Best Dog Friendly Guide in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Lucky Place | | Best with kids | The New Corner | | Hidden spot | Leo | | Bad weather pick | Chapter |
Research doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Green Yard and Oliver’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Research sits 9-20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
1. Luna’s — 313 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($16) — solid
2. Ruby Standard — 340 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Mill — 198 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The fish special ($17) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
4. Oliver Standard — 276 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Hugo — 331 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
What Nobody Tells You About Research
6. River Yard — 134 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
Ask for: The sourdough bread ($13) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
7. Oliver — 108 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
8. Theo Depot — 196 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Mia’s — 271 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The fish special ($19) — solid
10. Half Place — 145 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Eltham Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Research Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Research Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Niddrie Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Research stacks up
- All Research Guides — everything we’ve written about Research
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
What is Research best known for?
Local is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?
Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Research 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
