Dog-Friendly Cafes in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Vermont South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Little Standard is the one everyone knows. Max House is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Vermont South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Bright Pantry — 175 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Bright Pantry has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Old Local — 215 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Old Local has been operating in Vermont South 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($13) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. New Cellar — 351 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

New Cellar has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Oliver Table — 123 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

Oliver Table has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Vermont South That Locals Know

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Vermont South’s character. Whether you’re based in Vermont South 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. Lena Place — 202 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Lena Place has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($13) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Blue Store — 331 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Blue Store has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Oliver’s — 139 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Oliver’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Remy’s — 151 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Remy’s has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Vermont South has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Vermont South isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026