Dog-Friendly Cafes in Sandhurst Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Sandhurst is better than most people realise. Start at The New Place, then check out Commons. Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course. Located 42km from the CBD, Sandhurst is part of Melbourne’s Outer South East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Sandhurst locals actually recommend.

1. Ava Place — 70 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ava Place has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Common Pantry — 328 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: families

The Common Pantry has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. The White Mill — 370 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: dates

The White Mill has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

4. Corner — 265 Rowan Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: dates

Corner has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Good Room — 70 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: dates

Good Room has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on East Street after 6pm.

6. Lucky Social — 359 Swan Street, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: groups

Lucky Social has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade 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.

The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Rowan Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Sandhurst farmers market when it runs.

What Makes Sandhurst Different

Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course. Sandhurst Club is one of Melbourne’s premier golf facilities. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Sandhurst’s character. For Sandhurst 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.

7. Marco’s — 160 Swan Street, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Marco’s has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) 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 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. White Depot — 190 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

White Depot has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. New Pantry — 13 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

New Pantry has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

10. Nell Table — 167 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nell Table has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Nina — 264 Rowan Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: groups

Nina has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. White Depot — 254 Swan Street, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Depot has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($20) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Sandhurst?

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

Is Sandhurst good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Sandhurst has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Sandhurst known for?

Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course.

How far is Sandhurst from Melbourne CBD?

Sandhurst is 42km, no direct train, 48min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Sandhurst is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026