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| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Gus’s |
| Free highlight | Gus Cellar |
| Family-friendly | Theo’s |
| Locals only | Rosa Yard |
| Indoor option | Northern Social |
1. Golden Yard — 289 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
2. Remy Kitchen — 173 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Cellar — 316 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.
Go for: The seasonal special ($27) — solid
4. Little Place — 88 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Church Place is usually fine.
5. Otto’s — 349 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
6. Lucky Corner — 233 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Mernda — The Honest Version
End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Was a tiny rural township; now tens of thousands of new residents. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Mernda’s character. For Mernda locals and anyone in the area, 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. Good Bench — 99 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Lucky Table — 336 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. Blue Commons — 138 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($12) — solid
10. Rosa’s — 235 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The house-made relish ($21) — solid
11. The Northern Works — 228 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
12. The Common Quarter — 262 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- South Morang Dog Friendly Cafes — same vibe, different suburb
- Mernda Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Mernda Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mernda Complete Guide — everything about Mernda
- Compare Suburbs — see how Mernda stacks up
- All Mernda Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
**What are the best d
