Vitalo

Vitalo is a health-focused cafe at 621 Port Hacking Road in Lilli Pilli, serving breakfast and lunch from 7am to 3pm every day. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, which means a brunch stop on the way home from a waterside walk is back on the menu for Sutherland Shire dog owners.

The dog setup

Dogs stay at the outside tables, on-lead, while you eat inside the alfresco space. Outdoor water bowls are typically provided for visiting dogs, though bring your own in summer just in case they are in use. The strip is low-key and residential, so it suits a calm dog better than a bouncy one.

The vibe

The kitchen leans organic and nutritious without going precious about it. The bacon and egg roll sits comfortably next to the falafel salad, wraps and smoothies, and the eggs benedict gets steady praise alongside the waffles. Coffee is well rated and the presentation earns mentions in reviews, as does the quick, friendly service. It reads more neighbourhood local than destination cafe, and that is part of the appeal.

Getting there and a run first

The cafe sits on Port Hacking Road as it runs through Lilli Pilli towards the water, with street parking along the surrounding residential streets. For an off-lead stretch beforehand, the Apsley Place fenced dog park at Taren Point is a short drive back up the road.

Close by with the dogs

More cafe stops sit within a few minutes: Mr Paisley's Cafe in Caringbah and, heading towards the coast, the cafe strip through Cronulla.

For the broader region, browse dog friendly cafes in New South Wales or the dog friendly cafes in Lilli Pilli guide.

Max: a water bowl at the alfresco table and a shared bacon and egg roll after the Port Hacking walk. Good shape for a Sunday.