Being a pet owner in a city, where people themselves are cramped for space, is not easy. Infact till a few years back, an outing with your pet would have seemed like a distant dream. Thankfully a few ardent pet lovers have changed this scenario and though our city still has a long way to become completely pet-friendly, some places have made a promising start in the direction.
From dog parks to pet resorts, pet fashion accessories, pet-friendly restaurants, pet bakeries and even home delivered meals, a pet’s life is surely getting interesting. These initiatives also come as a huge relief to pet parents who have to often leave their pets home alone or sacrifice their outings as their pets can’t accompany them everywhere. With eating out being a regular feature in our lifestyles, it is great to see restaurants allowing pets, though mostly in their outdoor areas, thus giving you an opportunity to have your pets joining you on outings.
We bring you a list of restaurants & cafes in Mumbai which have opened their doors for pets and also offer them some delicious treats.
A cozy corner at Gostana. Image by Joy Manavath – Gostana.com
Gostana: This is one of the first places in the city that welcomed owners with their pets. This café located in Bandra is known for its healthy burgers and salads. With the cozy ambience, home-like seating, it is an apt option for a relaxing time with your pet. They also offer healthy pet meals that are freshly cooked in their kitchen. All you need to do is inform them in advance and your pet can enjoy a delicious meal as you tuck into their yummy burgers. And while you are there, don’t forget to meet Apple, the adorable Labrador who belongs to the owners and welcomes you with a friendly wag.
Where: Linking Road Bandra
Lounge in the comfy outdoor area. Image by The Bagel Shop Facebook page
The Bagel Shop: If you’re looking for a comfortable place to enjoy this lovely weather with your pet, the Bagel Shop is the place. They have an indoor and outdoor seating area. Pets are allowed in the outdoor area which is well covered, making it the perfect place for you and your pet to lounge with ease. They have a widespread assortment of bagels to suit every taste, sandwiches, smoothies and more. So read a book or get some work done on your laptop as your pet enjoys a siesta at the Bagel Shop.
Where: Pali Mala Road, Bandra
A special visitor at Cafe Zoe. Image by Cafe Zoe Facebook page.
Café Zoe: If the spacious interiors, cheerful décor and delicious food were not reason enough to visit Cafe Zoe then getting your pet pooch along is definitely a tempting incentive. Over a year old, Café Zoe is located in Lower Parel and turned pet-friendly a few months back. Dogs are allowed in their outdoor patio from 7.30 am to 7 pm. Pet owners can bring along their pet’s food or can also ask the restaurant for some quick bites for their mutts. So the next time you want to enjoy a gig at Zoe or just dig into their scrumptious continental fare, just take your mutt along.
Where: Lower Parel
Outside Alibaba. Image by Alibaba Facebook page.
Alibaba: Walk your pooch near the momentous Getaway of India and finish the experience with a meal at Alibaba. The restaurant situated at Apollo Bunder allows dogs in its outdoor area. You can place an order for your pooch and they will prepare something delicious for it too. So though your pet doesn’t get to sit with you, you can ensure that they too enjoy some special treats while you relish the Indian, Chinese or Thai fare at this eatery.
Where: Colaba
Pet owners and their pets enjoying at Mutt Hutt Cafe. Image by Mutt Hutt Cafe Facebook page.
Mutt Hutt Café: The lack of places to hang out with pets led to the conception of Mutt Hutt Café by Trupti Zaveri and Bhakti Bhukhanwala. Mutt Hutt is a pop-up restaurant where pet parents and their pets can actually dine together and have a fun time indulging in other activities as well. This pop-up initiative serves two purposes, it gives people an opportunity to go out and enjoy with their pets and is also a way of testing the market’s response for a permanent pet café that the sisters are planning to set up. The Mutt Hutt Café keeps popping up every few months at various locations around Mumbai allowing pet owners and their pets to experience this one of a kind environment. From home made doggie treats to doggie accessories, games and of course interaction with other pets and their parents, Mutt Hutt is a dream vision of the ideal pet café and we hope a permanent establishment comes up soon.
Harley’s Signature Feast. Image by harleyscorner.in
Harley’s corner: Nicola and Ishmeet loved whipping up homemade meals for their pet pooch, Harley, who devoured those meals in a whiff. And that is how they came up with the idea of a gourmet menu for dogs which comprises healthy, nutritious and of course tasty meals. You can choose from mighty meals like Harley’s signature feast made up of chicken, liver and vegetables served with brown rice flavored with homemade chicken stock and a special herb mix or treats like nuked hot dogs, magic meatballs and a variety of other dishes. They also bake special doggie cakes. You can pick up the order yourselves or have it delivered to your home.
Where: Andheri
Paw puppy Paw: If your dog isn’t too fond of his packaged food and you’re pressed for time to cook him a fresh meal, Paw Puppy Paw comes as a blessing. This pet service is started by two pet parents who provide fresh doggy meals at your doorstep. The meals are prepared as per your pooch’s diet and include rice, mince and vegetables, all cooked in specially made stock. The cooking method and ratio balance ensures that the dog’s dietary requirements are fulfilled with each meal. All you need to do is give them a call and place the order and the meals will be delivered to your residence.
Where: Malad
These pet-friendly options are wholeheartedly welcomed by not just pet owners but also their pets. For a city that houses so many pets, we do hope that with time many more places open their doors to our four-legged companions. Any pet friendly restaurants that we may have missed? Write in to us at story@mumbaimag.com or comment below.