There’s nothing quite like finding a pawsome dog-friendly cafe in Melbourne. You get to enjoy the feeling of the sun on your coat, a cool bowl of water at your paws, and the company of your best friend holding your lead.
Or at least that’s what my pups tell me.
Seriously though, I love going out with Keiko and Summer. After a long week, it’s great to relax with a cappuccino, brunch, and some slow-time with my family. Unfortunately, not all cafes cater for our canine companions (though some cafes in and around Melbourne cater exclusively for them!)
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne. So, if you’re looking for a delicious brunch, a sneaky snack, or just a quick caffeine fix, take your doggo with you — these cafes will welcome you with a waggily tail!
How to Choose A Dog-Friendly Cafe in Melbourne
Before we jump into the list, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether a cafe is REALLY dog-friendly or not. Ultimately, it comes down to whether your doggo feels safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Here’s what I’ve found to be a good indicator of dog friendliness and ease for you in visiting there with your best bud:
- Water bowls – It can get warm in Melbourne — especially when you chilling out on the pavement sunning yourself in your fur coat! Even when it’s not so warm its still great for your pup to have able to have their own refreshments.
- Menu for dogs – While you sip your cappuccino, your pup can gulp a puppuccino, crunch a dognut, or slurp a doggo beer!
- Doggo hitching point – Kind of like a horse-post outside an old western saloon… but for dogs, and at your table instead of out front.
- A woof – Er, I mean a roof or other sheltered area that is dog-friendly for those inclement Melbourne days!
- Shade – So that your doggo doesn’t become a hot-dog on the warmer days.
- Space – Ensure that there’s a large enough area for you and your fur-child to feel comfortable when dining.
- A service window – To avoid a leash-chair-table tangle when you order and collect your food.
- Evidence of other doggo diners – You can often quickly see on a cafe’s website or social media when they’re dog friendly.
Any dog-friendly cafe worth their salt will go far beyond just allowing dogs — they’ll ADORE dogs! They’ll welcome them just as much as their hooman guests (often more!). Not all the cafes we’ve found have all these things, but they are usually good indicators of being dog-friendly establishments.
Is My Dog Ready for A Visit to a Dog-Friendly Cafe?
Just like people, not all dogs enjoy visiting a cafe. And that’s ok.
If your pooch is skittish or tends to get anxious around other people or dogs, a cafe (even a dog-friendly one) might not be a good fit. They might do better with a trip to the park or the beach.
That being said, if your dog enjoys being social, then a dog-friendly cafe might be the paw-fect outing for them! If they can settle and relax around lots of people, new noises, and other dogs, then leash ‘em up and grab some tucker.
Don’t Let Pooch’s Manners Be a Dog’s Breakfast
When you take your fur-child anywhere, it’s important to remember your petiquette. Here are a few tips for maintaining perfect puppy poise when you dine out with doggo:
- Book ahead – Ask for a spot that is suited to Spot (out of the way of wait staff, loo-routes, or other thoroughfare).
- Choose wisely – If the hoomans are going to be indulging in a 12-course degustation menu, doggo might get bored and would be happier at home.
- Use a leash – This will give you both peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your time.
- Keep some treats handy – in case you need to quickly get your dog’s attention.
- Stay alert – There will be lots of hooman treats around. Make sure that your dog doesn’t pick any up — especially those that are dangerous or unsafe for canine consumption.
- Don’t leave your dog unattended – Idle, unsupervised paws may be the devil’s workshop.
There are plenty of other ways to make sure that your fur child is at their best behaviour when dining out. Just remember the golden rule — do for other dogs what you would have other pet parents do for your dog.
How We Found The Best Dog-Friendly Melbourne Cafes
To sniff out the best places for a barking good brunch in Melbourne with your pup, we’ve relied on various sources:
- Our own experience
- Reviews
- Recommendations
- Social Media
So without further ado, we present our definitive list of:
A Minor Place
- Address: 103 Albion St, Brunswick
- Hours: 08:00am – 2:30pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor area, dog treats
- Person-Pleasers: Many Vegan Options, global dishes
- Website
Photos provided by A Minor Place
Bellboy Cafe
- Address: 131 Nicholson St, Brunswick East
- Hours: 07:00am – 4:00pm Mon-Sat, 08:00am – 4:00pm Sunday
- Dog-Friendly Features: Insta-awesome custom dog house, dog treats
- Person-Pleasers: GF/Vegan Options, NY-style bagels
- Website
Photos provided by Bellboy Cafe
Blackcat
- Address: 252 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
- Hours: 2:00pm onwards
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Beer garden, bohemian vibes
- Website
Photos provided by Blackcat Cafe
Brighton School House
- Address: 15 St Andrews St, Brighton
- Hours: 08:00am – 3:30pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor area, water bowls
- Person-Pleasers: Outdoor dining, Sweet treats
- Website
Photos provided by Brighton School House
Cargo Restaurant
- Address: 55A Newquay Promenade, Docklands
- Hours: 11:00am onwards Mon-Fri, 09:00am onwards weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Massive shaded outdoor area, water bowls
- Person-Pleasers: Beer garden, waterfront dining
- Website
Photos provided by Cargo Restaurant
Chez Misty
- Address: 103 Grey St, St Kilda, VIC, Australia, Victoria
- Hours: 10:30am – 3:30pm Wed & Thu; 9:30am – 7:00pm Friday, 8:30am – 9:00pm Sat, 8:30am – 4:00pm Sun
- Dog-Friendly Features: Crepes & Puppachinos (made by a certified dog nutritionist , Dog birthday parties, Dog cafe training, Outside area
- Person-Pleasers: Galettes (savory crepes) & sweet crepes, Healthy Ingredients (organic where possible), Social events
- Website
Photos provided by Chez Misty
Chocolate Buddha
- Address: Federation Square, Melbourne
- Hours: 12:00pm – late Wed-Sun
- Dog-Friendly Features: Large outdoor space (Federation Square)
- Person-Pleasers: Express sushi & casual Japanese
- Website
Photos provided by Chocolate Buddha
Dish & Spoon
- Address: 122 Highfield Rd, Camberwell
- Hours: 7:00am – 3:30pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating, puppacinos
- Person-Pleasers: Casual brunch, Sunday Roast
- Website
Photos provided by Dish & Spoon
Dundas & Faussett
- Address: 111 Dundas Place, Albert Park
- Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating, puppuccino
- Person-Pleasers: Insta-awesome menu, great bunch spot
- Website
Photos provided by Dundas & Faussett
Fitzrovia
- Address: 155 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
- Hours: 7:00 – 3:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 3:00pm Weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Extensive dog menu incl. doggo beer
- Person-Pleasers: Fresh produce, great vibes
- Website
Photos provided by Fitzrovia
Fourth Chapter
- Address: 385 High Street, Prahran
- Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Insta-awesome menu, GF options
- Website
Photos provided by Fourth Chapter
Frankie Says
- Address: 15 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford
- Hours: 7:00 – 4:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating, water bows
- Person-Pleasers: 2 for 1 Coffee (Thurs), Vegan options
- Website
Photos provided by Frankie Says
Harlow
- Address: 447 Church St, Richmond
- Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm Mon-Thurs & Sun, 12:00pm – 12:00am Saturday
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dog treats, Hounds of Harlow
- Person-Pleasers: Rooftop, spectacular views
- Website
Photos provided by Harlow
Leonards House of Love
- Address: 3 Wilson St, South Yarra
- Hours: 5:00pm – 12:00am Mon-Thurs,12:00pm – 12:00am Weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Pub food, great beer
- Website
Photos provided by Leonards House of Love
Lenny
- Address: 113 Victoria Ave, Albert Park
- Hours: 6:30am – 3:00pm Weekdays, 7:30am – 3:30pm Weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Plenty of shade, great urban-walk break spot
- Person-Pleasers: GF/Vegan Options, Mouth-Watering Menu
- Website
Photos provided by Lenny
Local Folk
- Address: 43 Epsom Road, Kensington
- Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm Mon-Sat, 8:00am – 3:00pm Sun
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dog treats, shaded outdoor spot
- Person-Pleasers: Creative cake pops, great brekkie
- Website
Photos provided by Local Folk
Mary Miller Cafe
- Address: 55-63 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East
- Hours: 7:00am – 3:30pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 3:30pm Sat & Sun
- Dog-Friendly Features: Take away menu, dog menu, shaded outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Vegan & Vegetarian options, great brunch
- Website
Photos provided by Mary Miller Cafe
Miss Frank Cafe
- Address: 200 Through Rd, Camberwell
- Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 4:00pm weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Take away window
- Person-Pleasers: Clean/white space, great brunch
- Website
Photos provided by Miss Frank Cafe
Neighbours Cafe
- Address: 42 Chapel St, St Kilda
- Hours: 6:30am – 4:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded Outdoor Seating, Water bowls
- Person-Pleasers: Coffee, Great brunch
Photos provided by Neighbours Cafe
Pelican
- Address: 16 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
- Hours: 7:00am – 9:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Great brunch
- Website
Photos provided by Pelican
Phat Milk Cafe
- Address: 208 Mt Alexander Rd, Travancor
- Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am -3:00pm weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Puppuccinos
- Person-Pleasers: Great brunch, catering
- Website
Photos provided by Phat Milk Cafe
Phoenician Cafe
- Address: 34 Westbury St, St Kilda East
- Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Puppuccinos, Shaded outdoor seating, dog menu
- Person-Pleasers: Great brunch, baked treats
- Website
Photos provided by Phoenician Cafe
Priscilla Jones Cafe
- Address: 21 Graham St, Albert Park
- Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm Mon-Sat, 8:00am – 4:00pm Sunday
- Dog-Friendly Features: Puppuccinos, Shaded outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Family friendly, functions, great brunch
- Website
Photos provided by Priscilla Jones Cafe
Republica
- Address: 1A – 1D, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda Sea Baths
- Hours: 12:00pm – late
- Dog-Friendly Features: Plenty of shade, Beach-front walks, Outdoor courtyard
- Person-Pleasers: Ocean-front views, Beach-front hanging chairs, Dog-friendly trivia
- Website
Photos provided by Republica
Rudimentary
- Address: 16-20 Leeds St, Footscray
- Hours: 7:30am – 3:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 3:00pm Sat & Sun
- Dog-Friendly Features: Plenty of shade, Outdoor courtyard, Take away window
- Person-Pleasers: Converted shipping containers, great brunch
- Website
Photos provided by Rudimentary
SOS Cafe
- Address: 5/177 Toorak Rd
- Hours: 7:30am – 5:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Water bowls
- Person-Pleasers: Organic, GF, Family-friendly, Sugar-free options
Photos provided by SOS Cafe
South of Johnston
- Address: 46 Oxford St, Collingwood
- Hours: 7:30am onwards
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor seating, water bowls
- Person-Pleasers: Artworks, creative decor
- Website
Photos provided by South of Johnston
Sweet Evelyn
- Address: 128 Union Street, Brunswick
- Hours: 6:00am – 3:30pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Dog treats, shaded patio
- Person-Pleasers: Micro bakery, great pastries
- Website
Photos provided by Sweet Evelyn
The Farm Cafe Abbotsford
- Address: 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford (Colingwood Children’s Farm)
- Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm Weekdays, 9:00am – 4:00pm Weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Plenty of space for zoomies, animal friends
- Person-Pleasers: GF/Vegan Options, Trails
- Website
Photos provided by The Farm Cafe Abbotsford
The Jolly Miller
- Address: Altona Meadows, Altona North, Bacchus Marsh, Balwyn North, Bundoora, Caroline Springs, Croydon North, Manor Lakes, Gisborne, Melton South, Greenvale, Melton, Sunbury, Williams Landing
- Hours: Various
- Dog-Friendly Features: Extensive doggy menu, incl. savoury muffins & puppuccino
- Person-Pleasers: Vegan options, Cakes, Patisserie, family-friendly
- Website
Photos provided by The Jolly Miller
The Little Ox Cafe
- Address: 452 New St, Brighton
- Hours: 6:30am – 3:30pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Sheltered outdoor seating, doggie menu
- Person-Pleasers: GF, Vegan & Vego options
- Website
Photos provided by The Little Ox Cafe
The Old Garage
- Address: 2A Glen Iris Road, Camberwell
- Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm
- Dog-Friendly Features: Doggy Treats, Puppy Chino, Shaded outdoor area
- Person-Pleasers: Plant-based options, great brunch spot
- Website
Photos provided by The Old Garage
The Peacock
- Address: 68 River St, South Yarra
- Hours: 7:30am – 3:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 3:00pm weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Doggo cookies, shaded outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: Sunday roast, high-tea, catering
- Website
Photos provided by The Peacock
The Stables of Como
- Address: Cnr Williams Road & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra
- Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri & Sun, 9:00am – 6:00pm Sat
- Dog-Friendly Features: Huge lawns, sheltered outdoor seating
- Person-Pleasers: High-tea/guy-tea, Picnics, Events
- Website
Photos provided by The Stables of Como
Welcome To Brunswick
- Address: 1 Frith Street, Brunswick
- Hours: 5:00pm – 8:00pm Thurs-Sat
- Dog-Friendly Features: Annual Tiny Dog Festival, Dog birthdays
- Person-Pleasers: Drive-Thru, Rollerskating waiters, Beer
- Website
Photos provided by Welcome to Brunswick
West Bathers Pavilion
- Address: 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West
- Hours: 10:00am – Sunset
- Dog-Friendly Features: The beach, lots of walkies space
- Person-Pleasers: The Beach Club, food & drinks
- Website
Photos provided by West Bathers Pavilion
Wolf and Hound Cafe
- Address: 60 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington
- Hours: 5:00pm – 10:00pm Thurs-Sat
- Dog-Friendly Features: Water bowls, dog-hitching post
- Person-Pleasers: Cinnamon rolls, gingerbread bikkies
Photos provided by Wolf and Hound Cafe
Zymurgy West
- Address: 561 Barkly St, West Footscray
- Hours: 3:00pm – 10:30pm Thurs&Fri, 12:00pm – 10:30pm weekends
- Dog-Friendly Features: Shaded outdoor beer garden
- Person-Pleasers: Beer garden, smoked meat on the barbie
- Website
Photos provided by Symurgy West
** Details and timings for the dog-friendly cafes in Melbourrne included were correct at the time of publication. These may change at the venues discretion. Please double check via the links provided before planning your pawsome outing. Please also feel free to drop us a line if our details are incorrect.
Want to know more dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne and Victoria? Check out everything we know here!
Kerry is ‘Top Dog’ here at Puppy Tales. With her own adored dogs, she completely gets that your four legged furry buddy is absolutely part of the family. That they sleep on the bed, that you want to take them everywhere, that you plan holidays so they’re included & that their presence makes your life incredible.