Dog-Friendly Cafes in Aintree Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Leo Social | | Best with kids | Hugo Table | | Hidden spot | Sunny Corner | | Bad weather pick | Golden Works |
1. Nell Store — 178 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.
2. Gus — 19 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Kitchen — 307 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The sourdough bread ($22) — solid
4. Felix — 173 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Sol — 310 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Why Locals Stay in Aintree
Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Opened in 2018. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Aintree’s character. Whether you’re based in Aintree or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
6. Humble Table — 101 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aintree roaster — ask which one.
7. Northern Place — 145 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($19) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aintree roaster — ask which one.
8. Ash’s — 331 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Otto — 23 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The daily soup ($12) — solid
10. Assembly — 77 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 59 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.
11. Pearl Bench — 27 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Craigieburn South Dog Friendly Cafes — same vibe, different suburb
- Aintree Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Aintree Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Aintree Complete Guide — everything about Aintree
- Compare Suburbs — see how Aintree stacks up
- All Aintree Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Aintree?
Depot is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Aintree good for dog friendly cafes?
Yes. Aintree has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Aintree known for?
Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.
How far is Aintree from Melbourne CBD?
Aintree is 28km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Aintree is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026