Dog-Friendly Cafes in Montmorency Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Montmorency has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Lucky House and The Southern Post lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 19km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Leafy suburb at the base of the Yarra Ranges. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Montmorency 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. Ash Bench — 174 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ash Bench has been operating in Montmorency for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Oliver Quarter — 378 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Oliver Quarter has been operating in Montmorency for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Ada Table — 82 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: groups

Ada Table has been operating in Montmorency for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montmorency roaster — ask which one.

4. Hugo Works — 67 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Hugo Works has been operating in Montmorency for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on James Street after 6pm.

5. Room — 341 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

Room has been operating in Montmorency for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Hill Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Montmorency Actually Is

Leafy suburb at the base of the Yarra Ranges. Were Shire bushland and walking trails nearby. Strong community identity. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Montmorency’s character. Whether you’re based in Montmorency 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. Ash — 340 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash has been operating in Montmorency for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Montmorency Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Table — 7 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Table has been operating in Montmorency for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lake Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Montmorency Insider tip: They source produce from Montmorency farmers market when it runs.

8. Nell’s — 242 James Grove, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell’s has been operating in Montmorency for several years 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.

The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Nell’s — 155 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nell’s has been operating in Montmorency for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. The Southern Table — 3 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Southern Table has been operating in Montmorency for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Montmorency farmers market when it runs.

11. The Little Quarter — 182 Cecil Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3064

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Little Quarter has been operating in Montmorency for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($27) 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 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Montmorency farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Montmorency?

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

Is Montmorency good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Montmorency has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Montmorency known for?

Leafy suburb at the base of the Yarra Ranges.

How far is Montmorency from Melbourne CBD?

Montmorency is 19km, 36min train, 26min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Montmorency isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026