Best Dog Friendly Guide in Port Melbourne Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Nina Store |
| Zero-cost winner | The Half Yard |
| Kid-approved | Ivy |
| Under the radar | Archive |
| Wet day saviour | Finn Cellar |
The dog friendly guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Finn’s, then work your way to Hazel Commons. Port Melbourne is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This is Port Melbourne in 2026.
1. Ruby — 331 King Lane, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Port Melbourne farmers market when it runs.
2. The High Commons — 225 King Lane, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Market Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Port Melbourne farmers market when it runs.
3. Golden Lane — 234 River Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. River Quarter — 19 King Lane, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Southern House — 262 King Lane, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
The Port Melbourne That Locals Know
6. The Bright Pantry — 369 Market Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Sol — 207 Market Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Merchant — 149 Bridge Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Port Melbourne farmers market when it runs.
9. Sol Place — 22 King Lane, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Nina’s — 222 Bridge Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3112
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — solid
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Port Melbourne Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Port Melbourne Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Port Melbourne stacks up
- All Port Melbourne Guides — everything we’ve written about Port Melbourne
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Port Melbourne known for?
Port Melbourne is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What is Port Melbourne best known for?
Nina Store is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Port Melbourne from Melbourne CBD?
Port Melbourne is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
