Best Dog Friendly Guide in Frankston Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Must-visit | High Table |
| No-cost pick | The Good Cellar |
| Best with kids | Nina’s |
| Hidden spot | Hazel |
| Bad weather pick | Red Yard |
Frankston 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 Luna’s, then work your way to The Northern Quarter. Frankston Arts Centre is one of Melbourne’s premier regional arts venues. This is Frankston in 2026.
1. The Little Quarter — 92 George Place, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: budget eaters
The Little Quarter has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on George Street after 6pm.
2. Ivy’s — 189 Elm Road, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: budget eaters
Ivy’s has been operating in Frankston 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Avenue is usually fine.
Try this: The fish special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
3. Green Yard — 35 Elm Road, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Green Yard has been operating in Frankston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.
Go for: The daily soup ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.
4. Iris — 45 Victoria Parade, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: families
Iris has been operating in Frankston for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. Green Mill — 303 Creek Avenue, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Green Mill has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.
Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
The Frankston That Locals Know
Frankston Arts Centre is one of Melbourne’s premier regional arts venues. 41km from CBD. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Frankston’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Frankston, 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 Lane — 11 South Avenue, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
New Lane has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.
Ask for: The house-made relish ($14) — the best version in Frankston Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
7. Commons — 372 Elm Road, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Commons has been operating in Frankston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. House — 278 Victoria Parade, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: solo diners
House has been operating in Frankston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The fish special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
9. The Southern Store — 367 George Place, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The Southern Store has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. The Northern Press — 147 George Place, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: dates
The Northern Press has been operating in Frankston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The sourdough bread ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Frankston roaster — ask which one.
11. Southern Lane — 163 Victoria Parade, Frankston VIC 3199
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Southern Lane has been operating in Frankston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
Explore More
- Seaford Dog Friendly Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- Frankston Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Frankston Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Frankston North Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Frankston stacks up
- All Frankston Guides — everything we’ve written about Frankston
FAQ
Is Frankston worth visiting?
Yes. Frankston 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 Frankston known for?
Frankston Arts Centre is one of Melbourne’s premier regional arts venues.
What is Frankston best known for?
High Table is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Frankston from Melbourne CBD?
Frankston is 41km, 55min train, 47min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Frankston 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

💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed