Dog-Friendly Cafes in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Templestowe Lower has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Humble House and Mill lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Templestowe Lower resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Little Pantry — 308 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Little Pantry has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

2. Nina’s — 353 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: families

Nina’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Golden Local — 253 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Local has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Iris’s — 259 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Iris’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. The Red Local — 9 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Red Local has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. The Half Bench — 236 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: groups

The Half Bench has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Templestowe Lower That Locals Know

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. For Templestowe Lower 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. Ava’s — 118 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ava’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Theo — 67 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Theo has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

9. Hazel’s — 282 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hazel’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Mia Table — 124 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Mia Table has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Vera Yard — 257 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Vera Yard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($27) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Theo’s — 279 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Theo’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Templestowe Lower?

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

Is Templestowe Lower good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Templestowe Lower won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026