Best Dog Friendly Guide in Box Hill South Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Commons |
| Zero-cost winner | Southern Table |
| Kid-approved | Atlas Room |
| Under the radar | Southern Corner |
| Wet day saviour | Lena |
Box Hill South 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. The Northern Local and Bright Kitchen are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Box Hill South sits 14-22km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood.
1. Marco Room — 291 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.
2. Nico — 353 Bridge Place, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Box Hill South roaster — ask which one.
3. Stella’s — 367 Rowan Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The daily soup ($17) — solid
4. The Honest Store — 373 Bay Road, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Gus Store — 230 Rowan Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Box Hill South roaster — ask which one.
What Box Hill South Actually Is
6. Ada’s — 362 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Max’s — 234 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.
8. Mabel — 248 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Box Hill South roaster — ask which one.
9. Rosa Union — 317 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill South farmers market when it runs.
10. Oliver’s — 286 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bay Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Box Hill North Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Box Hill South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Box Hill South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Doncaster Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Box Hill South stacks up
- All Box Hill South Guides — everything we’ve written about Box Hill South
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Box Hill South known for?
Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood.
What is Box Hill South best known for?
Commons is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Box Hill South from Melbourne CBD?
Box Hill South is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
