The Little Pantry

The Little Pantry has grown into one of the bigger morning-and-lunch draws on Nicholson Road, and the dog setup here is unusually thought through for a suburban cafe. Rather than squeezing dogs onto a narrow footpath strip, the courtyard sits off the back of the building, reached by a laneway so dogs never need to thread through the indoor cafe at all. Entry listings such as the Pupsy directory and Streets of Subiaco both describe the same picture: leafy shade, room to settle, and staff who expect four-legged regulars.

Water bowls are kept for canine guests, and the kitchen sells takeaway dog treats from local makers, which is a small touch that separates a genuinely dog-welcoming courtyard from one that simply tolerates animals. The menu covers the full day: truffle scrambled eggs and poached eggs at breakfast, freshly squeezed juice, and a solid run of vegetarian options alongside the usual cafe fare. Hours run 7am to 8:30pm every day of the week, so the courtyard works for breakfast, a long lunch, or an early dinner.

The dog setup

The back-lane courtyard is shaded by greenery, which matters in a Perth summer where a hot brick courtyard can be unusable by mid-morning. Because dogs enter from the laneway, there is no negotiation with staff about walking through the dining room, and no awkward squeeze past tables with a lead in hand. As the dog-friendly picture here comes from directory listings and visitor reports rather than a published written policy, it is worth confirming the courtyard section is available on a packed weekend morning.

Make a day of it

Shenton Park sits in good walking territory. Lake Monger is a short drive east and its circuit is a Perth institution, with a dedicated dog park on the Wembley side for an off-lead run before breakfast. Subiaco is equally close, and Yours Truly on Rokeby Road makes an easy second stop for coffee across the week. For a longer lunch, Wards Central Dining is just up the road on the same strip. See what else is on the Shenton Park page or browse the wider Western Australia cafe list.

Max: I took the laneway entrance, kept my dignity, and was rewarded with a takeaway treat from a local maker. This is how every courtyard should work.