I often feel an overwhelming sense of guilt every time I have to leave my dog, Buddy, at home as I head out to catch up with friends over dinner or a drink. If you have any tips for the best way to ignore a pair of sad puppy eyes then by all means please do share.
In the mean time, I’ve been asking everywhere I go if they’d let my four-legged friend in too so he doesn’t have to miss out on the fun.
Here’s a lowdown on my favourite spots that are not only dog friendly in Singapore, but also worth visiting in their own right.
1. Open Farm Community
Dining doesn’t get any fresher than at Open Farm Community. A first of its kind in Singapore, the majority of produce is sourced from the on-site 35,000 sq ft urban farm and taken straight to the kitchen to be transformed into something delicious for your dining pleasure.
A great spot for lunch or dinner during the week, or brunch at the weekend. Whilst the entire menu sounds incredible, we tried the coal baked barramundi and the strozzapreti with 48 hour barolo braised oxtail. The fish, perfectly cooked and beautifully soft, is complimented by a refreshing coleslaw and zingy mint dressing.
Whilst the oxtail simply melted in the mouth, you could taste every single one of the 48 hours braising time. My favourite thing about Open Farm Community is that dogs are welcome too.
There are several tables located outside if you would like them to join you for lunch/dinner, though be sure to call ahead and book a spot as they are limited. At the front of the restaurant is a large outdoor decking area that is perfect for relaxing al fresco with your pooch whilst sipping a coffee. Finally, dogs are also welcome at the farmers’ market held over the last Saturday/Sunday of every month.
Open Farm Community: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 | Tel: +65 6471 0306 | Website
Opening hours: Monday – Friday Lunch 12pm – 3pm / Dinner 6pm – 10pm. Saturday, Sunday, PH 11am – 10pm.
2. Sunday at The Training Shed
Taking place once a month, this is a fun-filled afternoon suitable for all of the family, four-legged members included. I like to take my dog, Buddy, for a walk at nearby Labrador Park to tire him out before the fun starts in the afternoon at Training Shed.
Food wise, you’ll find several stalls serving western style bbq/bar snacks, I’m a fan of the mac n’ cheese, as well as more traditional stalls serving satay and noodles. Whichever you choose there is also a good selection of craft beer and cider to wash it all down with.
As the evening draws in it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the music courtesy of the resident DJ’s – the perfect way to unwind before the start of yet another busy week. Be sure to get there early to secure a good spot for your picnic blanket and enough space for your pooch.
Whilst your dog needs to remain leashed at this event, it’s still a great outdoor space for them to explore as well as meet new doggy friends.
The Training Shed: 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540 | Facebook
Opening Hours: Check Facebook page for details of upcoming events. Next Training Shed takes place on 13th September from 3pm.
3. The Green Door
Nestled away in a quiet corner of Dempsey Hill you’ll find The Green Door, a truly relaxing and unexpected green oasis. The comfortable vintage furniture adds to the relaxing vibe of this mainly outdoor establishment.
This is the perfect place to relax after work with friends for a quiet drink and something to eat. The cocktail list is extensive and at times inventive – the beer cocktails ($22) in particular are refreshing and worth a try.
Water bowls are also brought over for your dog, it’s not quite a cocktail but they seem to enjoy it all the same. If you are a BBQ fan this is the place to come on a Sunday as the grill is fired up every week.
This is Buddy’s favourite haunt as he always manages to sneak a sausage or two when my back is turned.
The Green Door: 13A Dempsey Road, Singapore 247694 | Tel: +65 6776 0777 | Website
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5.00pm – 12.00am / Friday – Saturday: 5.00pm – 1.00am / Sunday 1.00pm – 12.00am
4. Coastes
If you need a pit stop after a relaxing walk along the dog friendly Siloso beach, Coastes is the perfect place to sink a few ice-cold beers whilst your furry friend curls up in the sand to recharge their batteries.
With lots of shaded areas it’s ideal for keeping your dog cool even on the hottest of days, though with the sea only a few metres away a refreshing dip never goes amiss. To accompany your beer we recommend the chilli crab dip ($15), it’s spicy, rich and loaded with generous flakes of crab meat. It’s served with sliced baguette which is the perfect vehicle for mopping up the addictive sauce.
Coastes is also one of few places on this stretch of Sentosa that serve a proper breakfast. It’s worth getting up that little bit earlier to enjoy the chilled out vibes of a quiet Siloso beach, it also means Fido gets to charge around and swim in peace.
Coastes: 50 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099000 | Tel: +65 6274 9668 | Website
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 11.00pm / Friday – Saturday 9.00am – 1.00am / Sunday 9.00am – 11.00pm
5. The Coastal Settlement
Hidden away on the east coast is The Coastal Settlement, a great place to visit with friends of both the two and four-legged variety. The interior here is eclectic and fun, whilst outside is surrounded by beautiful greenery.
If you’re not a nearby resident then it is a little further to travel to, however I think it’s worth it to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great place to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday.
Serving a mix of Western and Asian cuisine there is something for everyone on the menu. Dogs are welcome in the outside dining area but call ahead to ensure a table.
The Coastal Settlement: 200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529 | Tel: 6475 0200 | Website
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am – 12.ooam (Last food order at 9.30pm). Closed on Mondays.
6. Sun Ray Cafe
If your dog is as much of a foodie as you are, Sun Ray Cafe in Serangoon is one to check out. Walk through the ‘human only’ section at the front of the cafe to reach the huge ‘paws allowed’ room that is safely gated off from the front door. Whilst you’re busy deciding what to eat, your pet pooch can peruse the ‘food for fur kids‘ menu.
With options ranging from individual portions of chicken, beef or salmon to full on Bento options, your furry friend really is spoilt for choice. The chefs here also produce homemade doggy treats and birthday cakes so if you’re in need of a venue for a pet party, look no further.
Though it’s not just your dog that will get spoilt here. I’d heard good things about the coffee too and I wasn’t disappointed, my cappuccino ($3.50) was hot, frothy and creamy. For humans there is a selection of pasta, meat and fish dishes as well as an all day brunch menu. Another hidden gem that is well worth a visit.
Sun Ray Cafe: 79 Brighton Crescent, Singapore 559218 | Tel: +65 6283 8700 | Website
Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday 6.00pm – 11.00pm / Wednesday – Thursday 11.00am – 11.00pm / Friday 11.00am – 12.00am / Saturday 10.00am – 12.00am / Sunday 10.00am – 11.00pm
7. Colbar
If you’ve never walked your dog along the Green Corridor then you really should, and if you need any further convincing this is a great idea, then let me introduce you to Colbar. This quirky and cool old fashioned cafe is a real treasure located a few minutes walk away from the Queensway exit of The Greenway.
Serving English and Chinese food alongside a selection of craft ale and cider, it’s the perfect place to stop for a rest. The English fried breakfast ($14) served here is humble yet satisfying – crispy bacon, fat pork sausages, sunny side up eggs and baked beans. You’ll be so full afterwards you may need to get a taxi home.
With plenty of outdoor seating on the spacious patio area and surrounded by grassy lawns, your furry companion will be quite comfortable here too. If your dog is well behaved, there’s no need to keep them on the leash either.
Colbar: 9A Whitchurch Rd, Singapore 138839 | Tel: +65 6779 4859 | Facebook
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11.30 – 8.30pm (Closed Mondays)
8. Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a casual dining spot if you need something quick and easy once your dog has tired itself out in Bishan park dog run, which is located less than 50m away. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, this is a pretty spot to enjoy a glass of wine in the early evening.
The food is western/american in style and whilst it’s not gastronomical, it’s a solid place for a mid-week bite. If dining with your dog, you’ll be seated on the outside terrace but fear not, it is covered should it rain and there are ceiling fans to keep you and your dog cool. Friendly waiters will also bring a nice bowl of H2O for your parched pooch.
Cornerstone: Bishan Park 2, 1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue, Singapore 569930. Tel: +65 6554 7230 | Website
Opening hours: Monday – closed. Tuesday – Thursday 12:00pm – 10:30pm / Friday 12:00pm – 10.45pm / Saturday 10.00M – 10.45PM / Sunday 10.00am – 10.45pm.
9. Ah B Cafe
For the ultimate fur kid day out, Ah B Cafe is the place to visit. Situated within the Sunny Heights complex, why not treat your best friend to a refreshing paddle in the doggy friendly swimming pool before continuing the fun at Ah B. Dogs are allowed to roam freely both inside and out of this spacious cafe.
With comfy bean bags to rest on and constantly filled with other pups to make friends with, your pooch will be wagging it’s tail in delight all day. There is also a large, enclosed yard at the front of Ah B so if the swimming didn’t tire them out, a good explore around this area should hopefully do the trick.
Whilst the cafe only serves food for humans, ‘Pawlicious’ next door bakes up delicious doggy friendly treats that your furry friend will thank you for. With so much excitement going on you’ll have to drag your pooch away when you eventually decide to head home.
Ah B Cafe: 110 Turf Club Road, Singapore 288000 | Tel: 6811 1408 | Facebook
Opening Hours: Closed on Monday / Tuesday – Friday 1.30pm – 9.00pm / Saturday 12.00 – 9.00pm / Sunday 12.00 – 7.00pm.
