Dog-Friendly Cafes in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Upwey has genuine dog friendly cafes options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Humble Works and Little Place lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Upwey 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. Oliver Kitchen — 352 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Oliver Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Hugo — 284 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Hugo has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

3. High Social — 265 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

High Social has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. The Tall Corner — 187 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

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

The Tall Corner has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($26) 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 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

5. The Blue Yard — 22 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: remote workers

The Blue Yard has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Mia — 361 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mia has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Nobody Tells You About Upwey

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Upwey’s character. Whether you’re based in Upwey 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.

7. The Long Corner — 145 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Long Corner has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Ruby — 77 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ruby has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

9. Luna’s — 307 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Luna’s has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.

10. Stella’s — 228 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A solid local spot Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: families

Stella’s has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($27) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Mabel — 284 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mabel has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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.

Order this: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.

12. Oliver — 64 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: groups

Oliver has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Upwey?

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

Is Upwey good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Upwey has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Upwey: 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