Best Dog Friendly Guide in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Merchant |
| Best free option | Pilgrim |
| Best for families | The Red Depot |
| Best local secret | Long House |
| Best for rainy days | Remy’s |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Cheltenham to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Kai is the one everyone knows. Vera Local is the one they should know. Cheltenham has ikea anchors it as a retail destination.
1. Collective — 84 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Oliver’s — 312 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Ada — 291 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: families
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
4. Leo Table — 221 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Cheltenham roaster — ask which one.
5. High Yard — 256 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — solid
The Reality of Cheltenham
6. Nina Room — 260 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Marco Post — 344 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
8. The Little Depot — 291 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.
9. The New Quarter — 7 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Cheltenham roaster — ask which one.
10. Felix — 266 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.
11. Quarter — 234 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Mentone Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Cheltenham Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Cheltenham Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mordialloc Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Cheltenham stacks up
- All Cheltenham Guides — everything we’ve written about Cheltenham
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Cheltenham known for?
IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.
What is Cheltenham best known for?
Merchant is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?
Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
