Dog-Friendly Cafes in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Little Corner |
| Best free option | The Golden Post |
| Best for families | Hazel Press |
| Best local secret | New Mill |
| Best for rainy days | Iris’s |
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 room holds 53 and fills on weekends. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — solid 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
Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — solid
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
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($20) — solid 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 space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — solid 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
Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — solid 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
The space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
Try this: The fish special ($24) — solid 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
