Milan is already very dog-friendly, but I’ll share my favorite local spots that really welcome dogs. First up: Casa Tobago!

Picture this. A couple, no kids, around retirement age, happy in the life they’ve created for themselves. They’ve traveled the world. They’ve grown a collection of friends, stories and objects. Things that recount the wonderful things they’ve done and seen along the way. Maybe it’s your cool aunt and uncle. Maybe it’s the neighbors that love having you pop over for a cool Vermentino on a warm day. No matter the persona, they welcome you. And they absolutely welcome dogs.

This is exactly the vibe of the uber pet-friendly locale, Casa Tobago.

The staff is as welcoming as the complimentary cocktail that greets you upon entering. The menu matches the collection of coffee table books strewn about. The cocktails are as curated as the eclectic décor. If you’re lucky you may even catch a DJ providing the perfect soundtrack. There is a never-ending stash of dog treats behind the cassa (register).

I knew that this place was “My People” when I saw front-of-house force, Ginger, for the first time. She was giving a tour, not to the owner holding a leash but to the short, brown, fluffy barboncino trailing behind her. The pup was excitedly following Ginger hoping she’s hidden more treats the speakeasy room.

Ginger was exactly as wonderful as she appeared to be. She immediately accepted my offer to feature Casa Tobago in my Dog-Friendly Milano guide. We booked the shoot, on the spot.

The search for finding dogs to model was very short lived. There was already a solid client base of four-legged amici to choose from that already frequent Casa Tobago.

We started with the poodle models of all poodle models: Sirio and Athena. Both well seasoned in dog photography and well trained by their pro dog trainer mom, Raffaella Gallo. Sirio and Athena stepped into the locale like they owned the place. Matching the funky-yet-friendly atmosphere perfectly. What more could a pet photographer dream of?

Then there was Medea – small in stature, but BIG in style. She not only strutted in with her adorable self, she also came prepped with a suitcase and wardrobe changes. Be still my dogs-dressed-up heart!

Up next were Gina and Carlos – regulars to Casa Tobago. Both ready for their photo session doing their favorite thing: enjoying a nice aperitivo! 

When a place serves up “here to be seen” feels, it’s begging for a model like Sophie – bringing Italian greyhound eleganza. Dressed with a collar rhinestone-studded and the perfect color for the space, sleek and chic becomes an understatement.

Continuing with the youthful spirit is Flaca – Ginger’s newest family member at only 6 months old at the time. But you wouldn’t know it. It’s clear she feels at home here. Putting the friendly in dog-friendly, she hopped up into a mid-century modern chairs like she owns it. Her quiet and reserved persona reflected the subtleties of the details surrounding her.

Last but not least by any means, The Fabulous Ursula. When I had my first meeting with Ginger, we were in the outdoor veranda, chatting about our love for dogs. As if on cue, Ursula waltzed in, in a way that only conveyed focus and determination, directly to Ginger. No owner in sight. She knew exactly where and who to go to, for those special behind-the-counter cookies. If that doesn’t scream dog-friendly, I don’t know what does.

She’s rocking her space. She knows her way around. Why? Because her owners are part of the genius interior design studio next door, AtelierP.  Together with Alessandro Cesario they brought their vision for Casa Tobago to life. With Ursula’s approval, of course.

So next time you’re in Milan with your dog in tow, stop by Casa Tobago. Grab a carefully crafted cocktail, stay for a house-made pizza or a bite of meat hot from the grill, and take it all in. Enjoy life. Enjoy life more, with your dog.

Casa Tobago

Viale Umbria, 120, 20135 Milano MI
casatobago.com
+39 02 0994 7319
IG: @casatobago.milano