At the Willow Tree Cafe

At the Willow Tree Cafe is Ormeau's local brunch institution, tucked into the Ormeau Village Shopping Centre at Shop T12, 37 Eggersdorf Road. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, which makes it the natural coffee stop after a session at one of the suburb's dog parks.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the paved outdoor seating out front rather than inside, and the flat, open layout makes tying a lead beside your chair easy. Staff have a reputation for being friendly and accommodating with four-legged guests, but bring your own water bowl rather than assuming one is on hand. Weekend brunch gets busy, so a dog who settles rather than patrols the tables will have a better time.

The vibe

The kitchen is known for generous, well-presented plates: chilli scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, halloumi dishes and a chicken and cheese toastie that regulars order on repeat, plus fresh juice and acai bowls and a genuine run of vegetarian and vegan options. One practical note, often repeated in reviews: the cafe has been cash-only at times, so check before you order. Coffee is consistent, and cabinet food is a strength if you are passing through mid-morning.

Pepsi: order the chilli scrambled eggs, keep the lead looped over your chair, and this is an easy 45 minutes with your dog at your feet.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits inside Ormeau Village on Eggersdorf Road, with ample free parking in the centre car park and street parking nearby, and a flat, straightforward push from the car to the tables. Ormeau is just off the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

While you're out there

Pair brunch with an off-lead session at Vennor Reserve Fenced Dog Park or the quieter Maidenwell Park Fenced Dog Park. For other coffee options in the suburb, KOVI Cafe and Lil-Ego are both well regarded, and the Willow Vale Recreational Trail is a good on-lead walk south.

More options are on the Queensland dog-friendly cafes guide and the Ormeau destination page.