Best Dog Friendly Guide in Bayswater Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Nina Quarter |
| Free highlight | The Honest Standard |
| Family-friendly | Mabel Works |
| Locals only | Rex’s |
| Indoor option | Southern Cellar |
Bayswater doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ruby and Lena Bench are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Bayswater sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene.
1. Southern Mill — 343 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($20) — solid
2. Humble Cellar — 181 Park Lane, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 52 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. River Cellar — 330 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The fish special ($17) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Little Cellar — 257 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Park Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Bayswater farmers market when it runs.
5. Sol — 156 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Makes Bayswater Different
6. High Yard — 88 Swan Road, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bayswater roaster — ask which one.
7. Little Mill — 241 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — solid
8. River — 74 Park Lane, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Park Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. The New Depot — 378 Swan Road, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Park Lane is usually fine.
Come back for: The fish special ($14) — solid
10. The White Union — 331 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
11. Remy’s — 156 Young Street, Bayswater VIC 3166
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Chirnside Park Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Bayswater Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Bayswater Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Boronia Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Bayswater stacks up
- All Bayswater Guides — everything we’ve written about Bayswater
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Bayswater known for?
Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene.
What is Bayswater best known for?
Nina Quarter is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Bayswater from Melbourne CBD?
Bayswater is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Bayswater to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
