Best Dog Friendly Guide in Fitzroy North Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Fitzroy North 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. Remy’s is the one everyone knows. The Common Standard is the one they should know. Fitzroy North has fitzroy north is a growing melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Green Local — 366 Blake Place, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Green Local has been operating in Fitzroy North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Stella Pantry — 244 Blake Place, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Stella Pantry has been operating in Fitzroy North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Blake Place is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($18) — the best version in Fitzroy North Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Honest Local — 128 Ash Grove, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Honest Local has been operating in Fitzroy North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 61 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 pumpkin risotto ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Cellar — 226 Railway Grove, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Cellar has been operating in Fitzroy North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Ivy’s — 63 Ash Grove, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ivy’s has been operating in Fitzroy North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($18) — the best version in Fitzroy North Insider tip: They source produce from Fitzroy North farmers market when it runs.

The Reality of Fitzroy North

Fitzroy North is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Fitzroy North’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Fitzroy 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. New Pantry — 55 Blake Place, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

New Pantry has been operating in Fitzroy North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. The Tall Union — 212 Ash Grove, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Tall Union has been operating in Fitzroy North 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The High Bench — 11 Sydney Drive, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: dates

The High Bench has been operating in Fitzroy North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Blake Place is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. House — 131 Bridge Terrace, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

House has been operating in Fitzroy North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Blue Union — 286 Ash Grove, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Blue Union has been operating in Fitzroy North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy North roaster — ask which one.

11. The Little Social — 211 Blake Place, Fitzroy North VIC 3061

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Little Social has been operating in Fitzroy North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Fitzroy North worth visiting?

Yes. Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy North known for?

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

What is Fitzroy North best known for?

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

How far is Fitzroy North from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Fitzroy North: 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