A Rough Guide to Dining With Your Dog
Written by: Melissa and Scott
updated: April 2023
UPDATE: As with everything in Shanghai, the list of dog-friendly restaurants changes fast. As new dog-friendly restaurants open, old ones are forced to give in to the not-so-dog-friendly customer complaints or ever-increasing pressure from government regulations. So, below you will find the latest restaurants that are the most pet-friendly at the moment.
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Shanghai is a surprisingly dog-friendly city. Where else can you dine with your dog in neighbourhood dive bars as well as upscale restaurants? There are plenty of pubs, cafes, and restaurants that are happy to host you and your fuzzy mutt.
For a comprehensive guide to all the pet-friendly venues, check out Rachel Gouk’s article on her Nomfluence website. Also, you can check out the pet-friendly guide on the restaurant reservation app, Chope.
Here, we’re just going to mention a few of our favourites in no particular order.
Restaurants
1. Yugo Grill
Near the corner of Kangding Road and Shaanxi North Road, Yugo Grill serves up some surprisingly delicious Yugoslavian-inspired food. We’ve been there a few times with the dogs and although, they are very welcoming, they’ll usually seat us near the back if possible.
2. Spread bar a tartine
On the same block of Wuding Road as Perch, Spread is great little brunch place that serves up tartine (essentially, sourdough toast with a variety of toppings) and good coffee. It’s a bit small and busy on weekends but it’s dog-friendly inside as well as on their cozy (and small) terrace.
3. Bisou
In a great location in Tianzifang, down a small alley just off Jianguo Road, Bisou is a pretty fancy French restaurant with a good sized terrace and ample seating indoors. It’s dog-friendly both inside and out, and also great for larger gatherings. Don’t forget to book on Chope.
4. Brewdog
Brewdog is a large restaurant and dogs are allowed inside. They even have a drink deal on Tuesday and if you bring a dog you get 10% off at the bar. The food is decent and we were able to have the dogs off leash the entire time. They were all running around and playing. This is one of the most dog friendly restaurants I have been to in a long time.
5.Rooster
This place hosts a lot of dog adoption events where they serve doggy-themed cocktails. They’re super dog-friendly and sometimes the dogs even out-number the people. They have a nice patio to bask in the sun and get your drink on.
6. Co. Cheese
Comfort food heaven. Across the street from IAPM, this place has the most delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and the coldest beer. They’re very dog friendly and have a great patio for people (and dog) watching.
7. The Cannery
I am really exited to announce that The Cannery is back on the dog friendly list! This is a great option for dinner or brunch with delicious food and drinks. Dogs are allowed both inside and out which makes this the perfect place regardless of the weather.
8. Bread Etc.
This is a nice bakery in the Former French Concession with a big, mostly-enclosed patio area that’s perfect for morning mimosas on a sunny Sunday.
9. Mad Dragon
This is a nice restaurant by the Shanghai Brewery. They have dog friendly outdoor seating. The food is tasty and the staff were very welcoming to us and our pups.
10. Totino’s Paninis
Homemade sandwiches hand-crafted by a real life Italian guy. Your dog is welcome inside (but not in the kitchen) and if he’s a good boy, he might just get some roast beef scraps from the owner.
11. Heritage By Madison
Probably the fanciest place on this list, I’m amazed that they are as dog-friendly as they are. Delicious food and excellent service, this would be a good choice for a doggy date night. Don’t forget to book on Chope.
12. Bubba’s Food Co.
Bubba’s is dog friendly inside and outside. They host many adoption events with Spareleash and are incredibly welcoming to our furry friends. They have reasonably priced drinks and delicious BBQ items on the menu.
Bar/Pub
1. Lucky Mart
This place is a bit of a hidden gem. They specialize in highballs and ramen and if Dawn is working, she’ll let you know how cute and amazing your dog is.
