Dog-Friendly Cafes in Bentleigh East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Bentleigh East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Store is the one everyone knows. Ava’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Bentleigh East sits in the Middle South corridor, 12-18km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Bentleigh East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nell’s — 15 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nell’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Ruby Mill — 134 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ruby Mill has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Ivy’s — 360 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ivy’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Gus — 79 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Gus has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Bentleigh East Different

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Close to GESAC aquatic centre. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Bentleigh East’s character. If you’re living in or near Bentleigh East, 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.

5. Ada Depot — 20 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ada Depot has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh East roaster — ask which one.

6. The Southern Place — 346 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Southern Place has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Bentleigh East farmers market when it runs.

7. The Sunny Cellar — 255 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Sunny Cellar has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Leo’s — 356 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

Leo’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Bentleigh Dog Friendly Cafes — same vibe, different suburb
• Bentleigh East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Bentleigh East Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Bentleigh East Complete Guide — everything about Bentleigh East
• Compare Suburbs — see how Bentleigh East stacks up
• All Bentleigh East Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Bentleigh East?

Local is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Bentleigh East good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Bentleigh East has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Bentleigh East known for?

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail.

How far is Bentleigh East from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Bentleigh East isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026