Dog-Friendly Cafes in Wantirna South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Wantirna South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Southern Mill is the one everyone knows. Ava’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Wantirna 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 Wantirna South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Marco’s — 339 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Marco’s has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

2. Kitchen — 44 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Kitchen has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

3. Luna Cellar — 54 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Luna Cellar has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($25) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

4. Room — 379 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Room has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Reality of Wantirna South

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Westfield Knox. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Wantirna South’s character. Whether you’re based in Wantirna 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. Ivy Post — 250 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ivy Post has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Little Cellar — 103 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Little Cellar has been operating in Wantirna South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($16) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Ava — 276 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Ava has been operating in Wantirna South for since 2019 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 room holds 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna South roaster — ask which one.

8. Zara’s — 306 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: dates

Zara’s has been operating in Wantirna South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna South roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Wantirna South good for dog friendly cafes?

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

What is Wantirna South known for?

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls.

How far is Wantirna South from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Wantirna South won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026