TASTE TEXTURE

Taste Texture is a family-run brunch cafe on Botany Road in Alexandria, known for Asian-fusion plates and creative coffee, and unusually accommodating for dogs: they are welcome at the outdoor tables and inside the cafe, so the weather does not decide whether yours can come along.

The dog setup

Seating is casual and table-serviced, with footpath tables out front and room for a leashed dog to settle at your feet indoors as well. Staff have built a friendly reputation with regulars and their dogs. There is no dedicated dog menu or water bowls laid on, so bring your own bowl and keep your dog settled under the table while the big plates come out.

The vibe

The kitchen goes big: soft shell crab spaghetti, short rib mac and cheese, fluffy American pancakes and matcha French toast, washed down with creative lattes. Portions run large and prices sit in the usual brunch band. Hours open early, 5:30am weekdays and 6am to 3pm weekends, with weekday mornings the calm window; weekends fill fast and the room turns properly social, which suits dogs that are comfortable in a busy space.

Getting there

The cafe sits at 358 Botany Road, Alexandria, a short walk from Green Square station. Street parking is available on Botany Road and the surrounding residential backstreets, but it tightens noticeably on weekends, so arrive early or come by train.

Close by with the dogs

Beaconsfield Park, a full-time off-leash park, is close enough to pair with brunch for a proper run first. For a second coffee stop, Meet Gerard and The Grumpy Barista on Henderson Road are both nearby. Browse more dog friendly cafes in NSW or what's listed around Alexandria.

Pepsi: dogs allowed inside on a rainy day and short rib mac and cheese on the table. Best brunch setup in Alexandria.