Dog-Friendly Cafes in Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Upper Ferntree Gully is genuinely worth exploring. Start at House, then check out Pearl’s. Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Located 30km from the CBD, Upper Ferntree Gully is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Upper Ferntree Gully locals actually recommend.

1. Ada — 205 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Little House — 172 Bridge Drive, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

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

Little House has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Little Cellar — 28 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Little Cellar has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Road is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The New Table — 186 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The New Table has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

5. The Golden Commons — 154 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Commons has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

The Reality of Upper Ferntree Gully

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Access to Dandenong Ranges National Park. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Upper Ferntree Gully’s character. If you’re living in or near Upper Ferntree Gully, 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. Remy’s — 199 Bridge Drive, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: families

Remy’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Ivy — 33 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ivy has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upper Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

8. Felix Lane — 266 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Felix Lane has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

9. Archive — 281 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: remote workers

Archive has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Ash Commons — 229 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: groups

Ash Commons has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Upper Ferntree Gully?

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

Is Upper Ferntree Gully good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Upper Ferntree Gully has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upper Ferntree Gully known for?

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges.

How far is Upper Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Upper Ferntree Gully is 30km, 48min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Upper Ferntree Gully is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026