A survey in 2019 estimated that 15% of families in Singapore have a pet dog. And we all know how many families bought a puppy during covid, so it’s likely that the percentage of doggy households is now significantly higher. Luckily, Singapore is viewed as a relatively dog-friendly city, as it offers a number of dog-friendly hotels, dogs are welcomed on most beaches, they’re allowed in Singapore Botanic Gardens if kept on a lead, and there are even a couple of dog-friendly cruises available. Additionally, both West Coast Park and East Coast Park have gated dog runs where pets and owners can catch up and socialize. With such an open approach to the presence of our canine friends, it perhaps no surprise that an increasing number of Singapore’s restaurants are opening their doors to pugs, poodles, and other furry friends. An important note: these should not be confused with Singapore’s ‘dog cafes’, where customers can pet the resident pooches while enjoying a beverage. But for everyone who fancies taking their own dog out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, here are just a handful of the eating establishments across Singapore where dogs are welcomed with open paws.
Bees Knees at the Garage
Right in the middle of the Botanic Gardens you can find Bee’s Knees, a restaurant that offers humans a Western menu with an Asian twist, including soft shell crab pasta and truffle carbonara pizza. Dogs won’t feel left out though as they can enjoy pet treats and popsicles beside the expansive gardens.
Open Farm Community
Set within extensive gardens which are perfect for dogs to explore, this spacious Dempsey restaurant boasts farm-to-table Asian fusion dishes as well as a playground and table tennis tables. Kids and pets are thus guaranteed to stay entertained throughout the experience.
Zorba the Greek Taverna
If you fancy riverside dining in Clarke Quay, Zorba the Greek Taverna could be right up your street. It offers a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes, with an unsurprisingly Greek emphasis, and dogs are always welcome.
Three Buns Quayside
Located in the centre of Robertson Quay, the award-winning Three Buns Quayside offers a big selection of top-quality burgers in a great ambience beside the river. It’s a great spot to stop for food after a dog walk along the waterfront.
PS Café Katong
Situated in i12Katong, this relatively new branch of the ever-popular PS Café chain, where East meets West on the menu, has a spacious dog-friendly terrace where pets and owners can relax after a hard morning shopping.
Canopy Garden Dining Bar
This Bishan favourite is a good choice for brunch as it offers an extensive range of Western dishes including Eggs Benedict and pancakes. Although dogs are only allowed in the outdoor area for alfresco dining, the extensive parks that surround it offer plenty of space to tire out energetic pooches.
The Garden Slug
This bright and airy restaurant, just a few minutes inland from East Coast Park, specializes in Western dishes and offers a pet menu for diners who want to make their dogs feel totally included. It’s also next to a number of pet shops, so you can stock up on pet food and accessories while you’re there.
Mylo’s
Located within Gardens by the Bay, Mylo’s offers a covered outdoor dining experience with a colonial vibe where guests can enjoy sandwiches, bagels and coffee after a stroll around the park. You can also get gelato while your furry friend enjoys a ‘pupsicle’ or biscuit from the pet menu.
Poison Ivy Bistro at Bollywood Veggies
Poison Ivy Bistro is located within Bollywood Veggies, close to Singapore’s ecologically important wetlands. The kids can take the dog for a walk around the private gardens, which contain hundreds of species of plants and trees, before heading back for some home-cooked Asian classics.
Free the Robot
In the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, Free the Robot specializes in coffee, cocktails and a Western menu that includes meatballs, melts and burgers. Dogs are very welcome in this chilled-out establishment.
Little Island Brewing Company
One of Changi Village’s iconic restaurants, Little Island Brewing Company welcomes humans and canines to its friendly environment. Humans can enjoy a Western menu that includes everything from fish and chips to Mexican quinoa salad, whilst dogs can relax after a hard day on Pulau Ubin.
Tanjong Beach Club
Tanjong Beach Club is the perfect place for pets with sandy paws to unwind after some fun on the beach. Humans can take a dip in the pool and dogs can join them in the sea before enjoying a predominantly Western menu at this hip beach club.
With nearly 150 restaurants opening their doors to diners with pets, Singapore is a great place to own a dog. And that’s not to be sniffed at!