Dog-Friendly Cafes in Chelsea Heights Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Chelsea Heights is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Tall Cellar, then check out Operator. Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Chelsea Heights is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Chelsea Heights locals actually recommend.

1. The Sunny Store — 328 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Sunny Store has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Hugo — 253 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hugo has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Finn Place — 142 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn Place has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Blue Social — 79 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Blue Social has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Assembly — 318 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Assembly has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

What Nobody Tells You About Chelsea Heights

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights Hotel is a local landmark. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Chelsea Heights’s character. Whether you’re based in Chelsea Heights or visiting from nearby, 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 Depot — 144 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

River Depot has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Main Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Ruby Union — 275 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ruby Union has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. The Southern Union — 290 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Southern Union has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 48 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 fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Otto’s — 204 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: dates

Otto’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Luna’s — 274 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Luna’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Chelsea Heights?

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

Is Chelsea Heights good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Chelsea Heights has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea Heights known for?

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale.

How far is Chelsea Heights from Melbourne CBD?

Chelsea Heights is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Chelsea Heights: 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