The Lion and Buffalo

The Lion and Buffalo is a women-owned cafe at 203 Malabar Road in South Coogee, open daily from 7am to 2pm, built on Single O coffee, Iggy's bread and serious brunch plates. It sits on a common dog-walking route, and the outdoor tables fill with locals who have stopped in mid-circuit.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, and the service team has a reputation for being genuinely glad to see them. The one firm rule is that dogs stay under control at the table. Water bowls and treats are not guaranteed, so carry your own if your dog expects them.

Pepsi: bring a travel bowl and your own water. Staff are warm but busy, and a prepared owner means a relaxed table.

The vibe

The menu leans on quality ingredients: the Black Opal Wagyu steak sandwich, Ottoman Eggs and a dependable bacon and egg roll, with extensive vegan and vegetarian options alongside. Weekends run hot, with the Sunday late-morning rush the peak, so an earlier arrival buys a quieter table and a faster coffee.

Getting there and parking

Free street parking runs through the surrounding residential streets, and the 370 bus stops next door with connections to Bondi Junction. The cafe is well placed as a rest stop on the coastal walk between Coogee and Maroubra.

While you're out there

Pair breakfast with the Coogee to Maroubra coastal walk for an on-lead ocean circuit before or after your table. Remember that Randwick council keeps dogs off all local beaches, so plan sand time for a designated dog beach elsewhere. For another coffee stop, The Burrow at Maroubra is dog friendly too.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly cafes guide and the South Coogee destination page.