Dog-Friendly Cafes in The Basin Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in The Basin to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Old Table is the one everyone knows. Old Store is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin sits in the Outer East corridor, 32km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering The Basin since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ada — 1 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ada has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.

2. Tall Press — 302 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Tall Press has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

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

3. Northern Bench — 222 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Northern Bench has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Place is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from The Basin farmers market when it runs.

4. Nell Commons — 39 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nell Commons has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($27) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

What Nobody Tells You About The Basin

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin Triangle shops. Direct access to 1000 Steps and Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect The Basin’s character. Whether you’re based in The Basin or visiting from nearby, 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 Honest Quarter — 164 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: families

The Honest Quarter has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. White Depot — 208 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Depot has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Lena House — 127 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: the whole crew

Lena House has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Lena Place — 77 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Lena Place has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in The Basin?

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

Is The Basin good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. The Basin has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is The Basin known for?

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.

How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD?

The Basin is 32km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — The Basin 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