The best dog-friendly restaurants in Bristol

After travelling around Australia and eating pies every day for six months, Pieminister founders Jon & Tris returned to the UK with one thing on their mind: to make great British pies. Pieminister in Bristol is now one of nine restaurants around the UK, so it’s needless to say trying one of these pies is a must when you’re in town. From ice cream pies and toffee apple, to lemon meringue and Glastonbury mud, these guys make all sorts of pies which you and your puppy will 100% enjoy. You must try the chicken of Arraga pie with rich, buttery flaky pastry. A true experience. Also, have a look at the cocktail menu, you can’t go wrong!

Chance & Counters is Bristol’s first dedicated board gaming cafe, and we love it. Whether you’re after the best in new board games or some old school classics, this place has got you covered. With more than 600 games, this fun venue is great for all types of gamers, from casual players to seasoned strategists (and dogs?). Have a look at the food menu, these guys cook simple and yummy dishes. There’s also a whole vegan menu with lots of tasty dishes like sweet potato falafel wrap, nachos, Asian ginger noodles and many more. Great place to bring the little one for a fun night out in town.

Haven’t you always dreamt of taking your dog on a fancy dinner? Usually, fine dining restaurants are not very dog-friendly, but at The Pony Chew Valley, it does things differently. This place has held a Michelin star since 2011 and it surely is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Bristol. Run by chef Josh (who you may have seen on BBC’s Great British Menu), this place offers delicate but simple food based on fresh ingredients coming from just across the Valley. If you fall in love with the food (and you will), check out the website, you’ll be able to find some of the amazing recipes. Make sure to mention your dog during your booking, the team will do its best to ensure you’re on a table with adequate room for the little guy.

With many of Bristol’s beautiful green spaces, you and your four-legged companion can enjoy a run around in the park before heading to The Pump House for a refreshing drink and some tasty treats. Situated in a prime waterside location, close to where the city docks meet the River Avon, The Pump House is a British restaurant that takes inspiration from classic dishes and modern cooking techniques. It even has its own two resident dogs: Minnie and Scooby. This spot stocks many of the region’s finest beverages, including more than 700 gins that you will fall for!

If you’re strolling around the harbourside on a dog walk, why not stop off at Mud Dock for a bite to eat. It’s a lovely little restaurant / café just off Queen’s Square. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, so it’s perfect whatever the time of day. The brunch menu is full of all your breakfast classics as well as options like granola or chargrilled mackerel kedgeree. The dinner menu offers a variety of small plates, sharing boards and burgers as well as a selection of mains and specials. If you prefer to sit outside with your dog then the outside terrace offers beautiful views over the water, and in the summer the sunsets can be gorgeous. There are water bowls and even dog treats on the bar, so your furry friend wont feel left out. 

Racks Bar & Kitchen in Clifton is another great dog-friendly restaurant. Buried in the cellar of an old Bristol wine merchant, this restaurant has bags of character. With wooden furnishings and warm lighting, you definitely feel cosy and at home. Serving a selection of small plates, pub classics and Racks pies, the menu is a crowd pleaser. If the weather is nice and you don’t want to be buried underground, the outside terrace is lovely with trellis and climbing vines, it makes you feel like you’re abroad. With local beers, good food and friendly service, this is definitely one to try. 

If you’re looking for dinner with a good choice of beverages to satisfy your beer cravings, then why not try The Strawberry Thief. This award-winning bar usually has around 50 local and international beers to choose from and is dog-friendly! It’s located in the heart of Bristol’s old town and the décor is cosy and inviting with small tables and intimate table service. The menu specialises in Belgian beer and changes depending on the seasons. The food is the perfect balance of hearty and sophisticated, with options on the menu like roast guinea fowl breast served with potato rosti, young carrots and a red wine jus, and seared Cornish hake served with swish chard and a buttery lobster bisque. With good food and great beer, The Strawberry Thief is definitely one of our favourites. 

Coppa Club allows dogs in both the bar area and the restaurant, so is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to eat. This beautiful restaurant is tucked away in Clifton Village and focuses on creating a perfect space for any time of day. If you’re looking for a relaxing brunch or a more sophisticated dinner Coppa Club has it covered. Huge windows flood the restaurant with light, while plants and bookcases make you feel right at home. The lounge, with comfy sofas and coffee tables, is the perfect setting for a cosy catch up or a quick coffee stop. The menu is full of small plates, salads and house classics, perfect for any occasion.

Cargo Cantina is one of the much-loved cargo containers at Whapping Wharf. It welcomes dogs to its outside tables as well as inside the restaurant. The Mexican menu is focused on tacos with options like slow braised chicken, Chalk Stream Farm trout or braised beetroot and olive lentils. It also offers a taco sharing platter, with a delicious mix of meats, salsas, salads and cheese. You can build every taco exactly to your taste and try all of the different fillings on offer. It’s inspired by traditional cantinas in Mexico where locals used to drink around the bar and have bar snacks. The atmosphere definitely reflects this with stools around the bar and a few small tables. Due to the size, you’re always served quickly, and someone is always there making sure you and your dog have everything you need. 

This diner is located right in the centre of Bristol and is great for if you’ve been having a dog walk around the harbour and are heading back towards town. It’s inspired by the sunny shores of California and with bright décor and fresh food, it certainly feels like an American escape. It serves casual food in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for both dogs and humans. Quay Street Diner offers loads of American diner classics, like burgers and hotdogs, wings and loaded fries. If you’re looking for somewhere more casual with a great atmosphere, then definitely give it a try.