Best Dog Friendly Guide in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | The Humble Mill | | Best with kids | White Commons | | Hidden spot | Mia Place | | Bad weather pick | The Humble Cellar |
Mentone doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Sol Lane and Cleo Press are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Mentone sits 20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.
1. Mabel Place — 112 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($10) — solid
2. Stella’s — 82 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Green Place — 19 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
4. Place — 31 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Long Corner — 361 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.
Mentone — The Honest Version
6. Nell — 357 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. The Little Yard — 43 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($22) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Lane — 12 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.
9. Rosa’s — 242 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.
10. The Northern Social — 48 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.
11. Nell’s — 229 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
12. Vera’s — 44 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Cheltenham Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Mentone Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Mentone Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mordialloc Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Mentone stacks up
- All Mentone Guides — everything we’ve written about Mentone
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Mentone known for?
Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.
What is Mentone best known for?
Ivy is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?
Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Mentone 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
