Dog-Friendly Cafes in Footscray Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Footscray to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Oliver is the one everyone knows. Atlas is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs. Footscray sits in the Inner West corridor, 5km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Footscray since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Mia Quarter — 17 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mia Quarter has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Footscray roaster — ask which one.

2. Max’s — 41 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: dates

Max’s has been operating in Footscray for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($9) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Maple Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($10) — the best version in Footscray Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Sol’s — 302 Elm Crescent, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

Sol’s has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Footscray farmers market when it runs.

4. Ash Yard — 286 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: families

Ash Yard has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Golden Commons — 74 Elizabeth Drive, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Golden Commons has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Footscray Actually Is

One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs. Vietnamese, Ethiopian, African, and South Asian cuisines. Footscray Market. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Footscray’s character. For Footscray 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.

6. Sol — 5 Railway Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Sol has been operating in Footscray for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — the best version in Footscray Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

7. The Red Store — 249 Railway Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Red Store has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

8. The New Union — 121 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The New Union has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Nell — 173 Railway Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nell has been operating in Footscray for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Ash Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. The Common House — 361 Ash Road, Footscray VIC 3016

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Common House has been operating in Footscray for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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.

Capacity is around 55 — 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) — the best version in Footscray Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Footscray?

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

Is Footscray good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Footscray has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Footscray known for?

One of Melbourne’s most exciting food suburbs.

How far is Footscray from Melbourne CBD?

Footscray is 5km, 8min train, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Footscray 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