5 Dog-friendly Venues for an Ulti-Mutt Good Time

You know the drill…it’s time for Sunday brunch and your furry friend is giving you the evil eye knowing you are heading off for foodie fun.

Don’t despair, there are plenty of dog-friendly venues where you can say bone appetit to not only your own hunger but also your pooch’s.

Here are five of our faves for a pawsome time:

With a modern take on Melbourne brunch classics, Bellboy on Nicholson Street is the hippest café on the East Brunswick block. Named after owner Emilio’s first job in the industry, you will find subtle nods to bellboys and hotels throughout the café, where a chic interior vibe of mature tones, stone, polished floors and solid timbers sets the scene for leisurely dining.

 

A spacious outdoor terrace, complete with a ‘check-in zone’ for your furry friends, along with puppuccinos, treats and tummy pats, is ideal for relaxing and reconnecting with family over dishes like a prawn and crab roll with avocado, gem lettuce, spicy mayo and soft herbs on a brioche bun, with chips.

Discover Parkville’s hidden ‘little treasure’ dining destination, Café Tesorina on Morrah Street. Step beyond the pink façade to find a warm and inviting vibe of bright blue subway tiles, exposed well-worn brick and potted greenery to join a lively buzz of conversation as friends gather over a bite and a brew.

 

On balmy days, sit alfresco under market umbrellas with your best doggy friend and peruse an all-day menu with offerings such as Sicilian baked eggplant, cooked in tomato sugo, with walnut pesto, a poached egg and sourdough toast, or prosciutto and peach bruschetta with feta, honey and thyme.

Discover Gundagai’s locally-loved art deco-styled Greek diner, Niagara Café on Sheridan Street for brunch fare with flair. This more than a century old café has been restored to its former glory with booth tables, a long-curved counter and cabinets overflowing with takeaway treats.

 

Bring your furry companions for a coffee in the outdoor dog-friendly area as you start your day the right way with a bacon, lettuce and tomato toasted sandwich on Turkish bread, or a ham and cheese croissant; while the lunch crowd enjoys plates such as a seafood basket with battered fish, crumbed squid rings, Panko scallops, a prawn cutlet, chips and salad.

Those seeking delicious food and exceptional coffee in the heart of Paddington, head down Glenmore Road to find Juniper Café & Bar. Take to the alfresco area under striped awnings on balmy days and soak up all the vibe of bustling Five Ways with a latte in hand, or head indoors to join the buzz of lively conversation over all-day breakfast and lunch plates.

 

Bring Fido along as you devour truffled smoked salmon scrambled eggs on sourdough, with avocado, crispy kale, Parmesan and Hollandaise; or a breakfast burrito with eggs, baked beans, hash brown, baby spinach, cheese, salsa, avocado and chipotle Hollandaise.

Soak up beautiful water views of Moreton Bay as you and your four-legged friend hang out for a bite and a brew at Zesty Lemon Café on Bayview Terrace in Deception Bay. This well-loved café offers balmy alfresco dining at bright red, blue, green and yellow chairs as breezes rustle nearby trees; or head indoors to find a cottage vibe of recycled timber, glowing pendents and potted greenery, ideal for lingering over a meal with friends.

 

From guide dogs to family pets, furry customers are more than welcome at this café as guests drool over breaky plates of a smoked salmon rosti, with spinach, poached egg and Hollandaise sauce; drop in for a lunch of housemade corn fritters with salsa, avocado and a poached egg, or chow down on a gourmet chicken toastie with cheese, tomato, spinach, aioli and chips.