Dog-Friendly Cafes in Surrey Hills Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Surrey Hills is growing every year. Start at Yard, then check out Honest Commons. Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Surrey Hills is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Surrey Hills locals actually recommend.

1. Humble Table — 249 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: dates

Humble Table has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

2. Oliver’s — 30 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Oliver’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Surrey Hills roaster — ask which one.

3. Ava Yard — 212 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava Yard has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

4. Room — 358 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Room has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Surrey Hills Is Worth Knowing

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Strong community identity. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Surrey Hills’s character. If you’re living in or near Surrey Hills, 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. The Long Press — 10 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Long Press has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

6. The High Quarter — 289 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The High Quarter has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Atlas Yard — 111 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the whole crew

Atlas Yard has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Cleo Works — 64 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Cleo Works has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($15) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Surrey Hills?

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

Is Surrey Hills good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Surrey Hills has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

How far is Surrey Hills from Melbourne CBD?

Surrey Hills is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Surrey Hills 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