UPDATED 15th December, 2024
So, you want to go for a yummy breakfast, lunch, maybe a few bevvy's or just a coffee, where should you go and is there anywhere that your family dog is welcome? Each entry has a clickable link to the cafe's details on either their website, Facebook, Instagram or zomato so you can get even more information.
Check out our new, updated list further down, but first, some footpath dining dog etiquette rules:
Make sure your dog is a non-reactive dog. You must be confident in your dog's behaviour when other dogs come by. Nothing worse than a lunge from a dog (either yours or the passer by) when there are other diners about. Do not let your dog sit AT the table. Under is fine, beside you (on the ground) is also fine Keep your dog out of the way of staff. Don't let them jump up at them when they are trying to serve customers Make sure your dog stays close by you. Not everyone thinks your dog is cute and harmless so don't let it encroach on others space Take dog treats with you so they are not begging for your food or food from other tables. Also, if you are walking your dog past a dog in these eating areas, please don't let you dog come up and say 'hello' - just keep walking saying 'leave it'
Alphabetical order by Suburb - Click on Suburb to go to all eateries in that area or just scroll to see them all!
ALBERT PARK Leaps and Bounds, 84 Bridport Street, Albert Park
Has a lovely rear courtyard
ASPENDALE
Two Farm Girls Cafe, 133 Nepean Hwy, Aspendale
Has undercover seating outside and welcome dogs
BALACLAVA Las Chicas, 203 Carlisle St, Balaclava
Enter around the back from the carpark. Edit: Last time I went, there was no back entry due to building works so staff allowed us to walk through the front. Has an excellent outdoor seating area. Covered and heaters. Great food/coffee/staff and in winter there is a boxed wood fire.
BEAUMARIS
Chino & Co 457 Balcombe Road, Beaumaris
There is an unfenced dog park across the road. Plenty of seating out the front with umbrellas for shade. Staff all love dogs and tell stories about their own dogs and the food and service is great.
Flavours Patisserie, 34 S Concourse, Beaumaris
Tables and chairs on the footpath with shade and water for the dogs
Rickett's Point Beaumaris, Beach Rd, Beaumaris
Right on the beach; dogs not allowed on the deck but can be tethered next to it.
Saska Cafe, 359 Balcombe Rd, Beaumaris
Lots of seating outside and good cocktails!
The Ginger Fox Cafe, 23-25 South Concourse, Beaumaris
Large seating area out the front where dogs are welcome. Has umbrellas and large dog cushions for when the ground is either too hot or too cold. Staff are very friendly.
Two Little Monkeys Cafe, 38 East Concourse, Beaumaris
Staff love dogs and they have expanded their courtyard (access from the back) but also has undercover seating at the front.
BENTLEIGH
Black Salt, 947 Centre Road, Bentleigh
Has fabulous food and friendly staff with several outdoor tables where dogs are welcome
Merchants Guild, 680 Centre Rd, Bentleigh
Great coffee and healthy menu. Small seating area for dogs out the front.
BLACK ROCK Black Drop, 615 Balcombe Road, Black Rock, Melbourne
Ample outside footpath seating outside to the front on Beach Road and also facing Balcombe Rd. Both areas are sheltered from rain and wind. Dogs are very welcome.
Cafe Odo, 1A Bluff Rd, Black Rock
Seating outside, dogs are always welcomed and they get free biscuits!
Cafeteria, 36 Bluff Rd, Black Rock
Has considerable outdoor seating, both in the sun and shade. There’s always a fresh water bowl for the dogs, who have always been welcome there. It’s not unusual for dogs, at times, to equal or outnumber patrons.
Flavours French Patisserie, 31 Bluff Road, Black Rock
Tables and chairs on the footpath with shade and water for the dogs. Croissants are awesome!
The Colonel's Son, 299 Beach Rd, Black Rock
Seating out the front but a fantastic enclosed courtyard out the back. Enter via back carpark. Covered and shade. Great in Summer AND Winter. Nice and cosy and great food and coffee.
BONBEACH The Little French Deli, 524 Nepean Hwy, Bonbeach
Has a courtyard at the back with lane way access and a sign saying dogs are welcome.
BRIGHTON
Ninna's Kitchen, 2 Railway Walk, Brighton
Vegan Cafe - absolutely delicious food - small menu. Plant-based cafe that serves dishes such as jaffles, sandwiches and dahls as well as coffee and fresh-baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and more. Undercover area to sit out the front with dogs - very shaded.
Brighton Schoolhouse, Corner Church Street & St. Andrew Street, Brighton
Nice area out the front. Shaded. Good to take the dogs. Great food and they also have bowls of water for your dogs. Food and staff = fabulous!
Brighton Soul, 129 Church St, Brighton
Wonderful outdoor seating in their courtyard - perfect for dogs and yourself to relax. Enter via the laneway. Food is divine as is the coffee - staff are lovely
Ladygreen, 424 New St, Brighton
Staff make dogs welcome and sometimes offer treats. There is some shade and a narrow sheltered outside area. The food is also yummy and reasonably priced.
Middle Brighton Baths Cafe, 251 The Esplanade, Brighton
The baths: nice dog friendly deck out the front, dog bowls provided and very close to Brighton Dog Beach
Martin St Cafe & Providore, 147 Martin St, Brighton
Dog friendly courtyard
North Point Cafe, 2B North Rd, Brighton
Great food, lots of area to sit with the dogs. Inside is sheltered from the weather and outside is fab for fresh air.
Pantry, 1 Church St, Brighton
They have a window which means it’s easy to pay for items without tying your dog up!! They also have a big area for dogs to lay down and have a treat jar (all the local dogs know where it’s hidden)
The Deck Brighton, 212 Bay St, Brighton
Out the front is very dog friendly. Lovely food too
The Little Ox, 452 New St, Brighton
There is a large forecourt out the front with about 8 tables and they have dog bowls with
CARRUM
Carrum Beach Bar, 611 Nepean Hwy, Carrum
Dog friendly - they do a doggy Parma, puppacino and dog bickies
Settle Gretel, 63 McLeod Rd, Carrum
Dogs are welcome in the little front section which is undercover and has heating - they also have complimentary dog biscuits. Lovely food.
CAULFIELD Mr. Brightside, 189a Booran Road, Caulfield South
Lots of outdoor seating. Dogs very welcome. The wait staff will bring them water and a large yummy dog treat. Very close to off lead dog park and nice walking tracks also.
CHELSEA Cafe Opera, 419 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea
Dog friendly courtyard out the back
Jack the Lad, 376 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea
Always has water for the dogs available. Fabulous sheltered outdoor area out the back where your dog is very welcome. Food and coffee is so yum and you get a little biscuit with your coffee. Staff are super friendly
Two Feet First, 451 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea
They have seating out the front of the cafe and dog friendly staff. Dog bowl of water always available. There is also a pet shop a few doors down so we have been and bought our boy a chew before so we are all eating at the same time!
CHELTENHAM Bad Shepherd Brewing Co., 386 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham
Not a cafe but is dog friendly on the deck. Great food, beer and other drinks. Umbrellas for shade and very friendly staff.
Bromleys Bread, 1/255 Charman Rd, Cheltenham
Outside seating
DRIP Cafe, 88 Chesterville Rd, Cheltenham Delicious food. Great outdoor area at the back with large umbrellas for shade and seating undercover out the front.
Fabrica Cafe, 1/16 Charlton Ave, Cheltenham
Delicious food, and really nice coffee. Staff are lovely and friendly. Fantastic outdoor seating, perfect for the family and dogs.
Frank's, 97 Cavanagh St, Cheltenham
Excellent food and staff are so friendly. There are a few tables out the front where you can sit with the dogs.
Johnny Dante, 253 Charman Rd, Cheltenham
Seating outside and reasonably undercover
Peckish Cafe, 14 Station Rd, Cheltenham
Great food, friendly staff. Outdoor seating at the front
Two Bob Snob, 256 Charman Rd, Cheltenham
Footpath seating out the front. Bit of a squeeze if you have a couple of big dogs but worth it.
EDITHVALE Sand Dunes Beach Kiosk Esplanade Lne, Edithvale
Edithvale General Store, 38-40 Munro Ave, Edithvale Sells dog treats and has water available. People have meals outside with their dogs welcome to sit with them.
ELSTERNWICK
Bagelicious, 1, 1-3 Carre St Elsternwick
Lovely bagels & smoothies with coffee. Very busy with Uber eats orders Undercover seating out front with Dog bowls for water
Carter Lovett, 329 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick
Seating out front & down side of building with Dog bowls for water. Cafe during the day and restaurant at night. Happy hour 3.30pm to 5.30pm Friday and Saturday. Very popular on the weekends often with queues.
Damm Good Cafe, 478 Glen Huntley Rd, Elsternwick
Seating out front, (not covered) - Dog bowls with water and dog treat. Great sandwiches and sweet treats with Padre coffee. Friendly service Goat House Cafe Roastery 3–6 Elsternwick Pl, Elsternwick
Has a smallish covered entrance with seating that is dog friendly
Loco Coffee, 436 Glen Huntly Rd Elsternwick
Seating out front with Dog bowls for water Popular for brunch
Mandoline, 432 Glen Huntley Rd, Elsternwick
Seating out front and courtyard out back - Dog bowls with water and homemade dog biscuits. Changes from a day cafe to a french restaurant in the evening. Open longer hours
Mapleton Kitchen, 345 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick
Great service, Padre coffee & food. Seating out front. Dog bowls with water. Popular often with queues for coffee
Next of Kin Cafe, 546 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick
Undercover seating with heating out front and also a back courtyard Dog bowls for water. Amazing service, tasty food, Proud Mary coffee & great toasted sandwiches. Very popular - worth booking.
ELWOOD
Brooklyn Cocktail Bar, 81 Ormond Road, Elwood
Dogs allowed inside.
Johnny's Coffee Roasters, 159 Ormond Rd, Elwood
In the Elwood Village on Ormond Rd, outdoor bench seating, on the shady side of the street, dogs are allowed inside to sit under tables and bar stools. Outdoor heater for colder months. Coffee and basic food served, toasted sandwiches etc, mainly people go for the amazing coffee and atmosphere.
Plain Sailing, 144 Ormond Road, Elwood
Get there early as gets super busy with heaps of dogs. There are some shaded tables and it seems that dogs appear to be allowed on seats (small ones) next to humans. It is just 5minutes from Elsternwick Park and has a very social communal area where dogs and humans all talk.
The Turtle Cafe, 34 Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood
Tickled Pink, 156-158 Tennyson St, Elwood
Good outdoor seating area.
Who is Bunker Spreckels, 4/122 Ormond Road, Elwood
Has umbrellas, staff are very dog friendly and they often have treats on hand. All dogs love it there and it is 5 minutes from Elsternwick Park. Great coffee.
FRANKSTON
Two Boys One Beagle and a Coffee Shop, 59 Kareela Rd, Frankston
Food and service is great. Small area to sit out the front. Great courtyard out the back
HAMPTON
Brown Cow, 382 Hampton St, Hampton
Since the pandemic, this refurbished establishment offers longer hours than most and now outside seating for those of us who like to dine with our dogs. Great menu. Nice coffee.
Cornerstone & Co, 75 Ludstone St, Hampton
Fantastic, enclosed and shaded courtyard at the back with a gate. Good for winter also as has heaters. Has a largish seating area at the front as well undercover and with umbrellas. Food is great as is coffee.
Flipping Awesome, 502 Hampton St, Hampton
Great food and staff and awesome courtyard out the back. Accessed via back alleyway. Heating and some shade too.
Glasshouse, 305 Hampton St, Hampton
Right next to the train line, this cafe is mainly for coffee/tea/drinks and toasties. Terrific outdoor seating area at the front and side - perfect for you and your dog. No umbrellas.
Lennox, 505 Hampton St, Hampton
Right next to Vinnies Op Shop, this cafe has a very large open area out the front, some tables under shade - which makes it perfect for dog owners. Inside the cafe is spacious and has lovely decor and then out the back is a very large outdoor area also suitable for dog owners. You area allowed to walk your dogs through the cafe to this space.
Merrymen, 2 Small Street, Hampton
Great outdoor area where dogs are welcome. Lovely staff, food and coffee. Bit of a squeeze with the bigger dogs.
Paperboy Coffee Bar, 370 Hampton St, Hampton
Fantastic food and coffee. Can sit out the front on the footpath with the dogs and there are the 'spacelets' out the front which provide more space and shade. Staff are lovely.
Sebastian's Food & Wine, 301 - 303 Hampton St, Hampton (on the railway line)
Great area out the front and to the side which is dog friendly. Gorgeous outdoor courtyard but dogs not allowed. Undercover at the front and side. Food and coffee are great. Can be noisy with trains and train gates.
The Hamptons Bakery, 427 Hampton St, Hampton
Excellent covered area at the front. Dog friendly and the bonus is lovely food and friendly staff.
The Snappy Grump, 511 Hampton St, Hampton
Fantastic cafe in Hampton St, right near Vinnie's Op Shop. It has seating out the front and staff are very dog friendly. Great coffee and food
Town House, 545 Hampton St, Hampton
Food is fabulous. Can sit out the front with dogs but also has enclosed courtyard out the back. Allowed to walk the dogs through the cafe to the back which has shade, fake turf and lots of seating. Can get quite warm out there on a hot day. Perfect in winter. Great staff too.
Whistling Kettle, 532 Hampton St, Hampton
Lovely coffee. Nice food. Undercover area to sit out the front with the dogs. Water supplied. Staff very friendly.
HEATHERTON
Diaco's Nursery, Garden e Cucina Cafe, 190 Old Dandenong Rd, Heatherton
Opening hours are from Wednesday to Sunday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Lots of undercover, dogs welcome
HIGHETT
Monkey Can Fly, 519 Highett Rd, Highett
Smallish area out the front but undercover, heated and has cafe blinds. Footpath isn't very wide so need to keep your dogs very close as there is lots of foot traffic going by.
Sons of Mischief, 326 Highett Rd, Highett
Great food and coffee. Wonderful courtyard out the back where dogs are most welcome. Seating to the side as well as the front.
The Diplomat, 4 Railway Parade, Highett
Terrific food. Excellent outdoor seating at the front.
The Little Elephant, 23 Spring Rd, Highett.
Has a large seating area out the front and to the side. Mostly undercover, a few cafe blinds down one side so can be used in all weather. Shady areas for summer, sheltered for winter but still rug up. Really nice food and lovely staff.
McKINNON Mr Burch, 1129 McKinnon Road, McKinnon,
Has several outdoor tables at the front with plenty of area to tie your dog up. Plus water bowls. Great food and friendly staff
MENTONE Happy As Larry, 106 Charman Road, Mentone
Seating out the front and an undercover decking out the back which dogs are welcome on, back area access is down a laneway. They also have outdoor heaters & blankets on cold days.
Sunnyside Sliced, 34 Como Parade W, Mentone
Has a fabulous dog friendly outside courtyard, great pizza and cocktails too
The Corner Store, 1 Swanston St, Mentone
Outside seating and dog friendly staff
Truly Scrumptious, Shops 4 & 5 Granary Lane, Mentone
There is plenty of outdoor seating
MIDDLE PARK Sandbar Beach Cafe, 175B Beaconsfield Pde, Middle Park
Tables outside overlooking the beach on the deck. Dogs welcome. Nice food and nice coffee. Water bowls for dogs and blankets for humans provided.
MOORABBIN
Comma Food & Wine, 2 Station St, Moorabbin
Has a beer garden that is very dog friendly. There are some outdoor umbrellas and some heating :)
Custodian Kitchen, 472 South Rd, Moorabbin
Seating out the front, shaded. Great food and coffee - a favourite!
Penny For Pound, 7 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin
Undercover seating out the back and side of this fabulous bakery. Great food and coffee and staff. Can get windy in the cooler months - bring a coat!
Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall, 1 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin
(in the Phillip Morris complex)
The dogs are actually allowed inside the beer hall at the tables and outside tables also, lots of grassed area outside premises and parking. Great wood fired pizza! Oh and a kids cubby house.
The Tradesman, Shop 1, 260 Wickham Rd, Moorabbin
Fantastic food, some tables outside so you can dine with your dog (and friends!)
MORDIALLOC Hansa's Steak and Grill, 24, Percy St, Mordialloc
Great food, can sit outside with your dog. Across the road is a dog park and nearby is a dog friendly art gallery, Le Studio Art Space
Hendriks Cafe, 105-107 White St, Mordialloc
Front courtyard is dog friendly with areas to clip their leads into. Also great coffee and food. Not great on hot days though as the area isn’t shaded.
Main Street, 503-505 Main St, Mordialloc
Good priced food, covered outdoor seating
Oscar's Hangout, Shop 2, 11 Hall Mark Rd, Mordialloc
Great outdoor area and adjacent park - very dog friendly. Food and staff are fab.
Urban Ground, 1 Lamana Rd, Mordialloc "A place where you can pick up some goodies from a food truck and laugh away the afternoon with your loved ones in our family and pet-friendly open-air beer garden" Huge outdoor seating area both undercover and shaded. Choose food from 5 different food truck stations. Also has a kids play area
PARKDALE
Burgerlab, 194 Como Parade West, Parkdale
Has a shaded outdoor eating area which is located at the front. There are about 12 tables in this courtyard that can comfortably seat 6 people to a table. Dogs are served their own bowls of water and are sometimes snapped and posted on BurgerLab’s FB page. Along with a range of burgers and chips, other foods are available such as seafood, chicken ribs and pork ribs. It is licensed, but if you don’t feel like grog, there’s always an old favourite - ‘spider’ or good old coffee! They also have cooked "Puppy Patties" made especially for the dogs . Unseasoned and apparently delicious!
Parkdale Beach Cafe & Kiosk, 151 Beach Rd, Parkdale
The cafe is right on the beach. They have seats near the grass overlooking the ocean. You can take your dog there but there is no shade as the seating is outside. You can sit with your dogs at the front or out the back on the grass.
Parkers Cafe, 79 Parkers Rd, Parkdale,
It’s got a lot of seating out front, they have water bowls for the dogs and anchors on the walls to tie leashes to. Short walk up from the beach with decent parking nearby as well.
PORT MELBOURNE The Tipsy Cow - Cocktail Tapas Bar & Beer Garden, 359 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
It’s a whisky and cocktail bar where dogs are welcome! They also serve small share plates for the humans as well as a variety of grazing boards.
SANDRINGHAM
Bay Road Nursery Cafe, 112-114 Bay Rd, Sandringham
Cafe with lovely shaded outdoor area. Dogs welcome Black Squirrel, 20 Bay Road, Sandringham,
The seating out the front is very dog friendly. Water bowl/buckets and friendly staff.
Full Turn Kitchen Bar, 222 Bay Rd, Sandringham
Friendly staff, nice food. Great, undercover outdoor balcony eating area where dogs are welcome. Heating in winter, sheltered from the elements.
Limoncello, 54 Station St, Sandringham
Good outdoor seating. Plenty of room for people and dogs. Mostly undercover. Food and Coffee = fab
Our Little Ray of Sunshine, 50 Station St, Sandringham
Great outside area at the front - undercover, heaters and cafe blinds makes it great for all seasons. Food is nice, Coffee is great. Staff are dog lovers!
Port of Call, 7 Bay Road, Sandringham
Lots of seating out the front on the path with large umbrellas. Great food. Can now walk your dog through to the small courtyard.
Sandy Beach Kiosk (also known as SHQ Kiosk), Jetty Rd, Sandringham
Large seating area out the front with umbrellas and you can go inside with your dog/s. (Must be on lead) I love this. If it is too hot, go inside. If it is cold and/or raining, go inside. Can't take the dogs upstairs but who cares? Really good food, great coffee and even better, Dirty Chai Latte. Yum.
Sparrows Bar, 44 Bay Road, Sandringham
Open from 3pm to 11pm. Dogs welcome out the front and well behaved dogs can sit inside under your chair while you have a drink. They don’t sell food so they are allowed. Great drinks, great atmosphere.
Stevie, 18-34 Station St, Sandringham Outside seating at the front and side. Great food and coffee.
SEAFORD
Staff loves dogs, makes you feel welcome , pats and acknowledge your furry friend. Dogs allowed on the decking, undercover outside. Also can take dogs in the arcade area between the two cafes. This is a favourite for us to go when we are down that way. Great food and coffee. Crackerjack Waterfront Cafe, Shop 4, 1N Nepean Highway, Seaford Dog friendly on the deck, lovely and shady and sheltered. Friendly staff, great food, awesome views. They give you free dog biscuits, & blankets when its cold. They also feature your dog on their page.
ST KILDA and ST KILDA EAST
Chez Misty I Dog Crêperie, 103 Grey Street, St Kilda
Very Dog friendly and even has a dedicated menu for the dogs. The back yard is fully fenced and is undercover. The human food is delish and the dogs love their crepes.
Iddy Biddy, Shop 35, 37 Blessington St, St Kilda
Sit outside. They love dogs! Undercover and heating in winter. Usually ok when it rains. You can walk to Peanut Farm Reserve after or dog beach or both
Neighbours Cafe, 42 Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Dog friendly courtyard, water bowls and the staff love dogs!
West Beach Pavilion, 330A Beaconsfield Pde, St Kilda
Dog beach to the left, dogs are welcome on the deck. Great food. Gets very busy in summer
There are many more but this is just a taster for you. If you know of any great ones, comment below and I will add them in!