Dog-Friendly Cafes in Wantirna Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The dog friendly cafes scene in Wantirna is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Humble Store, then check out Mia Table. Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Wantirna 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 Wantirna locals actually recommend.

1. New Corner — 363 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: remote workers

New Corner has been operating in Wantirna for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Wantirna Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna farmers market when it runs.

2. Remy Press — 139 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: groups

Remy Press has been operating in Wantirna for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Bright Lane — 326 Elm Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: dates

The Bright Lane has been operating in Wantirna for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna farmers market when it runs.

4. Old Store — 74 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Old Store has been operating in Wantirna for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

The Wantirna That Locals Know

Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail. Close proximity to both Eastlink and the Ranges. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Wantirna’s character. If you’re living in or near Wantirna, 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. Lucky Union — 52 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Worth the detour Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Lucky Union has been operating in Wantirna for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. The Little Room — 303 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Little Room has been operating in Wantirna for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Wantirna Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. The Northern Place — 63 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Northern Place has been operating in Wantirna for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Wantirna Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Mia’s — 229 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138

What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups

Mia’s has been operating in Wantirna for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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.

Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Wantirna?

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

Is Wantirna good for dog friendly cafes?

Yes. Wantirna has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Wantirna known for?

Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail.

How far is Wantirna from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Wantirna: 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