escape to the Midlands.

Best of all, whether you’re visiting for a meal or staying the weekend, pets are warmly welcomed. They’re even free to roam off-leash if you prefer, making this an ideal getaway for the whole family.

Address: District Road D128, Dargle, Howick

Horse Shoe Bend is a picturesque Midlands stop, perfect for a relaxed outing. It offers a charming mix of artisan shopping and wholesome restaurant fare, with both indoor and outdoor seating, so whether it’s sunny or rainy, you’re covered. The centre is open daily from 9am to 4pm.

It is also wheelchair-friendly, dog-friendly, and provides ample free parking. Just remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times... yes, even your farmyard pets.

Address: 1 Currys Post Link Road, Tweedie

With a name this adorable, it is no surprise your furry companions are welcome too. Your pup will be treated like a VIP at the Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop, with a dedicated doggy menu featuring favourites like Chicken à la Hound and the Barking Good Burger, a 200 gram pure beef patty served with rice and topped with a raw egg.

At Piggly Wiggly, keeping things pet friendly is simple: keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them and dispose of waste responsibly, make use of the water station and dog menu, and only bring well socialised dogs that are comfortable around both kids and adults.

Address: R103 Dargle Road, Lions River

Breakfast with the soundtrack of waves crashing in the background. How could it get any better? Trick question. It can. At Surf Riders Café, your furry companion is just as welcome, with fresh water on hand and a dedicated doggy menu to keep tails wagging.

Priced between R19 and R65, pups can tuck into treats like crunchy dog biscuits, juicy chicken breast topped with barbecue sauce, or even a frothy “poochino”. Open daily from 6:30am, it is the perfect pit stop before or after a refreshing promenade walk.

Address: 17 Erskine Terrace, South Beach, Durban

A relaxed coastal café on the Umdloti Beachfront, FOAM is a favourite among locals and their four-legged companions. Guests can enjoy fresh sea air, ocean views, a laid-back atmosphere, and hearty brunch offerings.

The café is open daily from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. Well-behaved pets on leads are welcome, with fresh water provided, allowing diners to enjoy their meals alongside their furry friends.

Address: Shop 1B, 30 North Beach Road, Umdloti

Doghouse & Craft Café serves wood-fired pizzas and craft beers in a beautiful private nature reserve. The café is family- and dog-friendly, with a pet-friendly beer garden where dogs on a leash are welcome.

Occasionally, the café also offers on-site vaccination opportunities for pets, showing its commitment to the health and well-being of four-legged visitors.

Address: R102 Old Main Road, Pennington, KZN South Coast

Established in 1957, this South Coast landmark warmly welcomes leashed dogs on its veranda, while service dogs are also invited indoors to accompany their owners.

The 220-seat restaurant, celebrated for its famous sweet and savoury waffles, operates on a first-come, first-served basis – ideal for spontaneous breakfast or brunch outings with a four-legged companion in tow.

After dining, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll across the wooden bridge, meandering through Tanglewood, before reaching Ramsgate Beach for a refreshing swim or a relaxing time on the sand.

Address: 839 Marine Dr, Ramsgate, KZN South Coast