NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria in Laguna Beach sits right along the picturesque California Coast, and it’s one of the few spots in this upscale beach town where you can actually sit outside with your dog and have a real meal. The outdoor patio is spacious enough that you’re not cramped in with other diners, and you get that coastal breeze while you eat.

The pizza comes from a wood-fired oven, and they make their pasta and desserts in-house too. The menu leans traditional Italian — you’ll find classic wood-fired pizzas with quality toppings, handmade pasta dishes, and actual homemade desserts rather than the frozen stuff. They also have a solid wine list and craft cocktails if you want to make an afternoon of it.

The atmosphere is relaxed without feeling cheap. You can tell they care about the food and the execution, which means your meal tastes better than your typical casual patio spot. The kitchen smells great, and watching other plates come out makes you actually want to stick around rather than rush through.

Since Laguna Beach doesn’t have a ton of dog-friendly dining options where you can actually eat real food (not just apps at a bar), this place fills a genuine gap. Your dog gets to experience something beyond a bowl of water under a patio umbrella while you eat. The patio setup means your dog isn’t pressed against other tables, which makes everyone more comfortable.

The one thing worth checking on before you go — call ahead about their current pet policy, since restaurant policies can shift. But if they’re allowing dogs when you want to visit, this is legitimately one of the better casual-yet-good dinner options in Laguna Beach where you won’t have to leave your dog at home.