Dog-Friendly Cafes in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Rosa |
| Free highlight | The Tall House |
| Family-friendly | The White Depot |
| Locals only | Pantry |
| Indoor option | Luna Store |
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
The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — solid
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 space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — solid 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
Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The mushroom pasta ($27) — solid 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
The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
