Best Dog Friendly Guide in Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Ferntree Gully 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. Green Quarter and The Northern Pantry are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Ferntree Gully sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks.

1. Chapter — 359 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: remote workers

Chapter has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Lucky Quarter — 243 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Lucky Quarter has been operating in Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

3. The Blue Lane — 106 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: remote workers

The Blue Lane has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Marco’s — 141 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Marco’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on George Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Max’s — 375 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Max’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

The Reality of Ferntree Gully

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Ferntree Gully’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Ferntree Gully 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. Leo Table — 301 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Leo Table has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Old Mill — 85 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Mill has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

8. Ruby — 101 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Ruby has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 42 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Red Union — 334 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Red Union has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. The Common Social — 374 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Common Social has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

11. Leo’s — 136 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Leo’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Ferntree Gully worth visiting?

Yes. Ferntree Gully 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 Ferntree Gully known for?

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks.

What is Ferntree Gully best known for?

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

How far is Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Ferntree Gully is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Ferntree Gully: 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