Best Dog Friendly Guide in Heathmont Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Collective |
| Free highlight | Sol Standard |
| Family-friendly | Archive |
| Locals only | Chapter |
| Indoor option | The Sunny Room |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Heathmont 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. Rex is the one everyone knows. Ava Social is the one they should know. Heathmont has quiet suburb at base of dandenong ranges.
1. Marco — 273 Young Street, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Edward Drive is usually fine.
2. Sol’s — 92 Young Street, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Heathmont farmers market when it runs.
3. Luna — 146 Johnston Terrace, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: families
The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Heathmont farmers market when it runs.
4. Vera — 221 Edward Drive, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($11) — solid
5. Operator — 301 Edward Drive, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($20) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Heathmont farmers market when it runs.
The Heathmont That Locals Know
6. Stella Pantry — 14 Brunswick Crescent, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. The Little Mill — 330 Brunswick Crescent, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.
8. Kai House — 310 Johnston Terrace, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. Iris House — 21 Johnston Terrace, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.
10. Bright Commons — 121 Brunswick Crescent, Heathmont VIC 3178
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Ringwood East Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Heathmont Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Heathmont Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Vermont Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Heathmont stacks up
- All Heathmont Guides — everything we’ve written about Heathmont
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Heathmont known for?
Quiet suburb at base of Dandenong Ranges.
What is Heathmont best known for?
Collective is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Heathmont from Melbourne CBD?
Heathmont is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
