Dog-Friendly Cafes in Fitzroy Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Mill |
| Best free option | Zara Local |
| Best for families | The Little House |
| Best local secret | Nico’s |
| Best for rainy days | Red Cellar |
Fitzroy has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Green Local and Mabel’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 2km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Fitzroy resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.
1. Common Table — 3 Market Grove, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: solo diners
Common Table has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. Little Social — 122 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: budget eaters
Little Social has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Mia’s — 296 Market Grove, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: solo diners
Mia’s has been operating in Fitzroy for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy roaster — ask which one.
4. Ash — 191 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Ash has been operating in Fitzroy for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
The Fitzroy That Locals Know
Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Galleries, vintage shops, live music. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Fitzroy’s character. Whether you’re based in Fitzroy 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.
5. The Good Yard — 216 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The Good Yard has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
6. Hugo’s — 138 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: budget eaters
Hugo’s has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.
The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Leo’s — 248 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Leo’s has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 room holds 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
8. Common Yard — 208 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Common Yard has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. Anchor — 250 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: groups
Anchor has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 46 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 seasonal special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Carlton Dog Friendly Cafes — same vibe, different suburb
- Fitzroy Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Fitzroy Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Fitzroy Complete Guide — everything about Fitzroy
- Compare Suburbs — see how Fitzroy stacks up
- All Fitzroy Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Fitzroy?
Mill is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Fitzroy good for dog friendly cafes?
Yes. Fitzroy has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Fitzroy known for?
Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb.
How far is Fitzroy from Melbourne CBD?
Fitzroy is 2km, 10min tram, 6min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Fitzroy 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

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