Dog-Friendly Cafes in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Highett to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Red Corner is the one everyone knows. Southern Store is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett sits in the Bayside corridor, 15km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Highett since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Good Local — 313 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Good Local has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Blue Lane — 167 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Blue Lane has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

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

Try this: The seasonal special ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Mabel’s — 37 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mabel’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 42 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 fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The Northern Pantry — 150 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Northern Pantry has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Luna Cellar — 261 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: dates

Luna Cellar has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Highett Actually Is

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett 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. Luna Local — 309 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Luna Local has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Ada’s — 262 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ada’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Tall Press — 211 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Tall Press has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Leo’s — 17 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Leo’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Theo Commons — 211 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Theo Commons has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Highett?

Rosa’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Highett good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Highett has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Highett is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026