Dog-Friendly Cafes in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Gus and Ash Post lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Forest Hill 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. The Golden Commons — 220 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Golden Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

2. Felix Depot — 251 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Felix Depot has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Mia’s — 198 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Mia’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Red Depot — 117 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Red Depot has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Stella Mill — 274 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: groups

Stella Mill has been operating in Forest Hill 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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. The Half Commons — 236 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: solo diners

The Half Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Nobody Tells You About Forest Hill

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. If you’re living in or near Forest Hill, 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. Local — 262 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: remote workers

Local has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Marco Works — 127 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Marco Works has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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.

Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Green Depot — 137 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: families

Green Depot has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

10. Golden Lane — 359 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Golden Lane has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

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.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

11. Ivy Standard — 17 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ivy Standard has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

12. Ivy’s — 30 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Ivy’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Forest Hill?

The Little Corner is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Forest Hill good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Forest Hill has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Forest Hill is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Forest Hill 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