Best Dog Friendly Guide in Kew Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Blue Press |
| Best free option | Hugo Table |
| Best for families | Cleo’s |
| Best local secret | Collective |
| Best for rainy days | Sol’s |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Kew 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. Depot is the one everyone knows. Ash’s is the one they should know. Kew has kew is a growing melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Standard — 310 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($25) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. The Tall Store — 256 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.
3. Max — 50 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Zara Store — 198 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($25) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.
5. Mabel Quarter — 77 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.
Why Locals Stay in Kew
6. Gus Union — 281 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Max Press — 224 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. Bright Commons — 3 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. The Sunny Depot — 2 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.
10. The Southern Cellar — 290 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Ruby Commons — 197 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3136
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Kew Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Kew Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Kew stacks up
- All Kew Guides — everything we’ve written about Kew
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Kew known for?
Kew is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What is Kew best known for?
The Blue Press is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?
Kew is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Kew 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
