Dog-Friendly Cafes in Toorak Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Toorak has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Tall Corner and Southern Pantry lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 5km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Toorak 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. Lucky Quarter — 363 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups

Lucky Quarter has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

2. Hazel Quarter — 372 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hazel Quarter has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Nina Press — 1 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nina Press has been operating in Toorak for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. River — 142 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

River has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

5. Canvas — 242 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Canvas has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Toorak Actually Is

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Toorak Road and Toorak Village have luxury retail. Median house price over $4 million. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Toorak’s character. If you’re living in or near Toorak, 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.

6. Hugo Place — 320 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hugo Place has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($27) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

7. The Long Room — 275 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Long Room has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Ava — 308 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: solo diners

Ava has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. The Good House — 249 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Good House has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Place — 338 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Place has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($27) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Toorak?

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

Is Toorak good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Toorak has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Toorak known for?

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

How far is Toorak from Melbourne CBD?

Toorak is 5km, 10min tram, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Toorak: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026