Dog-Friendly Cafes in Richmond Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Richmond to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ada Press is the one everyone knows. The Golden Pantry is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Richmond sits in the Inner East corridor, 3km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Richmond since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Northern Lane — 369 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: groups

The Northern Lane has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. River Bench — 171 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

River Bench has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

3. Union — 220 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Union has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($27) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on North Street is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Rex Depot — 234 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Rex Depot has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Leo’s — 259 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Leo’s has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($19) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Richmond Actually Is

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Richmond’s character. For Richmond 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. The Northern Cellar — 6 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: families

The Northern Cellar has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.

7. Atlas Standard — 58 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Atlas Standard has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Nell Bench — 154 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nell Bench has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($22) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Lena Room — 280 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: families

Lena Room has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Albert Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. The White Mill — 224 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

The White Mill has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Richmond?

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

Is Richmond good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Richmond has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Richmond known for?

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.

How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?

Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Richmond: 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