Guides sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
Off-Leash Parks
White Local — 325 North Lane
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Happy Kitchen — 119 Blake Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
The High House — 180 Fitzroy Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Pet-Friendly Cafes
The Long Pantry — 240 Church Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Nell Commons — 200 Church Parade
One of Guides’s best-kept secrets. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Theo — 343 Pine Crescent
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Vet Clinics
Hugo’s — 117 Pine Crescent
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Red Union — 227 Fitzroy Avenue
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Mia — 337 Church Parade
One of Guides’s most underrated spots. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Pet Shops
Atlas’s — 212 Church Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
The White Yard — 91 Blake Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Ruby’s — 229 Blake Grove
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Dog Walking Routes
The Blue Mill — 217 North Lane
One of Guides’s best-kept secrets. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Collective — 97 Church Parade
One of Guides’s hidden gems. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Store — 267 Pine Crescent
One of Guides’s hidden gems. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Guides.
Best time to visit: Saturday for the full buzz.
Budget: A full day exploring Guides — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $82 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Fitzroy Avenue is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Guides at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner price | $18-32 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Guides |
| Best for | Guides local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Guides Cafes
- Guides Restaurants
- All Guides Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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