Dayo Cafe

Dayo Cafe sits at 118 Wharf Street in Tweed Heads, in a boathouse-style space right on the Tweed River, and it has made a name on Filipino-fusion brunch plates and specialty coffee rather than standard big-breakfast fare. For dog owners the appeal is the outdoor garden seating by the water: shady, roomy and relaxed, with staff who are used to four-legged regulars.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor garden and deck areas by the river. Order at the counter and food comes out to your table, which keeps things easy with a dog at your feet. Water bowls are typically available outside, but bring your own as a backup on busy days. Weekend mornings draw a crowd, and the garden is shared with families and kids, so a quiet, well-mannered dog gets the warmest reception.

The menu

The kitchen mixes Filipino and Asian influences with modern cafe staples: chicken and waffles, Kpop Chicken, French toast with cheese, chives and syrup, and ube drinks and desserts that have their own following, including the basque cheesecake. Coffee runs from flat whites to a pistachio cold brew, and vegetarian and vegan options are well covered. Doors open 7am to 2pm, seven days.

Getting there and parking

Wharf Street runs along the river on the NSW side of the border, and the cafe is easy to reach with free street parking plus an on-site parking area. The state line is a short walk away, so a Tweed Heads coffee can naturally become a Coolangatta walk.

While you're out there

The riverfront walk starts at the door. For a fenced off-lead run, John Baker Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Banora Point is a short drive south. Other dog-friendly coffee stops nearby include Bambi Deluxe in Tweed Heads and Dulcie and Edna at Banora Point.

More options are on the New South Wales dog friendly cafes guide and the Tweed Heads destination page.