Best Dog Friendly Guide in Essendon North Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Essendon North locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The dog friendly guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Lane, then work your way to The Red Table. Essendon North is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This is Essendon North in 2026.

1. Nina — 196 Brunswick Parade, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: families

Nina has been operating in Essendon North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Rowan Street is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Luna Depot — 240 Bell Road, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Luna Depot has been operating in Essendon North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Essendon North Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Nico Cellar — 266 Rowan Street, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nico Cellar has been operating in Essendon North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Essendon North farmers market when it runs.

4. Hazel Union — 3 Bell Road, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: solo diners

Hazel Union has been operating in Essendon North for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Essendon North farmers market when it runs.

5. Store — 345 Railway Grove, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Store has been operating in Essendon North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Essendon North Is Worth Knowing

Essendon North is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Essendon North’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Essendon North, 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. Ash Commons — 72 Rowan Street, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: remote workers

Ash Commons has been operating in Essendon North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Leo — 197 Plenty Road, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: solo diners

Leo has been operating in Essendon North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Archive — 355 Railway Grove, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Archive has been operating in Essendon North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. The Green Kitchen — 316 Bell Road, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: dates

The Green Kitchen has been operating in Essendon North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. The White Lane — 32 Plenty Road, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The White Lane has been operating in Essendon North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. The Southern Place — 93 Bell Road, Essendon North VIC 3024

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Southern Place has been operating in Essendon North for since the early 2020s 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.

The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Essendon North worth visiting?

Yes. Essendon North 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 Essendon North known for?

Essendon North is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

What is Essendon North best known for?

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

How far is Essendon North from Melbourne CBD?

Essendon North is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.

Essendon North 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