Dog-Friendly Cafes in Burwood Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Old Room | | Best with kids | Pilgrim | | Hidden spot | Society | | Bad weather pick | Hazel’s |
We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Burwood to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Southern Standard is the one everyone knows. Green Place is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Deakin University Burwood campus anchors the suburb. Burwood 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 Burwood since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Stella — 355 Lygon Lane, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on James Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Burwood roaster — ask which one.
2. Ash Yard — 225 Lygon Lane, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Sol Cellar — 97 Blake Parade, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. Pearl Commons — 278 James Grove, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Half Works — 260 Blake Parade, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Henry Drive is usually fine.
6. Rosa Works — 331 James Grove, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Henry Drive is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — solid
Why Locals Stay in Burwood
Deakin University Burwood campus anchors the suburb. Toorak Road strip for retail. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Burwood’s character. If you’re living in or near Burwood, 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.
7. Ava’s — 12 Henry Drive, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Burwood roaster — ask which one.
8. Nina — 362 James Grove, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Lena Quarter — 263 Cecil Avenue, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Burwood farmers market when it runs.
10. River — 159 Cecil Avenue, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Henry Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Burwood farmers market when it runs.
11. The High Lane — 226 James Grove, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.
Order this: The fish special ($22) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. Red Corner — 15 Lygon Lane, Burwood VIC 3164
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Burwood farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Ashwood Dog Friendly Cafes — same vibe, different suburb
- Burwood Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Burwood Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Burwood Complete Guide — everything about Burwood
- Compare Suburbs — see how Burwood stacks up
- All Burwood Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Burwood?
Otto Cellar is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Burwood good for dog friendly cafes?
Yes. Burwood has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Burwood known for?
Deakin University Burwood campus anchors the suburb.
How far is Burwood from Melbourne CBD?
Burwood is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Burwood 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
