The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Melbourne

At Pet Resorts Australia Port Melbourne, we know just how much our four-legged friends are a part of the family. That’s why Melbourne’s growing selection of dog-friendly cafes is the perfect way to enjoy quality time with your furry companion. Whether you’re looking for the best spots in North, South, or West Melbourne, we’ve rounded up some of the top cafes where you and your dog can relax, enjoy delicious food, and make lasting memories. From laid-back brunch vibes to picturesque outdoor settings, these cafes are sure to make your dog’s tail wag.

Tips for a Bark-tastic Café Visit with Your Fur Baby

Paws Before You Go:

• Walkies First: Take your pup for a good walk before heading to the café to burn off some energy and help them chill out while you enjoy your meal.
• Potty Break: Make sure your pooch has done their business before you arrive. Keep those waste bags handy for any “emergencies.”

Sniffing Out the Perfect Spot:

• Pick a Quiet Corner: Choose a spot away from heavy foot traffic to keep distractions at bay and help your fur baby stay calm.
• No Tethering to Tables: Avoid tying your pup to the café furniture—you don’t want any sudden zoomies sending plates flying!

Pup-etiquette:

• Leash Up: Keep your doggo on a short leash and close by, ideally lounging under the table for that café cool vibe.
• Bring the Fun: Pack a chew toy or a tasty treat to keep your dog entertained and stop them from begging for a nibble of your brunch.

Tail-wagging Social Skills:

• Mind the Pooches and People: Keep interactions polite—don’t let your pup approach other diners or their dogs unless invited. A simple “no pats, please” works wonders if your pup’s feeling shy.
• Read the Signs: Watch your dog’s body language. If they’re giving off stressed-out vibes, it might be time to head out.

Dining Like a Good Boy/Girl:

• No Table Treats: Resist those puppy eyes—no sharing your avocado toast! Ask the café for water or a dog-friendly snack instead.
• Fresh and Fluffy: Make sure your pooch is well-groomed and fresh as a daisy so they’re café-ready without any odours putting off other diners.

North Melbourne

A Minor Place

103 Albion St, Brunswick

A cozy, converted weatherboard house offering a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its great coffee and vegan options, the outdoor area is perfect for dogs.

 

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Bellboy Cafe

131 Nicholson St, Brunswick East

Featuring an Insta-worthy custom dog house and dog treats, this cafe serves GF and vegan options along with delicious bagels.

 

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Code Black Coffee

15/17 Weston St, Brunswick

A modern, sleek cafe with outdoor seating where you can enjoy coffee while your dog relaxes beside you.

Old Man Drew

359-361 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale

Old-world charm with a dog-friendly garden and high-quality food, perfect for a peaceful day out with your pet.

Welcome to Brunswick

408 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

Welcome to Brunswick is also known for its Tiny Dog Festival and delicious BBQ meals. The beer garden offers ample outdoor seating for dogs and their owners.

 

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Sweet Evelyn

128 Union St, Brunswick​

Sweet Evelyn is a charming dog-friendly cafe located in Brunswick, offering freshly baked goods, specialty coffee, and a dog-friendly courtyard. Their menu caters to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, and they feature locally produced goods. It’s a cosy spot to enjoy some downtime with your furry friend.

West Melbourne

Rudimentary

16-20 Leeds St, Footscray​

Rudimentary is a dog-friendly cafe located in the heart of Footscray, built out of three shipping containers. The space is minimalist yet inviting, with a large outdoor garden covered in Astroturf, providing ample space for pets. The cafe prides itself on simple, high-quality food and a relaxed atmosphere for both people and their furry companions.

Wolf and Hound Cafe

60 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington​

This cozy cafe in Flemington offers water bowls and hitching posts for dogs, making it an ideal stop for pet owners. The cafe serves a variety of baked goods and coffee, and its welcoming atmosphere is perfect for enjoying brunch with your dog.

 

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Superrandom

416 New St, Brighton​

Superrandom offers one of the largest courtyards in Brighton, making it a great spot for dogs. With plenty of space and a relaxed vibe, this cafe offers coffee and light meals, perfect for a chilled-out afternoon with your dog.

Cargo Restaurant

55A Newquay Promenade, Docklands

Located on the waterfront, Cargo Restaurant boasts a spacious, shaded outdoor dining area where dogs are welcome. With a beer garden and scenic views, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying a meal with your pet by your side.

South Melbourne

Kanteen

150 Alexandra Ave, South Yarra​

Located along the Yarra River, Kanteen provides a scenic setting for breakfast or lunch with your dog. With a dog-friendly outdoor area and water bowls, it’s a great spot to enjoy the view while your dog lounges by your side.

Fourth Chapter

385 High Street, Prahran​

Fourth Chapter is a popular dog-friendly cafe in Prahran offering healthy, Insta-worthy dishes. It’s known for its inviting outdoor seating where you and your dog can enjoy a relaxing brunch. They even serve handmade dog biscuits!

Moby

1150 High Street, Armadale​

This bustling cafe in Armadale is well-loved for its Ottolenghi-inspired menu and dog-friendly courtyard. It’s a fantastic place to grab a coffee or a healthy meal with your pooch in tow.

Lawson Grove Shop

1 Lawson Grove, South Yarra

Tucked away in a residential area, Lawson Grove Shop is a cosy, dog-friendly cafe. With its charming vibe and great coffee, it’s a neighbourhood gem where dogs are always welcome.

East Melbourne

The Little Ox Cafe

452 New St, Brighton

This Brighton-based cafe offers a lovely sheltered outdoor area where dogs are welcome. The Little Ox Cafe serves a wide variety of dishes, including gluten-free and vegan options, making it a great spot for a wholesome brunch.

Dish & Spoon

122 Highfield Rd, Camberwell

Dish & Spoon in Camberwell offers a casual brunch menu in a shaded outdoor setting that welcomes pets. They even serve puppuccinos, making it a hit for dog owners.

The Old Garage

2A Glen Iris Rd, Camberwell

Known for its relaxed atmosphere, The Old Garage has a shaded outdoor area perfect for dogs, along with a menu that features delicious brunch items. The cafe is a favourite for both dog lovers and plant-based food enthusiasts.

Make Your Dog’s Day with Some Play at Pet Resorts Australia Port Melbourne

With so many dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a meal or coffee with your pooch by your side. But if you’re heading out for a day of non-pet-friendly adventures, why not give your dog a fun-filled day at doggy day care? Let your dog socialise, play, and relax while you enjoy your day, knowing they’re in safe hands at our state-of-the-art facility. It’s the perfect way to cap off your dog-friendly day out in Melbourne!

Note: All café information, including dog-friendly policies, was accurate at the time of publishing. Please note that individual venues may update their pet policies without notice. We recommend contacting the café directly or checking their website or social media for the latest pet-friendly details before your visit.