Dog-Friendly Cafes in Epping Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Epping is better than most people realise. Start at Merchant, then check out Gus’s. Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. Located 22km from the CBD, Epping is part of Melbourne’s Outer North 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 Epping locals actually recommend.

1. Cellar — 148 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Cellar has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Pearl Place — 88 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Pearl Place has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) 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 room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The White Lane — 184 Charles Lane, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The White Lane has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Humble Mill — 281 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Humble Mill has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Epping roaster — ask which one.

5. Sunny Depot — 374 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Sunny Depot has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Green House — 345 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: families

Green House has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($8) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on South Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Epping farmers market when it runs.

The Epping That Locals Know

Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. Northern terminus of the Mernda rail line. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Epping’s character. For Epping locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Bright Kitchen — 216 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Bright Kitchen has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 54 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 daily soup ($18) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Ash Union — 53 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ash Union has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Max — 133 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

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

Max has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 42 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Depot — 368 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Depot has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Epping farmers market when it runs.

11. Oliver’s — 77 Charles Lane, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Oliver’s has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Street is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Cleo’s — 308 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Cleo’s has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Epping farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Epping?

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

Is Epping good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Epping has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Epping known for?

Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals.

How far is Epping from Melbourne CBD?

Epping is 22km, 42min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Epping 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