Dog-Friendly Cafes in Malvern East Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Rex Store |
| Best free option | The White Quarter |
| Best for families | Cleo |
| Best local secret | Nico Room |
| Best for rainy days | The Northern Press |
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
The room holds 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.
Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — solid 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
The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — solid
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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — solid 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
Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.
Order this: The seasonal special ($24) — solid 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
