Dog-Friendly Cafes in Hughesdale Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Hughesdale to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ada’s is the one everyone knows. Luna Store is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal. Hughesdale sits in the Middle South corridor, 14km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Hughesdale since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Max’s — 365 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Max’s has been operating in Hughesdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Rowan Street after 6pm.

2. Sol Pantry — 156 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Sol Pantry has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. The Common Lane — 366 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Common Lane has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 32 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 charcuterie board ($26) — the best version in Hughesdale Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The High Yard — 315 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

The High Yard has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hughesdale roaster — ask which one.

5. Good Local — 20 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Good Local has been operating in Hughesdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

6. The New Union — 227 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

The New Union has been operating in Hughesdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Reality of Hughesdale

Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal. Poath Road shops. Close to Chadstone Shopping Centre. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Hughesdale’s character. If you’re living in or near Hughesdale, 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. Lena’s — 258 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Lena’s has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Ash Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

8. Zara — 165 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Zara has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Southern Depot — 344 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Southern Depot has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

10. Hazel’s — 329 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Hazel’s has been operating in Hughesdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($9) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

11. Marco Social — 265 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco Social has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Lane — 176 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Lane has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Hughesdale?

Nico Table is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Hughesdale good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Hughesdale has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Hughesdale known for?

Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal.

How far is Hughesdale from Melbourne CBD?

Hughesdale is 14km, 24min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Hughesdale won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026