Best Dog Friendly Guide in Bundoora Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Bundoora 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. Ash’s and Tall Works are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Bundoora sits 16km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses.

1. Bright Social — 324 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: families

Bright Social has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($9) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($10) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Nell’s — 180 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nell’s has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. The Southern Store — 199 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: remote workers

The Southern Store has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Finn Local — 165 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Finn Local has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Otto’s — 91 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Otto’s has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.

Bundoora — The Honest Version

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Major education precinct. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Bundoora’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Bundoora or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Good Social — 85 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Good Social has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Iris’s — 275 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: solo diners

Iris’s has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bundoora roaster — ask which one.

8. Red Table — 221 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Red Table has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($19) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. The Red Store — 75 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Red Store has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. The Green Room — 184 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Green Room has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Bundoora worth visiting?

Yes. Bundoora has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Bundoora known for?

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses.

What is Bundoora best known for?

Remy’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Bundoora from Melbourne CBD?

Bundoora is 16km, no direct train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Bundoora: 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