La Bottega Leichhardt

An Italian cafe on the Norton Street strip with dogs welcome at the alfresco tables. La Bottega sits at 120-122 Norton St in Leichhardt, the heart of the Inner West's Little Italy. Dogs are part of the furniture out front, which makes it an easy coffee or brunch stop when you are walking the strip with a dog in tow.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor alfresco area along the footpath, not inside. Tables sit under umbrellas, so there is shade on a warm day. Staff are used to dogs and treats are often on hand, though bring your own water bowl to be safe.

Good to know. It runs an Italian-leaning brunch and lunch menu with coffee and cocktails, and reviewers single out the outdoor seating and welcoming staff. It gets busy and lively, so a calm dog copes better than a reactive one at peak times.

Getting there and parking. Metered street parking on Norton Street is limited, so try the side streets like Marion Street. It is a short walk from the Marion light rail stop.

Nearby with the dogs. Hawthorne Canal Reserve, a short walk or drive away, has an all-hours off-leash area for a proper run before or after your coffee. The Bay Run at Lilyfield is a longer scenic walk if you want to make a day of it.

Sources

• La Bottega is a dog-friendly cafe in Sydney's Little Italy · timeout.com
• The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes In Sydney · theurbanlist.com
• Now Open: La Bottega Cafe In Leichhardt · theurbanlist.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.