Gourmet dining for dogs in Italy

Fiuto's a restaurant with a difference, offering VIP treatment to humans' closest companion. And the dedicated menu, tailored to canine dietary needs, ensures the meals are fit for a King Charles spaniel.

Cooking up the canine catering menu is Luca Grammatico.

Luca Grammatico: "The menu's been created in a very similar way to the human menu. It's made up of things that we can normally eat. Of course, we've tried to flavour it without using any spices, salts or oils, trying to make it look like a cooked meal by presenting it in a slightly gourmet form."

Having guests slobbering over chicken or licking the plate clean may be frowned upon elsewhere, but at Fiuto this behaviour's positively encouraged. With not so much as a bark or growl to be heard, the food, which is dished up in designer bowls, appears to have been given the thumbs up.

Being able to dine with her dog, Nala, is something Maria Gliottone really appreciates, and Nala's brought along bestie, Douglas, too.

Maria Gliottone: "This is a very good thing. Because when we go to restaurants with her, she always wants to eat from our plates. So here, everything's more comfortable."

Portion sizes vary according to the appetite of each hound, with owners parting with between 8 and 20 euros for the privilege. Knowing most dogs aren't keen on sharing, the restaurant's used screening to prevent any potential food envy spoiling its diners' experience, and guests are even provided with a furry blanket to chill on after eating.

While some may balk at the prospect of frittering away cash on canine haute cuisine, Romina Lanza regards such decisions as a matter of the owner's prerogative.

Romina Lanza: "It's a personal choice to come. It's an option that's available. People can easily come or not come. But it's definitely an opportunity for those who want to do so. No, I don't see anything wrong with it, honestly."

Should Fiuto seem a touch too lavish for a daily undertaking, it's an ideal venue for red letter days, such as birthdays. The restaurant may even lay on an unexpected gift for the pampered pooch.

View Less