Best Dog Friendly Guide in Laverton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Laverton 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. Stella Cellar is the one everyone knows. Press is the one they should know. Laverton has home to raaf base williams.

1. The Common Works — 225 Maple Drive, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Common Works has been operating in Laverton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Kai’s — 291 Maple Drive, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Kai’s has been operating in Laverton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Henry Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Laverton Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Southern Store — 79 Henry Lane, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: dates

The Southern Store has been operating in Laverton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 — 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 seasonal special ($21) — the best version in Laverton Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Ada’s — 210 Maple Drive, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Laverton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Laverton Insider tip: Parking is free on Maple Street after 6pm.

5. Ada House — 370 Ash Crescent, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ada House has been operating in Laverton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Laverton Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Laverton

Home to RAAF Base Williams. Laverton station links to the Regional Rail network. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Laverton’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Laverton 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. Max — 366 Elizabeth Place, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Max has been operating in Laverton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Humble Lane — 366 Maple Drive, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Humble Lane has been operating in Laverton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Tall Works — 251 Ash Crescent, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Tall Works has been operating in Laverton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Henry Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Felix — 28 Elizabeth Place, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Felix has been operating in Laverton for since 2019 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 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Maple Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Humble Works — 147 Ash Crescent, Laverton VIC 3071

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: groups

Humble Works has been operating in Laverton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Maple Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Laverton worth visiting?

Yes. Laverton 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 Laverton known for?

Home to RAAF Base Williams.

What is Laverton best known for?

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

How far is Laverton from Melbourne CBD?

Laverton is 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Laverton won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026

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