Dog-Friendly Cafes in Malvern East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Malvern East is better than most people realise. Start at Hugo, then check out Old Cellar. Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Malvern East is part of Melbourne’s Middle South region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Malvern East locals actually recommend.

1. New Union — 294 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

New Union has been operating in Malvern East for several years 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.

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

2. Finn’s — 218 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn’s has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Malvern East Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern East farmers market when it runs.

3. Tall Depot — 40 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: families

Tall Depot has been operating in Malvern East for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.

Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Honest Store — 198 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Honest Store has been operating in Malvern East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Long Quarter — 109 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Long Quarter has been operating in Malvern East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Locals Stay in Malvern East

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Close to Chadstone and Malvern retail. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Malvern East’s character. Whether you’re based in Malvern East or visiting from nearby, 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. Old Room — 100 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Old Room has been operating in Malvern East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

7. The White Cellar — 124 King Terrace, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The White Cellar has been operating in Malvern East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the best version in Malvern East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. River — 132 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River has been operating in Malvern East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Lucky Press — 284 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lucky Press has been operating in Malvern East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern East farmers market when it runs.

10. Rex Table — 288 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: families

Rex Table has been operating in Malvern East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Mia Table — 306 King Terrace, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: dates

Mia Table has been operating in Malvern East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Malvern East?

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

Is Malvern East good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Malvern East has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Malvern East known for?

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops.

How far is Malvern East from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Malvern East 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