Fish on Fire

Fish on Fire is a licensed seafood cafe at Cleveland Central on Middle Street, serving fresh fish and chips, seafood platters and breakfasts seven days a week from 7am to 8pm. Its alfresco tables sit at the edge of the centre walkway, and they are the dog-friendly part of the venue: locals with dogs make a habit of the outdoor tables, while the air-conditioned dining room indoors stays off limits.

The dog setup

Dogs on lead are welcome in the open-air alfresco seating along the shopping-centre walkway, which is covered, level and easy to settle into. Water bowls are not guaranteed, so bring your own. Because the tables sit beside a pedestrian thoroughfare, keep your dog tucked close to the table while staff carry plates through.

The vibe

The kitchen is built around locally sourced seafood: beer-battered flathead, calamari, king prawns and generous platters, with gluten-free options on the menu and a licensed bar alongside. It runs quick and casual, covering breakfast through dinner, and regulars call out the generous portions and the made-to-order kitchen. Lunch and weekends are the busiest windows; off-peak visits get you a quieter alfresco table.

Getting there and parking

Find it at Shop 73 in the North Mall of Cleveland Central, 90 Middle Street, near the Coles end, with ample free parking in the centre car park right outside. Cleveland's bayside strips are a few minutes away by car for a post-meal walk.

Close by with the dogs

Raby Bay Harbour is the natural pairing: the Pursuit of Hoppiness welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables on the marina edge, the Raby Bay Dog Beach allows off-lead play in the shallows, and the GJ Walter Park beach dog off-leash area is another bayside option. More venues around the state are under QLD restaurants.