Layla sits inside MacArthur Place, a luxury resort compound in downtown Sonoma, and the restaurant’s patio is the real draw for dogs—it’s covered and heated, which means you’re not trapped by weather. The space has actual breathing room, not one of those single-table side yards, so your dog won’t be wedged between strangers’ tables. The cuisine leans Mediterranean with California influences, so there’s plenty of opportunity to sneak your dog a piece of grilled fish or roasted vegetable when the server isn’t looking. The restaurant staff treats dogs casually and kindly; they’ll bring water without you asking and don’t make a fuss if your dog settles under the table.

Dogs stay on the patio only—you won’t be able to bring them into the dining room. The covered setup means you can linger through an entire meal without your dog overheating in sun or getting rained on, which is especially useful during Sonoma’s shoulder seasons. There’s no special dog menu or premium treats, but the staff’s relaxed attitude and the fact that they provide water suggests they get that dogs and outdoor dining go together. The patio connects to the broader MacArthur Place grounds, which give the spot a resort-like feel even though you’re steps from Sonoma’s town square.

MacArthur Place occupies the block bounded by East MacArthur Street and Sonoma Plaza’s eastern side, so you’re at the heart of Sonoma’s walkable downtown. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner daily, and the covered patio holds its temperature well enough that you can eat comfortably even on cooler evenings. Parking is available on-site within the resort compound, which beats hunting for street spots on busy weekends. If your dog gets restless, Sonoma Plaza itself is directly across the street—a good spot for a post-meal walk around the town square’s perimeter.