Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture and its friendly cafes, but what about our furry four-legged friends? They shouldn’t have to miss out on joining their owners for a relaxing visit to one of Melbourne’s awesome cafes and dog-friendly restaurants to indulge in a good snack or refreshing drink.
If you’re looking for a great coffee and a dog-friendly atmosphere, then look no further, as here is my list of the best dog-friendly cafes Melbourne has to offer where you, too, can enjoy a cup of coffee with your furry friend by your side.
From chill hangouts to cosy corner cafes, these venues will make sure you and your doggos are well-caffeinated and ready to explore all that Melbourne has to offer.
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Melbourne Dog Friendly Cafes – South / South-East / Bayside
1. Joe Frank, Ashburton
One dog friendly cafe Melbourne has to offer is this beautiful light-filled cafe called Joe Frank. An Ashburton go-to for Italian brunch fare, it has claimed the hearts of locals, and it’s all thanks to the hospitality of the Tucci family.
The cafe’s menu is filled with Italian favourites and Aussie brunch staples. Try out the delicious handmade sweets from lemon tarts to Halva brownies, baked daily on site.
Joe Frank, 246 High Street, Ashburton, +61 3 9193 0169
2. Elwood Bathers, Elwood
One of Melbourne’s most popular waterfront restaurants and event spaces, Elwood Bathers offers exceptional food and breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay. It is always an iconic scenic experience but delicious too.
You can find the waterfront restaurant right on the foreshore of Elwood Bathers. It’s got one of the best beachfront spots in Melbourne. Open Mon – Tues 11:30am – 4pm, Weds – Sun 11.30am til late and open for takeaway coffee and pastries 7 days a week from 9am.
Elwood Bathers, 15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood, info@elwoodbathers.com, +61 3 9525 6933
3. The Commons at Ormond Collective, Melbourne
Situated in a heritage-listed building, The Commons at Ormond Collective is a reimagined space offering a trusted, welcoming environment for people to connect over delicious food.
The creative and inspiring destination is multi-faceted and features mostly al fresco spaces, including The Conservatory, The Kitchen Garden, The Garden Cafe and The Beer Garden, which are perfect for gatherings and intimate evenings with friends.
The Commons at Ormond Collective, thecommons@thebiggroup.com.au, 17 Moubray Street, Melbourne, +61 3 8416 9791
4. Kanteen, South Yarra
Kanteen is an amazing indoor-outdoor experience where guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Yarra River while being protected from the cold by their heavy-duty, clear plastic walls and huge bar heaters, which are great for staying cosy and warm during the winter months.
During the warmer months, the cafe’s open sides let the breeze in for a refreshing experience.
Kanteen, 150 Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra, +61 3 9827 0488
5. Jardin Tan, South Yarra
Within the lush greenery of Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens is Jardin Tan, a French-Vietnamese-inspired cafe that embraces organic and locally sourced produce.
The cafe offers a warm and welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy a drink and bite to eat together with your pup. In fact, if you’re looking to enjoy the breeze, head on over to the garden deck to sip on a refreshing drink with friends in the sunshine.
Jardin Tan, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, info@jardintan.com.au,
+61 3 96913899
6. The Stables of Como, South Yarra
The Stables of Como is a beautiful family-friendly cafe located in the stunning Como House gardens. Only minutes from the Melbourne CBD, this 160-year-old National Trust property is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.
Paying homage to their historical past, their menu also offers fancy high teas and picnic baskets (which come with a rug and frisbee) to take out and enjoy in the beautiful garden. Their menu also includes an exceptional range of old-fashioned, house-made cakes and biscuits, plus plenty of solid brunch classics.
The Stables of Como, Corner Williams Road & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra, +61 3 9827 6886
7. The Kettle Black, South Melbourne
Offering customers a relaxing atmosphere, Kettle Black is a mix between a cafe and a restaurant in a gorgeous terrace house that will make you want to stay for hours.
Their refined seasonal menu includes a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, while for drinks, they’re serving up a custom Darling Blend made from specialty coffee beans sourced directly from the world’s best producers. Each cup is blended to perfection and is sure to quench your caffeine cravings.
Kettle Black also offers a range of signature cocktails which are available all day, every day. Enjoy Espresso Martinis, Mimosas or something from their selection of wine and beer.
Kettle Black, 50 Albert Road, South Melbourne, info@thekettleblack.com.au, +61 3 9088 0721
8. Cornerstone & Co., Hampton
Cornerstone & Co is a quaint little cafe situated in the peaceful back streets of Hampton. The cafe gives off a contemporary yet homely feel, with its white tiled walls and sleek wire chairs, recycled timber tables and wooden shelving. The cafe is owned by a young local family who’s passionate about serving their customers nothing less than the highest-quality produce and coffee in all of their offerings.
The food includes Japanese and Sicilian influences, which reflect their chef’s Japanese upbringing and the owner’s Sicilian heritage.
Cornerstone & Co. 75 Ludstone Street, Hampton, info@cornerstoneandco.com.au, +61 3 9521 6865
9. Left Field, Carnegie
Enjoy fresh and creative food in a warm and inviting atmosphere at Left Field, a corner-spot, pet-friendly cafe in Carnegie which offers an all-day breakfast menu that you can enjoy within the cafe’s discrete dining spaces, outdoors on their street-side seating, or in their little courtyard out the back.
Left Field opens its doors every day from 7am to 2pm.
Left Field, 358 Koornang Road, Carnegie, info@leftfieldcarnegie.com, +61 3 9578 2043
10. Lawson Grove Shop, South Yarra
Looking to take it easy today? Why not enjoy a cosy stop at the charming cafe Lawson Grove Shop, which can be found in South Yarra.
The cafe offers daily specials, ready-made dishes to take home and desserts such as mini cakes, brownies and muffins that all pair nicely with a warm cup of coffee. For dog owners, the street side tables are a popular spot to stay with your fur babies, especially when the weather is great and the day is sunny.
The shop also acts as a simple convenience store for residents in the area.
Lawson Grove Shop, 1 Lawson Grove, South Yarra, lawsongrove@gmail.com +61 3 9866 3640
11. Moby, Armadale
Multi-level cafe Moby is a great spot in Armadale that has everything the locals could ask for! Their menu includes delicious salads and hearty plates, velvety smooth lattes and cheeky lavish treats!
You can find Moby in the old Woodstock site on High Street, Armadale. The location has a massive, open rooftop, where you can enjoy munching on your brunch in the warm sun.
Moby, 1150 High Street, Armadale, hello@moby3143.com.au, +61 3 9509 2710
12. Brighton Schoolhouse, Brighton
Escape from the hustle and bustle of work for a quick bite at Brighton Schoolhouse.
Located on the corner of St Andrews Street and Church Street in Brighton, this lovely cafe is set amongst trees and gardens and has an aesthetic mix of old-world charm and sleek modern design. The whole environment gives off a comfortable and relaxing feel which is perfect for catching up with a friend or enjoying a lovely brunch with the family or even just having a chill day with your fur buddy!
The cafe offers an all-day breakfast menu along with superfood smoothies, waffles, fresh fish and quinoa salads. They also offer dishes that cater to those who are vegans, lactose and gluten intolerants.
Brighton Schoolhouse, 19 St Andrews Street, Brighton, cafebrightonsh@gmail.com, +61 3 9593 3129
13. For Change Co., Middle Park
We hear on good authority that For Change Co. cafe in Middle Park is another dog friendly cafe that needs to be on our list. The best bit is that while you are sipping lattes with your beloved pooch you can be doing something for the greater good. For Change Co. is a social enterprise born from the idea that if they can provide the tools to empower young people to take control of their lives, then they will be able to create their own pathway out of the homeless cycle. Not only do they donate all profits to homelessness but they also offer a hospitality training program to vulnerable youth who then get to work in the cafe under the guidance of For Change Co.’s experienced trainers and staff, developing their workplace skills and confidence.
For Change Co., Middle Park Lightrail Station, Middle Park, info@society.melbourne
Melbourne Dog Friendly Cafes – North / North-East
14. A Minor Place, Brunswick
Frequented by locals, A Minor Place is a coffee shop tucked away on Albion St, between Sydney Rd and Lygon St. You can enjoy a delicious sweet treat, a variety of beverage choices, a delicious menu with vegan options and just a great overall friendly vibe.
This dog friendly cafe in Brunswick offers global dishes in a simple, wood-accented cafe, plus an outside area with milk-crate seats.
A Minor Place, 103 Albion Street, Brunswick, info@aminorplace.com.au, +61 3 9384 3131
15. Bellboy, Brunswick East
Located at the East Brunswick Village on Nicholson Street, Bellboy is a stylish cafe that serves up a modern take on Melbourne brunch classics, a dedicated New York City-style bagel menu and coffee roasted on-site by Mark Leo, the cafe’s award-winning Roaster.
The chic cafe offers free onsite parking, a spacious outdoor terrace, and a ‘check-in’ zone for dogs, making it the perfect dog-friendly cafe to relax and reconnect with family and friends.
Bellboy, 131 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, hello@bellboycafe.com.au, +61 3 9088 8442
16. Code Black Coffee Brunswick, Brunswick
For a serving of food and coffee that really hits the spot, head on over to Code Black Coffee Brunswick – a boutique coffee roastery and cafe where they’ve perfected their offerings through thorough preparation and excellence.
Looking for recommendations on their food? Have a taste of their roast beef and roasted potato sandwich, or the grilled asparagus with shaved prosciutto, fresh herbs and butterbeans.
Code Black Coffee Brunswick, 15-17 Weston Street, Brunswick, +61 3 9388 0005
17. Sweet Evelyn, Brunswick
Catering to the sweet tooths of the city is Sweet Evelyn where they offer a good combination of sweet and savoury ingredients, resulting in a balanced treat that doesn’t give off an overpowering sweetness.
Enjoy everything from maple caramel popcorn, green tea with red bean and cookies and cream-flavoured cupcakes to a selection of macarons, sweet pies, doughnuts and more.
On top of their sweet treats, Sweet Evelyn also provides an all-day breakfast menu, with croissants and bread from Dench Bakers and Reverence Coffee’s Carousel blend.
Sweet Evelyn, 128 Union Street, Brunswick, 0432 189 744
18. The Farm Cafe, Abbotsford
From an espresso machine in the back of their car to a full-service cafe, The Farm Cafe is a fantastic plant-filled café that offers modern café food and excellent coffee every day of the week.
Looking to enjoy a delightful breakfast at the cafe? Try out the Farmer’s Breakfast, composed of bacon, eggs, pork sausage, potato cake, roasted tomato, mushrooms and toast. Or maybe you’re just after a light meal to get you through the day? Try out their caramel banana bread, muesli or salad!
The Farm Cafe opens at 9am on weekdays and at 8am on weekends.
The Farm Cafe, info@farmcafe.com.au, 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, +61 3 9415 6581
19. Industry Beans, Fitzroy
Industry Beans was created by brothers Steven and Trevor Simmons with a vision of offering their community specialty high-quality roasted coffee to provide them with the joy of indulging in the ultimate coffee experience, which is exactly what they were able to accomplish.
They were able to win over the hearts of coffee lovers and everyday brunch-goers and eventually became recognised for their innovative approaches to coffee roasting and unique hospitality.
This dog-friendly cafe in Fitzroy is open every day. Their doors open at 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.
Industry Beans, Warehouse 3, 70-76 Westgarth Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9417 1034
Melbourne Dog Friendly Cafes – Inner West/ WEST/ North-West
20. Cornershop, Yarraville
Filled with lively staff, vintage tables and a menu filled with mouthwatering items, Cornershop is a lovely cafe situated just across the street from the Sun Theatre, where you and your puppy can have a great time together.
Enjoy their locally roasted coffee as you have a bite from their dishes which are prepared daily from the freshest produce sourced from the most reputable producers.
This dog friendly cafe in the inner west is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 3pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 3pm.
Cornershop, 11 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, 11ballaratst@gmail.com, +61 3 9689 0052
21. Local Folk, Kensington
Enjoy a breakfast spin on much-loved Italian classics at Local Folk, a cheery daytime cafe in Kensington that makes dishes worth waking up for. On top of their popular house-made breakfast gnocchi, the cafe also sells other breakfast staples such as buttermilk pancakes and eggs benedict which pair nicely with a cup of Toby’s Estate coffee.
The space offers lots of inside and street side seating. In addition, dogs and kids are welcome.
Local Folk, 43 Epsom Road, Kensington, ashley@localfolk.com.au, +61 3 9939 7241
22. Leroys, Newport
Leroys is an inviting cafe that actively welcomes young families and their four-legged friends. For those wanting to bring little ones along, you’ll be happy to hear that Leroys’ backyard is purpose-made for kids, with a sandpit, blackboard and playground.
The dishes on their menu use the herbs and fresh veggies grown from the cafe’s planter boxes in the backyard. From their menu, indulge in avo toast, flavourful burgers, hot dogs and more.
The space at Leroys is bright and airy, and the staff are always happy to help – whether you’re bringing little kids, furry friends, or just an empty stomach, you’re sure to have a great time.
Leroys, 5 Mason Street, Newport, leroyscafenewport@gmail.com, +61 3 9399 4187
23. Crowded House, Williamstown
Enjoy a range of single-origin coffees, as well as a custom espresso blend from Di Bella in North Melbourne, at Crowded House. On top of serving fantastic coffee, the cafe also serves up a Middle Eastern-tinged menu.
The feel of Crowded House is warm and cosy as it gives off the look and feel of a family cottage. The cafe also has a huge outdoor courtyard, making it a wonderful spot to visit on sunny days.
Crowded House, 48 Ferguson St, Williamstown, +61 3 9397 5526
24. Old Man Drew, Ascot Vale
Visit Old Man Drew cafe with your little doggo, where they’ll enjoy the cafe’s dog-friendly garden as you indulge in their mouth watering offerings such as homemade beef pies, fried chicken brioche sandwiches, or salted-caramel crumpets!
Old Man Drew also hosts high tea every week on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm in Miss Violet’s Tea Rooms. For other high tea suggestions, check out our list of the best high tea locations in Melbourne.
Old Man Drew, 359-361 Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale, info@oldmandrewcafe.com.au, +61 3 9375 4024
25. Rudimentary, Footscray
Café and community hub Rudimentary was created by architect and owner Des, who took a decrepit car park and fixed up four shipping containers to create a welcoming community space.
The menu provides all-day breakfast options as well as lunch dishes from 11am. For recommendations, I suggest trying one of Des’ favourite dishes, the braised pork belly with crispy pig’s ear, chilli and tamarind and fried eggs; or the sweet red rice pudding with whipped coconut, mango and ginger crumble, which is a sensational dish in my opinion.
Rudimentary is open on weekdays from 7:30am – 3:00pm and on weekends from 8:00am – 3:00pm. Read the full review.
Rudimentary, 16-20 Leeds Street, Footscray, info@rudimentary.com.au, +61 3 8596 6909
Melbourne Dog Friendly Cafes – East
26. The Old Garage, Camberwell
The Old Garage is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a healthy meal. Their friendly staff are always on hand to make sure you have everything you need and the best part is that they’re always happy to accommodate kids and your beloved furry family members!
The Old Garage offers food options where you can replace any animal product with an environmentally sustainable and ethical alternative. Their modern menu also features Lebanese classics, all of which are made with the freshest produce.
They also have plenty of options for any furry friends to ensure that there really is something for everyone.
The Old Garage, 2A Glen Iris Road, Camberwell, hello@theoldgarage.com.au, +61 3 9889 2327
27. Friends of Mine, Richmond
Friends of Mine is a cafe dedicated to providing delicious food and amazing coffee in a comfortable environment to all those in Melbourne. Because they believe that brunch is the most important meal of the day, they’ve created a space where you and your friends can gather around to enjoy a refreshing bubbly, some delicious snacks and relax. This dog-friendly cafe in Richmond is open from 7 am-3 pm on weekdays and 7:30 am to 3 pm on weekends.
Friends of Mine, 506 Swan Street, Richmond, +61 3 9428 7516
28. Second Wife, Box Hill
Second Wife is the second venture of owners Semir Elamazi and Reiji Honour and features a healthy, vibrant and all halal menu inspired and influenced by Elamazi’s Middle Eastern background and Honour’s Japanese heritage.
For recommendations try out the okonomiyaki, Moroccan eggs or build your own delicious bowl by selecting base, toppings, sauce and protein.
Second Wife, 8 Wellington Road, Box Hill, +61 3 9973 9481
30. Casa de Playa, Mornington
Casa de Playa is one of the most popular dog-friendly restaurants and cafes on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s a contemporary restaurant, café, tapas bar and events venue serving delicious Spanish food all day long. Pick something delicious off the menu or let the friendly staff surprise you with their feed-me selection.
Casa de Playa, 39 Main St, Mornington VIC 3931, +61 3 5976 1276
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