As the balmy days of February roll in, there’s never been a better time to get outdoors and enjoy Melbourne’s incredible food scene - with your dog in tow. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast at a local café, or settling in for a leisurely drink with friends, Melbourne’s increasing number of dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, and breweries make dining out with your four-legged friend easier than ever.
Melbourne’s Top 10 Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Many restaurants in Melbourne now cater to dog owners who want to enjoy a meal with their pets – making it one of the most dog-friendly cities in Australia. So, if you are looking for a place to chill with your fur baby, here is a list of the top 10 dog-friendly restaurants in Melbourne for you to choose from:
1.Wolf and Hound Café: A charming, dog-friendly spot located in Flemington,
where pet owners can enjoy specialty coffee while their furry friends are
pampered with treats and cozy blankets. The cafe is known for its authentic New
York bagels and gourmet toasties
2.The Farm Café: Located within the Collingwood Children's Farm, the cafe
offers a picturesque countryside setting, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing
breakfast or lunch with your dog. Enjoy delicious seasonal, house-made food
crafted from fresh farm produce and generous country hospitality.
3.Code Black Coffee: Among the restaurants that allow dogs, Code Black Coffee
is a favourite - featuring a dog-friendly front terrace where patrons can relax with
their furry friends. Doubling as a roastery, this edgy cafe inside a giant warehouse
offers expertly crafted specialty coffee and a delicious brunch menu.
4.The Kettle Black: This café-restaurant hybrid offers a refined menu featuring
gourmet dishes, alongside expertly brewed specialty coffee, ensuring a delightful
dining experience. Its charming outdoor courtyard welcomes guests with dogs,
making it an ideal spot for pet owners to enjoy a meal.
5.Chez Misty: With comfortable couches for dogs set in a charming backyard
and an indoor lounge where your fur baby can mingle with other dogs, this café is
among the more popular restaurants that allow dogs. They have an extensive
menu with a delightful selection of galettes and crêpes and a dedicated dog
menu featuring healthy, gluten-free crêpes for your pet.
6.Major Mitchell Café: An ideal place to chill out with your dog, this cafe is
housed in the old 1950s Glen Huntly post office. It features a beautiful, spacious
outdoor area enclosed by lovely hedges and fences. Guests can enjoy a diverse
menu that includes classic brunch dishes and refreshing cocktails.
7.Republica: With stunning views of St Kilda beach and Port Phillip Bay, this
vibrant dog-friendly bar welcomes dogs in its spacious courtyard, allowing you to
enjoy a diverse menu while your furry friend relaxes by your side.
8.Dish and Spoon Café: Recognized as one of Melbourne's best dog-friendly
cafes, this cozy place has a special doggy door so dogs can enter and enjoy their
charming courtyard. The cafe provides dog bowls and a welcoming atmosphere,
making it a perfect spot for a delightful brunch or coffee with your pet.
9. Bellboy Café: Featuring a spacious outdoor terrace, a dedicated 'check-in
zone' for dogs, custom dog kennels and a special menu of dog treats, this dog
friendly restaurant is a big hit among dog-owners. The café has delicious, house
made crumpets and chips and their coffee roasted on-site!
10.The Old Garage: With a dedicated dog menu that includes treats like
puppychinos, this spacious café is the perfect place to chill out with your dog.
The café offers exceptional food and warm old-world hospitality. Plus, everything
on the menu can be made with plant-based alternatives – perfect for vegans.
But before you leash up and head out, there are a few things you must keep in mind to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience - for both you and those around you. These include -
Mastering dining etiquette with your dog
Dining out with your service or emotional support dog requires a mix of preparation, awareness, and courtesy. Taking your dog to a restaurant isn’t quite as simple as showing up and hoping for the best. Before heading out, it is always best to check on the restaurant’s pet policy. While many Melbourne cafés and eateries welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas, some have specific rules regarding where pets can be accommodated. Making a quick call or checking their website can save you the inconvenience and embarrassment of being turned away.
Once you arrive at a restaurant that allows dogs, choosing an appropriate spot to sit can make a significant difference. A quiet corner or a table that is out of the way of foot traffic is ideal as it will allow your dog to settle in more easily, and you won’t have to worry about them getting underfoot as busy waitstaff move around. Importantly, keeping your dog leashed at all times is usually an essential requirement of most establishments. It not only keeps your pet safe, but also ensures that other guests are not frightened, or disturbed. A short, non-retractable lead works best to prevent tangles and unnecessary movement.
Another important thing to keep in mind is training - your dog should be able to follow basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "leave it" to ensure they remain calm throughout the meal. If they’re prone to looking up at you with those big, pleading eyes, it might be worth feeding them before you leave home to prevent temptation. And while it might be hard to resist slipping them some titbits from your plate, remember that restaurant food isn’t always safe as it may contain ingredients like garlic, onion, and spices that can be harmful to your dogs. Instead, bring along their favourite Brunswick Fur Food treat or a chew toy to keep them entertained. Carrying a small blanket or mat for them to lie on is also a great idea as it helps them settle down and understand that it’s time to relax.
One of the biggest concerns for restaurants that allow dogs - is cleanliness. So being mindful of your dog’s behaviour is key. Dogs should stay on the ground, not on chairs or laps, and they definitely should not put their paws on the table or eat from it. If they start barking, whining, or getting restless, walk away from the dining area for a bit – this can help them settle. Remember, not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so being mindful of other diners goes a long way in ensuring that dog-friendly restaurants remain welcoming.
Melbourne’s growing number of dog-friendly restaurants means more opportunities to include your pet in your social life – so, there’s no reason to leave your furry friend at home. That said, being a responsible dog owner is key to ensuring that public spaces are kept open and welcoming to pets. Ensuring your dog is well-mannered, mindful of others, and comfortable in a restaurant setting is key to fostering a positive experience. With thoughtful preparation and respectful etiquette, you and your furry companion can enjoy Melbourne’s thriving dining scene together, making the most of the city’s pet-friendly culture.
