The best dog-friendly restaurants in Soho

40 Dean Street is a Soho institution and a familiar address among both fans of Italian food and dog owners. The family-run Italian restaurant makes it very clear dogs are welcome in its tastefully furnished interior, so don't be surprised if a plate of treats makes its way under the table instead of onto it. The two-legged menu here features classic Italian cooking, from pastas and pizzas to grilled specials, accompanied by wines, cocktails, and other drinks.

Gauthier Soho is a pioneering French fine dining restaurant that has gone entirely plant-based, offering an elegant tasting menu designed to redefine expectations of vegan cuisine. Set in a historic Soho townhouse, the dog-friendly restaurant serves creative, seasonal dishes with a focus on vegetables, complemented by French wines, seasonal aperitifs, and classic cocktails. With multiple dining spaces across three floors, it also offers private dining options.

Much like its sister restaurant 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street is a family-run Italian spot in Soho dedicated to serving authentic dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce. Its design takes a cue from the glamour of New York's legendary Studio 54, with deep-blue tones and vintage touches setting the scene. And just like its sibling, it welcomes four-legged guests with open arms.

Yeni brings modern Turkish cuisine to London with an elegant and contemporary touch, led by award-winning chef Civan Er. The stylish, dog-friendly Soho restaurant, featuring exposed brick walls and warm lighting, serves seasonal dishes cooked over an open fire, using fine British ingredients. With à la carte, set, and tasting menus, Yeni offers a refined take on Turkish dining, complemented by house cocktails and a well-curated wine list.

Just like its older, similarly monikered siblings, 27 Old Compton Street is more than happy to welcome four-legged pals. This lively neighbourhood pasta bar serves generous portions of handmade pasta at wallet-friendly prices. Inspired by Italy's tavola calda tradition, it focuses on quick, high-quality dishes like squid ink ravioli and aubergine parmigiana, to be enjoyed in a nostalgic interior, with a glass of wine in hand and your best bud by your side.

Mele e Pere is a family-run Italian trattoria and vermouth bar in Soho, offering a warm and authentic dining experience inspired by Northern Italy. The menu features classic pasta, meat, and fish dishes made with fresh British ingredients, alongside London's largest selection of vermouth, served straight or in signature cocktails.

L'Escargot is housed in a historic Georgian townhouse and known for its classic Parisian brasserie-style cuisine. The refined setting, complete with chandeliers, plush leather seating, and an impressive art collection, complements a menu featuring French staples like foie gras pâté, escargots, and halibut with champagne sauce. Dogs are welcome at this elegant Soho restaurant too.

Duck and Rice in Soho blends a traditional British pub with an elegant Chinese restaurant upstairs, with pooches welcome in the downstairs area. The menu offers favourites like crispy duck, prawn wontons, and chop suey, while the drinks list brings both worlds together with unique beer cocktails alongside a wide selection of other beverages.

Bubala is an intimate Soho restaurant serving flavourful vegetarian feasts. The stylishly designed Middle Eastern restaurant offers a mix of beloved classics and fresh new dishes, delivering bold cuisine without the need for meat. Dogs are welcome at Bubala, though thanks to the restaurant's cosiness, larger breeds are harder to accommodate.

When you and your best bud need a quick pick-me-up, Shake Shack will do the trick. Made with 100% Angus beef and cooked to order, their burgers are juicy and full of flavour, with options ranging from the classic ShackBurger to veggie and chicken alternatives. The fast-casual chain also offers a dedicated woof menu for four-legged patrons, featuring doggie treats and even a dog-friendly dessert.

Since 1985, Andrew Edmunds has remained a cherished Soho institution, quietly enduring the ever-changing landscape of the city. Set in an intimate, candlelit townhouse, it's a favourite for date nights, offering a daily changing menu of elegantly simple yet expertly crafted European dishes. And if you need your four-legged wingman with you to help with first-date jitters, they're welcome to come along too.

Kapara, the latest venture from former Ottolenghi chef Eran Tibi, brings a bold and lively "dirty Tel Aviv fantasy" to Soho. With an outdoor terrace, underground private dining, and a hedonistic soundtrack, the dog-friendly restaurant offers a vibrant late-night experience. Showcasing inventive Israeli cuisine and creative cocktails, Kapara blends indulgence with chef Tibi's signature culinary flair.

For over 20 years, Vantra has championed a nourishing and sustainable vegan lifestyle without sacrificing flavour. Located on Wardour Street, the dog-friendly Soho restaurant focuses on health-conscious, plant-based cuisine, using raw, fermented, and steamed ingredients to maximise nutrients. Vantra offers a mindful dining experience that caters to different dietary requirements.

Macellaio RC is a must-visit for meat lovers, with butchery considered a true craft here. This distinctive Italian-inspired steakhouse brings a touch of authenticity to Soho, offering a refined setting with crisp white tablecloths. While steak takes centre stage, the menu also features fresh seafood and handmade pasta for a well-rounded dining experience. Despite the big cuts of meat hanging around the venue, dogs are welcome.

Bocca di Lupo is an award-winning restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. The menu features regional specialities, including a variety of antipasti, pasta, and meat dishes, complemented by an extensive Italian wine list. Guests can also enjoy desserts, coffee, and private dining options. With signage depicting a howling wolf and a name that means “wolf's mouth”, it's no surprise this Soho restaurant is dog-friendly too.