16 of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh

From casual dining to award-winning food, here is our guide to Edinburgh's best dog-friendly restaurants.

If you have a furry-friend who you enjoy taking on adventures, we're sure you understand the frustration which can sometimes come along with finding a suitable spot to eat while out and about.

However, there's no need to fret in Edinburgh as there are plenty of amazing restaurants which are more than happy to accommodate dogs.

Here's our ultimate guide to dog-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh.

The Torfin

(108 St John's Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, EH12 8AX)

The Torfin's dog menu is sure to impress owners and pups. Paw star martini anyone? Picture: The Torfin/Facebook

While dogs can't write reviews, we're sure they would be wagging their tails for The Torfin and its dog menu.

With items such as the bark burger and paw star martini on offer, both you and your dog will be more than satisfied.

Brewhemia

(1A Market St, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE)

Brewhemia is somewhere that not just tolerates dogs, but embraces them. Located just across from Waverly Train Station, Brewhemia absolutely deserves its place among Edinburgh's top dog-friendly restaurants.

If you're planning a visit and know your buddy will be joining you, just make sure to leave a note with your dogs name when you book. 

You will be given a dog bed, bowl of water and plenty of treats to keep your pup going while you enjoy a nice meal and perhaps even a drink or two. 

Gaucho Edinburgh

(4a St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2BD)

Faye the dog sitting nicely in front of a table in Gaucho Edinburgh's restaurant. She is a regular in the dog friendly restaurant.

All Gaucho restaurants are dog-friendly between 12-6pm - and Gaucho's Edinburgh branch is no exception. Picture: Gaucho Edinburgh/Instagram

Gaucho - the Argentinian steak restaurant chain - allows dogs inside their restaurants between 12pm and 6pm every day. 

With stunning wines and steak on offer, we're sure it won't just be your dog drooling. But rest assured you have plenty of time to enjoy a delicious meal even if your pup tags along.

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Badger & Co

(32 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3HT)

Inspired by the Wind in the Willows, this cocktail bar offers an all round dining experience. While dogs are allowed, those who wish to take their furry friends along are welcome only in the bar area - but don't let that stop you. 

Badger & Co serves delicious Scottish food, and from its hidden garden you can catch a view of Edinburgh Castle - made more special if you know it operates from the former home of Kenneth Grahame, the author of the restaurant's namesake.  

Rabble

(55A Frederick St, Edinburgh, EH2 1LH)

Described on its website as "classy yet casual", Rabble Taphouse & Grill is a good option for diners looking for low and slow food.

With dogs allowed in its bar area and a strong offering which includes boozy brunch, perhaps a highlight of the venue is its roofed garden which is also dog-friendly. A great option if you're looking to dine in Edinburgh's New Town. 

McLarens on the Corner

(8 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 4DD)

The terrace at McLarens on the Corner at night, with fairy lights lighting the seating area outside the ski gondolas.

The Ski Gondola tables which sit outside of McLarens on the corner in Edinburgh. Picture: McLarens on the Corner/Facebook

On Edinburgh's Holy Corner, McLarens on the Corner caters to almost every occasion - including an outing with your dog. 

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Its stunning outdoor terrace means McLarens also offer alfresco dining, and you can sit and enjoy your food in their unique ski gondolas.

McLaren's allows dogs inside and out, which makes it a perfect spot for for a post-adventure pick me up, or a cosy indoor meal.

The Espy

(62-64 Bath St, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1HF)

The Esplanade Bar & Restaurant, or The Espy as it's more commonly known, is nestled along the Portobello shore and is well known for being dog-friendly. 

With specific dog items on the menu such as Liver Cake, it's definitely worth a visit if you've just been on a long walk with your pup. Not to mention its children's menu options such as the "I want to go to McDonald's" beef burger. 

Red Squirrel 

(21 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ)

Peggy, an Australian Shepherd puppy, licking her lips in front of a cosy blanket in Red Squirrel, a dog-friendly Edinburgh restaurant.

Peggy, a cute Red Squirrel customer. Picture: Red Squirrel Edinburgh/Facebook

In what could be a disappointment for any furry friends, Red Squirrel doesn't actually feature the critter on the menu. Nevertheless, this gastropub is sure to delight both man and his best friend. 

The luxurious off-grid dining experience with beautiful loch views playing host to cosy whisky supper club

They will make sure to have treats and water brought over and are enthusiastic about dogs joining their families for dinner, and it's definitely a great choice if you're on Lothian Road

Red Squirrel also have a stock of board games to hand, so boredom hopefully won't be a problem - for you or your pooch who will be smothered in love by the staff. 

The Caley Sample Room

(42-58 Angle Park Terrace, Edinburgh, EH11 2JR)

Dogs are more than welcome at The Caley Sample Room, which offers meals from breakfast to steak.

It serves Scottish pub food with a good atmosphere, and staff are more than happy to accommodate and fuss over your furry friends.

And in case it piques your interest - or your dog's - there's a steak night every Tuesday. 

Maki & Ramen

(St James Quarter, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD)

A large Bernese Mountain dog sitting patiently at a Maki & Ramen table in Edinburgh.

Maki & Ramen's St James Quarter branch is dog-friendly. Picture: Maki & Ramen/Facebook

With venues across Scotland, Maki & Ramen perhaps isn't the first venue you'd think of as dog-friendly. 

You'd be correct. However, their St James Quarter restaurant is dog-friendly and with a "woof menu" - in cooperation with Dofos Pet Centre - for canines to boot.

So if you've been busy wandering around the city centre, or perhaps need a meal after a walk up Calton Hill - definitely make sure to stop by for a nice bowl of noodles and some healthy pet snack options. 

Toast

(65 The Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA)

We're more than happy to raise a glass to Toast in Leith. Based in a former art gallery, this wine cafe's menu is carefully curated with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Its waterfront location makes it a prime spot if you're feeling peckish after a walk with your pup, or even for a nice brunch with a view.

Wee Buddha

(2B Jamaica St, Edinburgh, EH3 6HH)

We've covered many fancier venues you can visit with your pup, but if you're after something a bit more laid back yet still of good quality, look no further than Wee Buddha.

There are plenty of canine regulars to this Asian restaurant and though it has ties to Buddhism - don't worry. Drinks are also on the menu and everything is delicious.

Monboddo Edinburgh

(34 Bread St, Edinburgh, EH3 9AF)

A small dog lies on a large dog bed with a bowl of water in front in Monboddo Edinburgh.

You can be sure your pup will relax in style at Monboddo in Edinburgh. Picture: Monboddo/Facebook

A restaurant attached to a hotel chain may not be your first thought for dog-friendly eating but don't let that put you off.

Monboddo, which is attached to the Edinburgh City Centre Doubletree, has stunning castle views and is so dog-friendly they've even thrown a doggie wedding.

Puppuccinos are on the menu for the pets, and for the humans we're sure you won't be disappointed by their wee plates, not so wee plates and their definitely not wee puddings.

Woodland Creatures

(260 - 262 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 5EL)

A top spot for a meal out with your dogs, Woodland Creatures in Leith is a restaurant and bar beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Having won a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2022, the bar's food is tasty and the atmosphere excellent. Both you and your dog will definitely leave feeling well rested and fed.

The Voyage of Buck

(29-31 William St, Edinburgh, EH3 7NF)

This heritage cocktail bar in the West End of Edinburgh, this venue serves seasonal plates and stunning cocktails.

With a menu full of delicious meals, you won't need to feel guilty about taking your dog out to tea. The team will give you a warm welcome and we're sure your precious pup will make your trip to the bar as easy as possible.

Black Ivy

(4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 1DU)

A cute small white dog lies its head on a marble table while sitting in a leather booth at Edinburgh's Black Ivy. A large glass of wine sits to the left.

Edinburgh's dog-friendly bar of the year 2022, Black Ivy won't disappoint humans or canines. Picture: Black Ivy Bar & Hotel/Facebook

Last, but certainly not least, the Black Ivy is - according to the 2022 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards - Edinburgh's top dog-friendly pub.

From afternoon tea to Sunday roasts, Black Ivy offers something for everyone, and your pet will be kept entertained throughout your meal with water and gravy bones.

If that doesn't sway you, know that dogs can access all areas at the Black Ivy - including the stunning outdoor terrace.


Looking for more inspiration? Edinburgh Dog Friendly Pubs 2023: Here are 13 perfect places in the Capital to go for a post-walk drink with your adorable pup

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