Best Dog Friendly Guide in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | White Works | | Best with kids | The Common Press | | Hidden spot | Yard | | Bad weather pick | Felix Quarter |
Vermont South doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Golden Press and Ava Standard are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Vermont South sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby.
1. Theo — 79 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. The Tall Post — 280 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($19) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Mia Mill — 227 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Old Store — 37 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.
5. The Tall Quarter — 143 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($13) — solid
Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing
6. The Common Social — 321 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
7. The Sunny Mill — 59 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
8. Ada Pantry — 16 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.
9. Mia’s — 205 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — solid
10. Kai Local — 188 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
11. Nina’s — 357 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- Vermont Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Vermont South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Vermont South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Forest Hill Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Vermont South stacks up
- All Vermont South Guides — everything we’ve written about Vermont South
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Vermont South known for?
The Glen shopping centre nearby.
What is Vermont South best known for?
Cleo’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
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
