Best Dog Friendly Guide in Craigieburn Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Craigieburn 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. Long Table is the one everyone knows. Quarter is the one they should know. Craigieburn has merri creek begins its 60km journey to port phillip bay here.

1. The Long Store — 167 Victoria Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Long Store has been operating in Craigieburn 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in Craigieburn Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Lucky Mill — 354 Bourke Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Lucky Mill has been operating in Craigieburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Luna Yard — 149 Rowan Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Luna Yard has been operating in Craigieburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Craigieburn roaster — ask which one.

4. Nina — 343 Bourke Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nina has been operating in Craigieburn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. The Tall Quarter — 13 Rowan Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Tall Quarter has been operating in Craigieburn 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 space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Craigieburn farmers market when it runs.

The Craigieburn That Locals Know

Merri Creek begins its 60km journey to Port Phillip Bay here. Craigieburn Bypass (2005) transformed a small town into a major suburb. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Craigieburn’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Craigieburn locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Lucky Quarter — 94 Victoria Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Lucky Quarter has been operating in Craigieburn 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Craigieburn Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

7. Ava’s — 170 Bourke Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava’s has been operating in Craigieburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Craigieburn farmers market when it runs.

8. The White House — 226 Bourke Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The White House has been operating in Craigieburn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Craigieburn Insider tip: They source produce from Craigieburn farmers market when it runs.

9. Cellar — 264 Victoria Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Cellar has been operating in Craigieburn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Craigieburn Insider tip: They source produce from Craigieburn farmers market when it runs.

10. Ivy’s — 372 Victoria Parade, Craigieburn VIC 3084

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ivy’s has been operating in Craigieburn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($9) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Craigieburn worth visiting?

Yes. Craigieburn 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 Craigieburn known for?

Merri Creek begins its 60km journey to Port Phillip Bay here.

What is Craigieburn best known for?

Lena Place is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Craigieburn from Melbourne CBD?

Craigieburn is 30km, 48min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Craigieburn is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026