Benzie's Cafe

Benzie's Cafe is a Mediterranean-leaning all-day breakfast and brunch spot on Banksia Street in Botany, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor alfresco seating out front. It opens remarkably early for the area, from 5am on weekdays and 6am on weekends, and runs through to mid-afternoon.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on lead in the outdoor seating area at the front of the cafe. Staff are generally friendly to visiting dogs and a water bowl is often put out, though ask when you arrive rather than assuming one will already be there. The alfresco sits on the street side, so a dog that is relaxed with passing locals and their dogs will settle in easily here.

Worth knowing

The kitchen works a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern line: shakshuka, falafel and corn fritters lead the brunch menu, backed by a solid coffee and frappe list, with vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. Portion sizes err generous, so a shared plate between two is a realistic plan.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is on Banksia Street, Botany, with parking on-street along Banksia and the surrounding residential streets. It fills quickly during the weekend breakfast rush, which is another argument for the 6am opening if you are driving in on a Saturday or Sunday.

Close by with the dogs

Booralee Park is a short walk away for a stretch of the legs after breakfast, and the larger Sir Joseph Banks Park Fenced Dog Park gives dogs a proper secure run a few minutes' drive away. If Benzie's is packed, Cafe Cosi Nero is the suburb's other dog-friendly coffee stop.

More in the area

Browse more dog friendly cafes in NSW or the full guide to Botany.