Best Dog Friendly Guide in Clifton Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Mabel Place | | Best with kids | Marco’s | | Hidden spot | Hugo’s | | Bad weather pick | Ada’s |
Clifton Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ivy and Felix’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Clifton Hill sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Clifton Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Cleo Social — 125 Albert Crescent, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Park Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Clifton Hill roaster — ask which one.
2. Nell’s — 118 Margaret Place, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — solid
3. The White Store — 99 Albert Crescent, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. The Long Standard — 145 Park Terrace, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
5. White Room — 6 Park Terrace, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Why Locals Stay in Clifton Hill
6. The White Standard — 336 Main Drive, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Park Terrace is usually fine.
7. Good Place — 224 Main Drive, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. The Honest Depot — 14 Main Drive, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 59 — 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.
9. The Half Room — 15 West Crescent, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Clifton Hill roaster — ask which one.
10. Kai — 238 Albert Crescent, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Albert Crescent is usually fine.
Get the: The charcuterie board ($26) — solid
11. Blue Depot — 132 Albert Crescent, Clifton Hill VIC 3024
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($14) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Clifton Hill farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Clifton Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Clifton Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Clifton Hill stacks up
- All Clifton Hill Guides — everything we’ve written about Clifton Hill
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Clifton Hill known for?
Clifton Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What is Clifton Hill best known for?
Stella’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Clifton Hill from Melbourne CBD?
Clifton Hill is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Clifton Hill won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
