Dog-Friendly Cafes in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Mentone has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Theo’s and Humble Bench lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 20km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Mentone resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Pearl — 281 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Pearl has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Long Depot — 309 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Long Depot has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Sol Yard — 362 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol Yard has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. The Humble Place — 78 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Humble Place has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. New Lane — 335 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

New Lane has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. River’s — 123 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

River’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Mentone — The Honest Version

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Mentone’s character. If you’re living in or near Mentone, 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. Atlas Lane — 168 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: solo diners

Atlas Lane has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

8. Hugo’s — 327 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Hugo’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Tall Cellar — 63 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups

Tall Cellar has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Leo’s — 354 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($13) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Max’s — 118 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Max’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Society — 74 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Society has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Mentone?

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

Is Mentone good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Mentone has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Mentone 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