Serengeti Cafe

Serengeti Cafe is a family-run cafe on the northern Gold Coast waterfront, doing Australian cafe classics alongside South African dishes like bobotie and chicken livers. It is one of the better-established dog stops in this part of the coast, with a big front deck that regularly fills with walkers and their dogs.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on the front deck and outdoor area, on a lead, with the inside dining room left for people. The venue's own site confirms the welcome goes further than most: puppaccinos and dog biscuits are on offer for canine visitors. Water bowls are generally on hand, and staff have a reputation for being good with dogs. Keep yours settled at the table, as the deck is open and popular with families.

Worth knowing

Beyond the South African plates, the eggs benedict and the coffee draw regular praise, and there is live music at times, which gives the place a busier, social feel. Some dogs take that in their stride and others would rather skip it, so pick your timing. Hours run from 6:30am to 2:30pm daily, from 7am Sundays, so this is a breakfast and lunch venue rather than dinner.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on The Esplanade, a short walk from the local parklands and the Broadwater foreshore. Street parking runs along the Esplanade and the side streets, and it tightens up on weekends, so arrive early for both a table and a spot.

While you're out there

The waterfront parklands and foreshore path are minutes away on foot, and the northern end of the foreshore has off-leash space, so you can run the dog first and eat after. Further afield, The Spit Dog Beach at Labrador is a short drive south, and Daark Espresso and Ripples Cafe & Bar are other dog-friendly pours nearby.

More options are on the Queensland dog friendly cafes guide.

Pepsi: puppaccino on the deck, boats going past, bobotie smell in the air. Big morning.