Passionate Palate

Passionate Palate is a relaxed, leafy cafe at 1 Stanthorpe Drive in Kanahooka, south of Dapto on the edge of Lake Illawarra, and dogs are welcome across its undercover outdoor courtyard. The setting is the draw: the patio overlooks landscaped ponds and a small lake that pull in local birdlife, and there are ducks to watch while you eat.

The dog setup

Dogs settle on the shaded outdoor patio and courtyard, which is covered so the rain does not end the visit. Water bowls are readily available and the staff are known for welcoming touches and treats for visiting dogs, though there is no separate cooked dog menu. Given the water and wildlife at the pond's edge, a dog with reliable manners around birds will have the easiest time here.

Worth knowing

The kitchen runs all-day breakfast and brunch through to hearty burgers: the Farm Burger leads the list, with schnitzel, veggie and fish versions alongside chicken schnitzel and chicken Caesar salads, plus kids' options and sweet potato fries. The cake cabinet is a genuine strength, and the cafe is licensed with beer and wine available. Hours are 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays.

Getting there and parking

Stanthorpe Drive runs through the Kanahooka residential pocket, with parking at the cafe. It is about ten minutes' drive from Dapto and an easy detour if you are moving between the lake and the escarpment.

Close by with the dogs

Reed Park Fenced Dog Park at Horsley is the closest fully fenced off-lead run and pairs well with a late breakfast. For a coffee run on the way, Pasham Cafe covers Dapto and Plant Room Cafe sits just north in Horsley.

More in the area

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