Best Dog Friendly Guide in Epping Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Nell’s |
| Free highlight | Sol’s |
| Family-friendly | Half Quarter |
| Locals only | Old Room |
| Indoor option | Ash Bench |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Epping to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Nell is the one everyone knows. Zara is the one they should know. Epping has home to northern hospital, one of melbourne’s busiest public hospitals.
1. Zara Lane — 287 Charles Lane, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Max — 33 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bay Street is usually fine.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — solid
3. Place — 52 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.
4. Hazel Table — 126 Charles Lane, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Oliver’s — 289 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: families
The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
What Makes Epping Different
6. Bright Yard — 54 Charles Lane, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 45 — 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.
7. High Cellar — 330 South Road, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.
8. Vera’s — 253 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Union — 368 South Road, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Epping farmers market when it runs.
10. Oliver Quarter — 21 South Road, Epping VIC 3094
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Greenvale Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Epping Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Epping Things to Do — the full activity guide
- South Morang Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Epping stacks up
- All Epping Guides — everything we’ve written about Epping
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Epping known for?
Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals.
What is Epping best known for?
Nell’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Epping from Melbourne CBD?
Epping is 22km, 42min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Epping to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026
