Dog-Friendly Cafes in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Preston to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Golden Mill is the one everyone knows. Kai Local is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Preston sits in the Middle North corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Preston since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Good Works — 190 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Good Works has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

2. The New Local — 319 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The New Local has been operating in Preston 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Honest Union — 366 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: groups

The Honest Union has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. The Green Cellar — 217 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Green Cellar has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 38 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 mushroom pasta ($13) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. High Corner — 196 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: dates

High Corner has been operating in Preston for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Preston Different

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Preston’s character. For Preston 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.

6. Marco Social — 310 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Marco Social has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Rex’s — 239 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Rex’s has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Humble Commons — 315 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Humble Commons has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Otto Quarter — 20 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto Quarter has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Ada — 348 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Ada has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. The Common Lane — 294 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Common Lane has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Preston?

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

Is Preston good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Preston has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Preston 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