Ciao Cucina

Ciao Cucina is a small, owner-run Italian trattoria on the corner of Corrimal and Market Streets in the Wollongong CBD. The heated outdoor corner tables are where dogs are welcome, which turns an authentic homestyle Italian lunch into an easy CBD stop with the dog along.

The dog setup

Dogs join you at the footpath tables on the corner, not in the indoor dining room, in line with the NSW Food Authority's rule that pets stay in outdoor dining areas and clear of food preparation zones. The outdoor tables are heated, so the corner spot works on cooler evenings as well as warm ones. Water is usually brought out on request, but bring your own bowl if you want to be sure.

The vibe

The cooking leans classic Italian rather than modern fusion: arancini balls to start, chicken scallopini, spaghetti marinara and a prawn and mushroom risotto are the dishes regulars order, with wild boar specials and mussels appearing on the menu too. It is an intimate, family-run room, so calm dogs that settle under the table suit it best.

Getting there and parking

The corner of Corrimal and Market Streets sits a few blocks back from Wollongong's beachfront, within walking distance of the CBD car parks. Kitchen hours are lunch only Monday to Friday (12pm to 3pm), dinner Saturday from 5pm to 9pm, and the kitchen is closed Sunday, so plan a weekday lunch stop or a Saturday night visit.

Make a day of it

Pair it with a walk along the coast afterwards: Coniston Dog Beach is a short drive south for an off-leash swim. Closer to the corner, C9 Chocolate and Gelato and Dagwood give you more dog-friendly eating options in the CBD. More dog friendly restaurants in NSW and the Wollongong guide are on site.