Cafe Catalina

Cafe Catalina sits right on the Broadwater Parklands in Southport, facing the water along the Gold Coast Highway strip. It is the kind of place where the view does half the work: ocean and water views from the outdoor tables, a menu that runs from early breakfast through to dinner service, and dogs welcome in the undercover alfresco area. The kitchen opens at 7am and serves into the evening most days, with an earlier close on Sundays.

Dogs on the deck

The pet policy is straightforward and stated by the venue itself: dogs are welcome in the undercover alfresco seating area only, and the inside dining room stays humans-only. Bookings that involve a dog should mention it in the notes so a suitable table is held. Water bowls are provided, and the alfresco edge looks straight across the parklands toward the Broadwater, so a dog that likes watching the world go by will be well served. Live music nights add atmosphere but also noise, so a calmer table suits an anxious dog better.

The menu covers a wide stretch of the day. Eggs benedict and water-view breakfasts start things off, dumplings and pork belly carry the later service, and the coffee holds its own against the outlook. Because the venue trades from morning to night, it doubles as both a post-walk breakfast stop and an early dinner option on the parklands loop.

While you're out there

The Broadwater Parklands stretch out front, and the Musgrave Park Dog Off Leash Area is nearby for a proper run before or after a meal. For other dog-friendly stops in the suburb, Broadwater Cafe sits along the same parklands strip, and 5B2F Bakehouse covers the pastry end of town. The Southport guide collects the suburb's options in one spot. Parking is available along the parklands and surrounding streets, with the highway frontage making the venue easy to find.