Il Locale

Il Locale is a contemporary Italian cafe, bar and restaurant at 85 Queen Street in the heart of Berry, and it is set up properly for dogs: a leafy rear courtyard strung with festoon lighting, plus footpath tables out front. It covers the whole day, from breakfast through to dinner, with a drinks list to match.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in both outdoor areas: the rear courtyard beer garden and the front street-side tables. Inside the dining room is reserved for service animals only. Water bowls are usually available and staff are accommodating with dogs, but pack a travel bowl as a backup since supply is not guaranteed. The courtyard is intimate and gets busy on weekends, so a weekday visit is the calmer option if your dog prefers room to settle.

The menu

The kitchen runs an Italian-led menu across brunch, lunch and dinner: small plates, fresh pastas and desserts, with gelato for warm afternoons. Locals single out the coffee as well, which makes the morning shift here worth the trip on its own. The bar covers cocktails, beer and a decent wine selection, so it works as a long-lunch stop or an early dinner before a drive home. Hours run Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday, with morning service from 6am midweek.

Getting there and parking

Queen Street is Berry's main strip, so if you are already wandering the shops you will walk straight past it. Free street parking runs along Queen Street with public car parks nearby as backup, though it tightens up on weekends when the town fills with day-trippers.

Nearby with the dogs

Berry itself is compact and walkable, and the heritage streets make a good on-leash stroll before you sit down. For an off-leash run first, the fenced area at Bomo Dog Bowl in Bomaderry is a short drive north. Berry is also easy to make a weekend of: the showground camping area sits right in town if you are travelling with a dog, and Albert Street Caffe and Bar is another courtyard option on the same strip.

Worth knowing: confirm the courtyard is open when you book, since seasonal weather can push service indoors, where dogs cannot follow.