Tayo Bear.

Pet-friendly cafes are hard to come by. And generally, when you do manage to find one, they end up being a disappointment where your dog has to sit miles away from you in some enclosed area, so they won't scare away the other customers who don't like animals.

When we first heard of Tayo Bear, we were pretty sceptical too. But, after a quick look at their Instagram and a couple of reviews by people who had already been there, we decided to check them out. With a dog in hand. 

Unfortunately, my dog decided to take a mud bath an hour before we had to leave, so we couldn't actually take him. But, we did manage to see a couple of other peoples dogs who had come in. So, it's all good. 

Ambience 

When they said fancy, they meant it. 

The cafe in itself isn't large, but, with lots of space for the dogs to roam around, pastel-coloured furniture and a variety of seats for you to sit on, the ambience here was lovely. They've got the normal tables and chairs if you want to get the usual cafe vibes, and there are high seats for when you want some space from your dog and then the cushions for when you want to be covered in dog slobber. 

They also have a small area on one side that's more of a private room which seemed perfect for when you want to throw a birthday party for your dog. And considering how there aren't any doors, your dog will still have enough space to roam around while he/she's there. 

The Food 

Tayo Bear, that's named after Tayo, the owner's labrador caters to both humans and dogs alike. And when we said cater, we didn't just mean doggie treats and stuff. We meant actual food. 

Yup, those aren't for humans. From cupcakes to smoothie bowls to biscuits, Tayo Bear does a whole bunch of not-the-usual-dog-food options and we are loving it. So, the next time you want to get your dog a birthday cupcake or a brunch date, we suggest bringing them here so they won't overdose on sugar. 

Oh yeah, they've got vegan dog cookies that dogs actually eat too. 

The Human Food

The human food menu at Tayo Bear includes the options of pies to french toast and such a few tea/ coffee-based drinks. 

We started things off with a Hot Chocolate (Rs. 689). A chocolatey, milky cup of warmth, the Hot Chocolate was actually quite nice. Served with a cookie on the side, we enjoyed it. But, for Rs. 689, we did think that it's a bit much in terms of pricing.

The Baked Chicken Pie (Rs. 750) was more up our alley. A ceramic bowl of spicy minced chicken, veggies and cheese topped with a layer of mashed potato, we loved it. It wasn't particularly heavy and there was a really nice balance between the potato starch and the spiciness of the filling which helped a lot. Plus, it's served with half a pepper breadstick. 

If you do happen to go to Tayo Bear, we highly suggest getting this French Toast (Rs. 870). Comprising of 3 thick, slightly crunchy dense pieces of brioche dunked in milk and egg, we loved it. The bread is topped with a layer of Nutella, whipped cream, strawberries and coconut flakes and considering how there was a lovely balance of sweetness to the chocolate, allowing the taste of the bread to pull through, it was great. 

The Lychee Iced Tea (Rs. 590) was lovely. Icy cold and giving strong hints of tea with lychee just chilling at the bottom of the glass, it's perfect. But we should warn you that the drink in itself is quite sweet. So, if you don't love lychee, you just might dislike this a tad. 

The Dogs 

Now since we're all done with the human-ish stuff, let's get to the good stuff. 

The absolute best part of coming to Tayo Bear is the dogs. Since we went on a Saturday afternoon, we managed to meet 4 other dogs apart from the resident Tayo and we're so so happy we did. 

From boxers to a chocolate brown Cocker Spaniel to not one but 2 labs, our gloomy afternoon turned into one that was the absolute best because of these beauties. So, even if you don't have a dog, choose a busy time (weekends) and drop in for a visit to see some cuties. 

The owner seemed pretty chilled with people coming in just to see the dogs. so, there's nothing stopping you from coming down to check them out, really.

Service 

As for the staff at Tayo Bear, including Tayo herself, we have nothing to complain about. They're super friendly from not giving you weird looks every time you squeal when a new dog walks in, to helping people who need help with handling their dog(s) to bringing your doggo water to keeping Tayo from staring at you while you eat. 

Conclusion 

We loved it. When Tayo Bear said that they were dog-friendly, we didn't think it would even remotely be to this extent. And since they are, we have nothing else to say but that if you do like dogs, this is the perfect cafe for you! 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

The Art of Fusion Cuisine at Mövenpick Hotel

By Vera Wadugodapitiya We walked into Robata Grill, Mövenpick. Instantly, what struck me about the

Highlights Kamu

A Taste of Mexico – Cinnamon Red’s Latest International Cuisine

By Shamrina Carim Every month, Cinnamon Red has come up with an exciting initiative to

Highlights Kamu

A Classical High Tea Encounter with the Coronation at Mount Lavinia Hotel

By Shamrina Carim Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted a casual evening of classic high tea encounters

Highlights Kamu

The Bento Box at Royal Thai, Cinnamon Lakeside

By Hiruni Herath When you step into the Royal Thai Restaurant at Cinnamon Lakeside, you’ll

Highlights Kamu

Totally Hooked – The Ultimate Seafood Destination

It is not a surprise that “Totally Hooked CMB", the talk of the seafood town,

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Chef Sanjay Brings the Flavours of Our Neighbours to Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Colombo, Monday 05th June 2023: Despite Sri Lanka’s proximity to the Indian Sub-Continent and a

Trending

Award Winning Indian Restaurant Junior Kuppanna in Colombo

Junior Kuppanna, opened its newest international branch in Colombo on 25th May 2023. The new

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka Unveils ‘Enchanting Beginnings’ Wedding Sale

Swoon over exclusive wedding packages in stunning venues for a lifetime of memories Colombo, Sri

Trending

Ramada Colombo’s Exclusive Limited Time Wedding Discount

Book before June 15th and enjoy 25% off Planning the perfect wedding can be an

Trending

The 30th Gratiaen Prize shortlist was announced with the launch of the Gratiaen Trust Young Writers Club

The Gratiaen Trust in association with the John Keells Foundation partnering with the Trust for

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka is set to commemorate Mother’s Day in grand fashion

Continuing our long-standing tradition of celebrating extraordinary mothers, Hilton properties across Sri Lanka have gone

Trending

Yamu Guide.

7 Yoga Studios in and around Colombo

By Udaraa Gamage Are you looking for ways to escape from all that hustling and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

7 Decent BnB spots for under LKR 7500 – Sri Lanka

We all like spending mini vacations at affordable spots to relax or stay on the

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Dine Under LKR1500 LKR per person

By Udaraa Gamage Are you a foodie looking for budget places to satisfy your taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Aesthetics of Club Palm Bay

Club Palm Bay is a hotel located in the heart of a charming fishing village

Yamu Guide

High Tea Affairs at L.A.B by Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana A little chit chat with your besties, while sipping onto an Iced

Yamu Guide