Dog-Friendly Cafes in Ringwood East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Ringwood East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Long Press is the one everyone knows. The Honest Lane is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Residential suburb between Ringwood and Croydon. Ringwood East sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ringwood East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Little Local — 157 Charles Drive, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Little Local has been operating in Ringwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. New Lane — 340 Creek Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

New Lane has been operating in Ringwood East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Felix Cellar — 308 Church Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Felix Cellar has been operating in Ringwood East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Ringwood East farmers market when it runs.

4. The High Table — 332 Church Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The High Table has been operating in Ringwood East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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.

Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($22) — the best version in Ringwood East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood East roaster — ask which one.

What Nobody Tells You About Ringwood East

Residential suburb between Ringwood and Croydon. Ringwood East station provides rail access. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Ringwood East’s character. For Ringwood East 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.

5. New Kitchen — 162 Bridge Lane, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

New Kitchen has been operating in Ringwood East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($26) — the best version in Ringwood East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. The Half Pantry — 271 Creek Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups

The Half Pantry has been operating in Ringwood East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood East roaster — ask which one.

7. Ash’s — 63 Charles Drive, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: groups

Ash’s has been operating in Ringwood East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Mabel’s — 374 Charles Drive, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Mabel’s has been operating in Ringwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 64 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 ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Depot — 7 Thomas Place, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Depot has been operating in Ringwood East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Ringwood East?

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

Is Ringwood East good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Ringwood East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Ringwood East known for?

Residential suburb between Ringwood and Croydon.

How far is Ringwood East from Melbourne CBD?

Ringwood East is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Ringwood East 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