Bar Cortona

Bar Cortona is a long-running cafe and bar near Homebush Station, a family-run local that has been on the go since 2001. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating out front, and with a 6am open six days a week it doubles as the early coffee stop for the neighbourhood's dog walkers.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcomed at the outdoor courtyard and footpath tables, where table service reaches you without anyone having to tie up inside. The indoor room is for human diners only. Water bowls are generally put out for dogs, though it is worth confirming with staff when you arrive since policies can shift. The Rochester Street frontage is residential and reasonably calm, so a settled dog on lead fits in easily.

The vibe

The kitchen leans Italian and family-sized: breakfast starts with bacon and egg rolls and porridge bowls, lunches run to hearty chicken burgers and pizza, and the sweet drawcard is the Nutella and strawberry pizza. Coffee is a strong point, with a friendly barista behind the machine, and the Freezeoccino is the sugar-hit order regulars bring their kids back for. Wednesdays trade later than the rest of the week, running to 9pm, which makes it one of the few dog-friendly dinner options in the immediate streets.

Getting there and parking

The address is 33-35 Rochester Street, Homebush, a short walk from Homebush Station, with access off Parramatta Road and The Crescent. Street parking is available along Rochester Street and the surrounding residential streets, though it tightens up at weekend breakfast. Doors open from 6am Monday to Saturday and to 4pm on weekends.

Close by with the dogs

Two fenced off-leash parks sit in the same suburb: Allen Street Reserve Fenced Dog Park on Powells Creek, with agility gear and dog drinking water, and Bressington Park Fenced Dog Park further along Underwood Road. If you want a second coffee, Urbano Organic Coffee Traders is the suburb's other PawScapes cafe and August Coffee is just across the boundary in North Strathfield.

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