Dog-Friendly Cafes in Sandringham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Sandringham is growing every year. Start at Zara Table, then check out Stella Table. Bay Trail passes through. Located 16km from the CBD, Sandringham is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Sandringham locals actually recommend.

1. Leo Yard — 234 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

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

Leo Yard has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Ada Corner — 93 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: groups

Ada Corner has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Lucky Corner — 106 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Lucky Corner has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Little Press — 368 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Little Press has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

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.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

5. Bright Store — 347 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Bright Store has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Sandringham That Locals Know

Bay Trail passes through. Sandringham Beach and yacht club. Sandringham village has independent shops and cafes. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Sandringham’s character. For Sandringham 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. Honest Post — 44 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Honest Post has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Sandringham roaster — ask which one.

7. Ruby Quarter — 327 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: dates

Ruby Quarter has been operating in Sandringham 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($25) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. New Bench — 368 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

New Bench has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

9. The Little Mill — 14 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Little Mill has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Luna — 49 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Luna has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 room holds 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Sandringham farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Sandringham?

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

Is Sandringham good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Sandringham has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Sandringham known for?

Bay Trail passes through.

How far is Sandringham from Melbourne CBD?

Sandringham is 16km, 30min train, 22min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Sandringham to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026