Best Dog Friendly Guide in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The Humble Standard |
| Zero-cost winner | The Northern Union |
| Kid-approved | High House |
| Under the radar | Otto |
| Wet day saviour | Otto |
Highett doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. White Quarter and The Red Corner are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Highett sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Highett is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Zara Press — 320 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. Red Place — 94 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Oliver — 378 Young Street, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Mabel Press — 130 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. River’s — 120 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.
What Makes Highett Different
6. Common Pantry — 298 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. Mia’s — 21 Young Street, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. Vera Pantry — 28 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The house-made relish ($11) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
9. The Little Works — 378 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.
10. The Red Table — 110 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The house-made relish ($21) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.
11. The Sunny Works — 6 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — solid
12. The Blue Bench — 266 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3158
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Highett Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Highett Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Highett stacks up
- All Highett Guides — everything we’ve written about Highett
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Highett known for?
Highett is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What is Highett best known for?
The Humble Standard is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?
Highett is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport 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
