Best Dog Friendly Guide in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Highett 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. White Quarter and The Red Corner are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Highett sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Highett is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Zara Press — 320 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Zara Press has been operating in Highett 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 space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Red Place — 94 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Red Place has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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.

Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Oliver — 378 Young Street, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: families

Oliver has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Mabel Press — 130 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mabel Press has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. River’s — 120 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

River’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

What Makes Highett Different

Highett is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Highett’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Highett or visiting from nearby, 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. Common Pantry — 298 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Common Pantry has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Mia’s — 21 Young Street, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

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

8. Vera Pantry — 28 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups

Vera Pantry has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

9. The Little Works — 378 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Little Works has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

10. The Red Table — 110 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: groups

The Red Table has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

11. The Sunny Works — 6 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Sunny Works has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

12. The Blue Bench — 266 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3158

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Blue Bench has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($16) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Highett worth visiting?

Yes. Highett 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 Highett known for?

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

What is Highett best known for?

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

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

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

Highett 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