OpenTable has named Australia’s Top 50 Restaurants for Pet-Friendly Dining in 2026, as more Australians look for places where their furry friends can tag along – no pun intended. Released ahead of International Dog Day on August 26, the list follows OpenTable data showing a 20 per cent increase in dining at pet-friendly restaurants over the past year. New OpenTable research found 51 per cent of Australian pet owners would dine out more if dog-friendly venues were easier to find, while 37 per cent have stayed home rather than leave their dog behind when they could not find a suitable place to eat. Jackson Pola, District Manager at OpenTable in Australia, said, “Aussies consider their dogs to be part of their family, and our data shows they increasingly expect the hospitality industry to accommodate that. “With a 20% increase in diners actively eating out at pet-inclusive venues, restaurants that adapt by offering designated spaces, clear policies, and even ‘doggy menus’ are capturing a highly dedicated, fast-growing demographic of diners. “We’re launching our data-backed list of the Top 50 Pet-Friendly Restaurants across the country to make it easier than ever to discover these venues.” For restaurants, cafes and bars, the opportunity is tied to how often dog owners are already eating out with their pets. OpenTable found these diners do so twice a month on average, while 17 per cent said they spend more when dining outside with their dog. Pet owners are also looking for more than a water bowl near the table. Half of dog owners said pet-friendly food or drink options are an important factor when choosing a restaurant, while 61 per cent want shaded outdoor areas, 54 per cent want designated dog areas and 42 per cent want clear signage and policies. The preference for outdoor dining is part of the same picture. Australians said they would travel 41 minutes on average for a great outdoor dining space, while 64 per cent of dog owners have chosen a restaurant because it had the best sun or outdoor conditions at the time. OpenTable’s Top 50 Restaurants for Pet-Friendly Dining in 2026 is backed by diner reviews and data, with venues listed alphabetically by state. New South Wales Amalfi Ettalong Beach, Ettalong Beach Argyle Hotel, Maclean BART Jr., Redfern CARMELA Nonna of Piccolina, Double Bay McCarrs, Terrey Hills Newmarket Hotel, Mascot No Bones Byron Bay, Byron Bay Riverbank Moama, Moama The BOX on the Water, Ettalong Beach The Heritage House, Kenthurst The Potting Shed, Alexandria The Union Bank Orange, Orange Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay Queensland Bam Pow, Port Douglas BAR DECO, Yandina Burpengary Tavern, Burpengary Coffee Cat on Kings Beach, Kings Beach Enzo’s on the Beach, Scarness Goodslice Pizza Napoletana, Maroochydore Juan Fifty, Alexandra Headland Tziki Bar, Forest Glen South Australia Boatshed Cafe, Hallett Cove Crisp Port Elliot, McLaren Vale Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines, West Beach West Beach SLSC, Port Elliot Tasmania The Bush Inn, New Norfolk Victoria 3030 Waterfront, Werribee South Anh Chi Em, Highton Ascot Vale Hotel, Ascot Vale Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth Home Hotel – Launching Place, Launching Place Lion and Wombat, St Kilda Lost Watering Hole – The Lancefield Brewery, Lancefield Merricks Store, Merricks Mona Castle Hotel, Seddon Royal Oak Hotel, Fitzroy North Sister of Soul, St Kilda Sporting Club Hotel, Brunswick St Andrews Beach Brewery, Fingal Stags Head Hotel, Williamstown Tesoro Gastronomia, Balwyn North The Morning Star Hotel, Williamstown The Standard Hotel, Fitzroy The Victoria Woodend, Woodend Three Crowns Hotel, Melbourne Western Australia Mahogany Inn and Distillery, Mahogany Creek Masonmill, Carmel Rocky Ridge Duncraig, Duncraig Source: Praytell Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

Zambrero has become the first major chain in Australia to serve chips that are air-fried rather than deep-fried. The Mexican food chain has launched Hot Chips that are air-fried, never deep-fried, golden and crispy outside, fluffy in the middle, and seasoned with Zambrero’s signature zesty chicken salt. It’s a genuine first for fast food in Australia. The nationwide rollout landed in early August, following a smaller trial last year. Reaction online has been fast, with first-taste videos racking up thousands of views before Zambrero had even formally announced the launch. @wanderwithoutwheat hot chips at zambreros now + they’re gf 🍟🍟🍟 #burrito #glutenfree #chips #airfryer #takeaway ♬ original sound – madi   Zambrero CEO Daryl McCormick said, “We didn’t want to just join the chip game – we wanted to change it. Australians are some of the world’s toughest chip critics, so an ‘us-too’ chip was never going to cut it. “Ours are an Australian fast-food first – air-fried, never deep-fried – so you get all the golden crunch with less of the oil. We think we’ve nailed our hot chips and it’s great to see from the early reactions that Aussies feel the same too.” The chips also show up in a new menu item, the Cali Burrito, a spin on the Californian classic that swaps out rice for crispy chips and fresh guac, with a choice of protein, salsas and sauces. Zambrero Hot Chips: air-fried, never deep-fried, seasoned with zesty chicken salt. Available in Regular or Big. Cali Burrito: available in Small, Regular or Big, featuring Zambrero’s new Hot Chips in place of rice. Both are available now, starting from $4, at select Zambrero restaurants nationwide. Zambrero is one of Australia’s largest modern Mexican food franchises, founded by Dr Sam Prince in 2005. Through its Plate 4 Plate initiative, every regular or big burrito or bowl, Zam Box or retail item sold provides a meal to someone in need. The chain has donated more than 100 million meals globally to date. Source: Forward Agency   Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

Hungry Jack’s is bringing back the Big Jack, this time with two new siblings in tow. From Tuesday, August 25, the burger returns for a limited time alongside the Double Big Jack and the new Big Jack Angus, making up Hungry Jack’s biggest-ever Big Jack lineup. The Big Jack has had its fair share of controversy too, having previously found itself in a legal stoush with a certain golden-arched rival, who took issue with just how close “Big Jack” sounded to their own signature burger. Either way, it’s stood its ground and this time it’s bringing reinforcements. Hungry Jack’s is doubling down on flame-grilled beef in this new range, with Angus making its first appearance alongside the Big Jack. “What makes Hungry Jack’s burgers taste better is the irresistible smoky BBQ taste that you can only get from flame-grilled our 100% Aussie beef,” said Scott Baird, Chief Marketing Officer at Hungry Jack’s. The range includes: Big Jack: two 100% Aussie flame-grilled beef patties, topped with Hungry Jack’s signature special sauce. Double Big Jack: four flame-grilled beef patties stacked into one burger. Big Jack Angus: two thick Angus beef patties, for a richer, juicier version of the original. “We’re especially proud to be putting Angus front and centre in this range. While others are taking options off the menu, we’re giving our customers more of the premium beef they love,” added Baird. “The Big Jack is all about listening to customers and giving them what they want – a bigger, tastier burger.” The Big Jack range will be available for a limited time at Hungry Jack’s restaurants nationwide, in-store, via drive-thru and delivery. Source: Wrights Communication Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

Cinnabon has a Gabby’s Dollhouse tie-in landing in bakeries, with a free headband up for grabs for anyone who orders the right combo. From today, guests across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne who buy a Classic MiniBon and a CinniFizzie will get a free Gabby’s Dollhouse Headband thrown in, while stocks last, at participating Cinnabon stores across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The collaboration marks Cinnabon’s first global partnership with the DreamWorks Animation series. Cinnabon has had a strong run in Australia since opening its first local bakery in Brisbane, where opening sales set a global record for the brand amid a global pandemic. Its first NSW store in Sydney’s Darling Square saw guests queue for close to four hours on opening day. The brand now runs more than 20 bakeries across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with more locations still opening. “Cinnabon has always been a place where families come together over something sweet, so partnering with Gabby’s Dollhouse, a series that sparks curiosity and joy in kids around the world, felt like the perfect match,” said Kerri Christian, Senior Vice President of International and Channels Marketing at GoTo Foods, parent company to Cinnabon. “We wanted every market to experience the magic of Gabby’s world in a way that’s unique to them, and we can’t wait for fans to get their hands on it.” The tie-in, dubbed the Purr-fect Pairing, combines the Classic MiniBon, a smaller version of Cinnabon’s signature roll made with Makara cinnamon and topped with cream cheese frosting, with the CinniFizzie, a sparkling drink served alongside it. The prize headband echoes the cat ears Gabby wears on-screen whenever she shrinks down into her dollhouse. Offer details vary by store, so it’s worth checking with a local Cinnabon before heading in. Gabby’s Dollhouse debuted on Netflix in January 2021 and has since become a global hit, landing in the Top 10 on Netflix in 63 countries and ranking as the most-watched streaming original series for kids, according to Nielsen. Australia has its own tie to the franchise too: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie held its world premiere in Melbourne in September 2025, before going on to earn more than $80 million worldwide. The Purr-fect Pairing is available now at participating Cinnabon stores across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, while stocks last. Source: Inklink Marketing Find more food culture updates on Crumb Wire.