Dog-Friendly Cafes in Bundoora Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Bundoora has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Ash’s and Stella Mill lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 16km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Bundoora resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Golden Yard — 155 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Golden Yard has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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 50 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 daily soup ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Lucky Depot — 324 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Lucky Depot has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Tall Store — 93 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Tall Store has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Luna Store — 67 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Luna Store has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

5. The Half Yard — 221 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Half Yard has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Bundoora

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Major education precinct. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Bundoora’s character. If you’re living in or near Bundoora, 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. River Store — 133 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

River Store has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Little Quarter — 147 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: solo diners

Little Quarter has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($28) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Good Store — 125 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Good Store has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Cecil Street after 6pm.

9. Old Yard — 135 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: groups

Old Yard has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. New Table — 39 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

New Table has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Road is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. The Old Depot — 9 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: groups

The Old Depot has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Bundoora?

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

Is Bundoora good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Bundoora has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Bundoora known for?

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses.

How far is Bundoora from Melbourne CBD?

Bundoora is 16km, no direct train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Bundoora: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026