RQYS Bistro

The RQYS Bistro sits inside the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on the Royal Esplanade at Manly, looking over the marina and out across Moreton Bay. It is a seafood-led bistro open to members, their guests and visitors, and it is worth setting expectations early: this is not a dog-at-your-table venue, but the squadron runs a written animals policy that does give dogs legitimate access to parts of the grounds.

Where dogs can go

Under the squadron's Domestic Animals Policy, dogs are banned from the bistro, the RQ Bar, undercover dining and any boardwalk area with customer tables, plus the rigging lawns. What remains is the barbecue area and the section of boardwalk closest to the main launching ramp, when no event is using them, and the marina walk on a secure lead. The practical play is to order at the bistro and take your food to the barbecue area or the launch-ramp end of the boardwalk. Dogs must be leashed and attended at all times, you clean up immediately, and if a dog is tied briefly in a permitted zone it still has to be watched and given water. Assistance animals are welcome in customer areas.

Worth knowing

The menu leans on fresh local seafood, with Pacific oysters a fixture, alongside modern bistro classics and a full wine and cocktail list. Breakfast runs from 7am weekdays and 7:30am Friday to Sunday until 10:30am, lunch from 11:30am, and dinner Tuesday to Thursday 5pm to 8pm with Friday and Saturday service to 8:30pm; the takeaway cafe counter trades 7am to 4pm daily. Weekend afternoons bring live music sessions at times, and the grounds fill with sailing families, so a quiet slot with a dog is an early weekday lunch.

Getting there and parking

The squadron is on the Royal Esplanade at Manly with free off-street parking on site and street parking along the esplanade. The Cleveland train line gets you close from the Brisbane CBD, with a short walk down to the water.

Close by with the dogs

The esplanade path runs straight past the gate, and Manly Off-leash Dog Beach is around the point for a swim before you collect your order. Manly Boathouse and Andonis Cafe & Bar are the spots nearby where a dog can stay at the table with you.