Dog-Friendly Cafes in Thomastown Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Thomastown to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. River is the one everyone knows. Lane is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown sits in the Outer North corridor, 17km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Thomastown since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Long House — 324 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Long House has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thomastown roaster — ask which one.

2. The Bright Commons — 287 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Bright Commons has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Henry Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Sunny Standard — 230 Henry Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Sunny Standard has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Henry Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Long Corner — 302 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Long Corner has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

5. Zara Social — 45 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Zara Social has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Theo’s — 363 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: budget eaters

Theo’s has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($27) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Locals Stay in Thomastown

Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown Recreation Reserve is a major sporting hub. Close to Northern Ring Road access. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Thomastown’s character. For Thomastown 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. Iris’s — 275 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Iris’s has been operating in Thomastown 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Lucky Place — 119 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Lucky Place has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: They source produce from Thomastown farmers market when it runs.

9. Ash Press — 296 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Ash Press has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Common Cellar — 283 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Common Cellar has been operating in Thomastown 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Zara — 263 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Zara has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Hugo’s — 368 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups

Hugo’s has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thomastown roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Thomastown?

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

Is Thomastown good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Thomastown has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Thomastown known for?

Industrial and residential mix.

How far is Thomastown from Melbourne CBD?

Thomastown is 17km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Thomastown 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