Best Dog Friendly Guide in Kew East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Kew East 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 Mia’s, then work your way to Lane. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. This is Kew East in 2026.

1. Hazel’s — 163 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: families

Hazel’s has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Old Commons — 230 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Old Commons has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($26) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Stella — 337 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: families

Stella has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ivy’s — 97 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: solo diners

Ivy’s has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Hazel — 164 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Hazel has been operating in Kew East 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Kew East That Locals Know

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Kew East’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Kew East 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. Gus’s — 313 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Gus’s has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Marco’s — 266 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco’s has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The Golden Union — 206 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Golden Union has been operating in Kew East for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Bright Depot — 133 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Bright Depot has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew East roaster — ask which one.

10. Little Press — 26 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: families

Little Press has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Ada Mill — 315 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: families

Ada Mill has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Kew East worth visiting?

Yes. Kew East 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 Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

What is Kew East best known for?

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

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

Kew East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Kew East: 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

Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.