Dog-Friendly Cafes in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Otto’s |
| Best free option | Nico |
| Best for families | Ivy’s |
| Best local secret | Gus Cellar |
| Best for rainy days | Ivy’s |
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 room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($15) — solid
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 room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.
Try this: The seasonal special ($26) — solid 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
Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
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 room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 47 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.
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
The room holds 63 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.
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
The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.
Come back for: The charcuterie board ($21) — solid 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
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The house-made relish ($18) — solid 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
Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
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
