Karoo & Co The Old School

Karoo & Co The Old School occupies the restored old St Ives Public School building on Mona Vale Road, an Italian-leaning restaurant and cafe that is genuinely dog-friendly rather than dog-tolerant, with owners and staff regularly confirming leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas.

The dog setup. Well-behaved dogs on-leash are welcome in the outdoor courtyard and lawn seating. As a working kitchen, indoor seating is the usual restaurant-only area, so plan on the courtyard for your table. Staff have a reputation for being genuinely accommodating of dogs rather than just permitting them, and reviewers describe it as a solid spot for a relaxed coffee or a full meal with a dog at the table leg. Bring your own water bowl to be safe, though the relaxed outdoor setup generally suits a settled dog well.

Known for. The heritage schoolhouse setting is the drawcard, alongside Italian-inspired food such as seafood linguine, arancini and zucchini flowers, plus a cocktail and wine list. It is well regarded as a spot for a relaxed breakfast or a casual dinner with a dog along for the visit.

Getting there. The venue is at 205 Mona Vale Road, St Ives, with free on-site parking, making it an easy stop by car.

Nearby with the dogs. St Ives Showground, with its fenced off-leash dog rings, is a short drive away for a run before or after your table. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is also nearby, though dogs are generally restricted inside national park boundaries, so stick to surrounding on-leash streets and reserves rather than the park itself.

Confirm the current dog policy directly with Karoo & Co when booking, as outdoor seating arrangements at busy restaurants can shift with weather and staffing on the day.

Sources

• St Ives - Karoo & Co · karooandco.com
• Karoo & Co The Old School Restaurant - St Ives · opentable.com.au
• Karoo & Co - dogs welcome on-leash confirmation · instagram.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.