Dog-Friendly Cafes in Caulfield South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Caulfield South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Southern Yard is the one everyone knows. Hugo House is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly. Caulfield South sits in the Inner South corridor, 10km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Caulfield South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Kai — 323 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: families

Kai has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield South farmers market when it runs.

2. Sol’s — 300 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol’s has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. The Long Store — 176 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: families

The Long Store has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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 room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Common Works — 12 Smith Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Common Works has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 room holds 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Sunny Bench — 149 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sunny Bench has been operating in Caulfield South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

6. Hazel Commons — 203 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Hazel Commons has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Plenty Street after 6pm.

Why Caulfield South Is Worth Knowing

Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly. Kooyong Tennis Centre — home of the Australian Open until 1988. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Caulfield South’s character. If you’re living in or near Caulfield South, 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. Ash’s — 25 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: solo diners

Ash’s has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Hugo Yard — 186 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Hugo Yard has been operating in Caulfield South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Otto — 162 Barkly Road, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Otto has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Lucky Corner — 16 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Lucky Corner has been operating in Caulfield South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Ava Kitchen — 263 Barkly Road, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ava Kitchen has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield South farmers market when it runs.

12. Sol — 261 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($25) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Caulfield South?

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

Is Caulfield South good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Caulfield South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Caulfield South known for?

Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly.

How far is Caulfield South from Melbourne CBD?

Caulfield South is 10km, 20min train, 16min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Caulfield South 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