As dog owners, we know there's nothing more special than a restaurant that is also dog friendly! We believe that four-legged foodies are just as deserving of a good meal as their hoomans. For many of us, we'd love the opportunity to bring along Fido to our fine-dining experiences so we thought what better time to explore the world of canine haute cuisine than in preparation for Valentine's Day! We know that it can't be easy for restaurant owners to welcome dogs, there are hygiene standards to uphold, other diners who may not want your dog there, and the general unpredictability of having animals around food - so we really want to celebrate these unique and exciting establishments!
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Voted the best UK restaurant of 2018, M Victoria Street is a glitzy cocktail bar and restaurant that serves up a variety of gourmet food and drinks. Your pup is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal. They even offer a doggy brunch menu just for pups, with options like bone marrow risotto and black pudding granola! Last year they even had a special Valentine's event called the 'Six Legs Brunch' which included a delicious special menu for you and your canine companion whilst their exec chef offered up the fun and informative ‘Cook for your fur-baby’ masterclass with interactive examples of simple and delicious dishes to create at home. M Restaurant Group owner, Martin Williams said “Londoners are fiercely passionate about their dogs, and we’re fiercely passionate about good food. Merging them in a trendy space is a no-brainer for M.” M Victoria hosts a six legged brunch menu every Saturday and a pet-friendly themed event every quarter.
Photo by Facebook.com/ushisukegroup
Tokyo is a pet-lover’s paradise. Not only are pets valued members of the family, and in some cases national heroes such as heroic Shiba Inu Hachiko, but they’re also welcome at many businesses around town. Tokyo offers cafes where you can dine with owls, snakes and even hedgehogs! There's a large number of pet-friendly eateries, however this one is quite special. Ushisuke, a chain of restaurants in Tokyo and Yokahama, serves yakiniku (grilled meat) to humans, and accomodates their four-legged companions too! Ushisuke doesn't just allow pets, dogs actually have their very own menu options to choose from. Those look to feature a mix of rice and veggies served in pet-friendly bone and paw shapes, plus some tasty meat to make sure your furry friend gets the full yakiniku experience.
The Carrington, Sydney, Australia
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This trendy, well-loved pub is actually one of the oldest in Sydney’s Surry Hill neighbourhood. While humans can dine on delicious pub fare such as chicken schnitzel, buckwheat risotto, and even a fish & chip burger, your canine companion has two options to choose from. The Doggo Meals at The Carrington consist of steak & veggies or beef tartare for the more discerning puppy pallets. Dog bowls cost only $6, or they are free on Sundays when purchased alongside any human main meal. This pub looks like a lively, must-visit spot for anyone passing through Sydney.
The Wilson, New York, United States
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The special dog menu at The Wilson really is something to behold! The menu was inspired by two bulldogs - the restaurant’s canine mascot and Stella, the four-legged best friend of its culinary director, Jeff Haskell. A super-trendy spot, this Chelsea restaurant is located in the also dog-friendly INNSIDE by Meliá. The human menu consists of gourmet classics like 16oz ribeye steak, pan-roasted north salmon or the more adventurous brussel sprout tacos. And for the pups? A special 'Spa Day' menu of sliced carrots and apples or a bowl of fresh mixed berries. Plus pups can enjoy many of the human options, just ask your server for more information on this. A portion of the proceeds from all dog menu sales is donated to a different pet charity every month too.
Have you ever dined somewhere with a special dog menu? Let us know in the comments! However you're celebrating this year, we wish you and your four-legged companion a very happy Valentine's Day.