“Can we bring the dog?” is one of the questions we’re asked most, and the answer is yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the restaurant itself, and on an island where you can’t count on a dry day for a table outside, that’s useful to know.
When you book
Tables for one to seven book online. Mention the dog when you book so we can find a suitable table, and if you’re bringing more than one, say that too.
For eight or more, ring us on 01983 526118. A big table with a dog is much easier to sort out in one phone call than by stitching two online bookings together.
You know your dog better than we do. Some will lie down anywhere. Others are happier with a wall behind them than in the middle of a busy room, and if yours is one of those, tell us when you book. Their own mat, if they have one they like, helps too.
Walk first
The beach is on the other side of our garden wall, and at low tide the sand runs out for about half a mile. A good walk first usually makes for a more settled dog under the table.
Before you let them off, look at the signs at the beach access points. Parts of Ryde’s beaches have seasonal restrictions on dogs in summer, and the signs tell you which stretch is which.
Lunch
Lunch runs from noon to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday, which leaves plenty of room to fit it around a walk. The menu changes with the seasons, so have a look at what’s on now. At the time of writing that includes the burger, St Austell Bay mussels with fries, a grilled bream, and steaks from the grill.
If your dog has a limit on how long they’ll lie still, two courses may suit everyone better than three.
Thompson’s and The Cellar
The welcome for dogs is at RT Café Grill. Thompson’s, the tasting menu, and the two private rooms in The Cellar are downstairs and run differently, so if you’re hoping to bring a dog to either, ask when you enquire.
Getting here
We’re at Royal Maritime House, 17 St Thomas Street, on the seafront. There’s no parking on site, but there are two public car parks within a couple of minutes’ walk, one of them directly opposite. On foot from the mainland, the FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour takes 22 minutes to Ryde Pier Head and the hovercraft from Southsea lands on the Esplanade, both a short walk from us. The ferry operators set their own rules for dogs on board, so check theirs before you travel.
If you’re staying for the day, our guide to eating in Ryde covers breakfast through to dinner.
Questions we get asked
Are dogs allowed inside, or only on the terrace?+
Inside. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the restaurant. Mention yours when you book so we can find a suitable table.
Can I bring my dog to Thompson’s or The Cellar?+
Ask us when you enquire. The dog welcome is for RT Café Grill.
Where can I walk the dog nearby?+
On Ryde beach, right in front of the restaurant. Check the signs at the access points for seasonal restrictions.