Best Dog Friendly Guide in Wantirna Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Ava Cellar |
| Zero-cost winner | The Humble Local |
| Kid-approved | Ruby |
| Under the radar | The Lucky Press |
| Wet day saviour | Corner |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Wantirna to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Little Press is the one everyone knows. Nico Union is the one they should know. Wantirna has studfield shopping centre and knox city provide retail.
1. Ada Press — 88 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna farmers market when it runs.
2. Ash — 109 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna roaster — ask which one.
3. Stella Press — 282 Elm Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Finn’s — 66 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Nina — 101 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
The Reality of Wantirna
6. Max Commons — 268 Elm Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Sol Room — 269 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($13) — solid
8. Half Mill — 230 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. High Press — 174 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Sol — 209 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Little Quarter — 150 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 44 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.
Explore More
- Ferntree Gully Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Wantirna Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Wantirna Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Knoxfield Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Wantirna stacks up
- All Wantirna Guides — everything we’ve written about Wantirna
FAQ
Yes. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Wantirna known for?
Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail.
What is Wantirna best known for?
Ava Cellar is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Wantirna from Melbourne CBD?
Wantirna is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Wantirna 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
