Dog-Friendly Cafes in Oakleigh South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Oakleigh South is growing every year. Start at Green Place, then check out The Lucky House. Residential suburb with Oakleigh South Shopping Centre. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Oakleigh South 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 Oakleigh South locals actually recommend.

1. Luna’s — 315 Ash Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: dates

Luna’s has been operating in Oakleigh South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Oakleigh South roaster — ask which one.

2. The Red Table — 330 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: solo diners

The Red Table has been operating in Oakleigh South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. The New Commons — 20 Ash Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The New Commons has been operating in Oakleigh South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Mabel — 46 Ash Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel has been operating in Oakleigh South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Oakleigh South Actually Is

Residential suburb with Oakleigh South Shopping Centre. Close to Huntingdale station. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Oakleigh South’s character. If you’re living in or near Oakleigh South, 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.

5. The Bright Depot — 193 Ash Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Bright Depot has been operating in Oakleigh South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Ava’s — 256 High Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in Oakleigh South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the best version in Oakleigh South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Oakleigh South roaster — ask which one.

7. Little Corner — 314 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Little Corner has been operating in Oakleigh South for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Oakleigh South farmers market when it runs.

8. The Little Room — 293 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: dates

The Little Room has been operating in Oakleigh South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Kai Works — 297 Bay Terrace, Oakleigh South VIC 3165

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Kai Works has been operating in Oakleigh South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Oakleigh South?

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

Is Oakleigh South good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Oakleigh South has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Oakleigh South known for?

Residential suburb with Oakleigh South Shopping Centre.

How far is Oakleigh South from Melbourne CBD?

Oakleigh South is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Oakleigh South: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026