La Bastide

La Bastide is a traditional French bistro at 225 Onslow Road, Shenton Park, a leafy western-suburbs pocket between Subiaco and Nedlands. The room inside does the classic bistro thing properly, vintage mirrors and all, with a menu of French standards: steak tartare, steak frites, magret de canard and parfait, backed by a French-leaning wine list. For dog owners the draw is la terrasse, the shaded outdoor deck where dogs are not just tolerated but genuinely looked after.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on the terrace, the covered deck that runs separately from the indoor dining rooms. Inside stays human-only apart from assistance animals. The welcome goes beyond access: diners report the kitchen bringing out dog biscuits and even a little mince for canine guests, and water bowls are handled without asking. Keep your dog settled under the table, and mention the dog when you book so a terrace table is held.

The vibe

This is a date-night kitchen at dinner and a relaxed one at the weekend tables. Sunday runs from breakfast through the morning into the evening, with brunch the casual sweet spot, while Wednesday to Saturday service swings from lunch into dinner. The bistro paces a meal properly, so it suits a calm dog that will lounge through a two-course sitting rather than one needing constant attention.

Getting there and parking

Onslow Road is the main strip of Shenton Park, about 15 minutes west of the Perth CBD by car and walking distance from Shenton Park station on the Fremantle line. Street parking is typically available along Onslow Road and the surrounding residential streets, and the terrace is reached at street level with no stairs.

Close by with the dogs

Lake Jualbup is a few minutes away for an on-leash lap around the water, and Carrington Park Fenced Dog Park in Nedlands covers the off-leash run beforehand. For another meal on the same strip, Wards Central Dining at the Victoria House precinct also welcomes dogs outdoors, and Piccolo's Corner around the corner in West Leederville handles the morning coffee run.

Weekend brunch is when the terrace fills, so book ahead or arrive early with the dog. It is a rare thing: a proper French kitchen that cooks for your dog as well.