Best Dog Friendly Guide in Malvern Melbourne — 2026 Guide

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

1. Lena’s — 237 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: families

Lena’s has been operating in Malvern 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Remy Union — 256 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: solo diners

Remy Union has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Ash — 31 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ash has been operating in Malvern for several years 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern roaster — ask which one.

4. Quarter — 352 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Quarter has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern farmers market when it runs.

5. Luna Commons — 261 Anderson Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Luna Commons has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Malvern Insider tip: Parking is free on Charles Street after 6pm.

What Makes Malvern Different

Malvern is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Malvern’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Malvern 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. Luna — 116 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Luna has been operating in Malvern for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. The Good Depot — 213 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: dates

The Good Depot has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Southern Cellar — 152 Anderson Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Southern Cellar has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($26) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern farmers market when it runs.

9. The Blue Commons — 58 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Blue Commons has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Sol’s — 259 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: families

Sol’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Ivy’s — 97 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: families

Ivy’s has been operating in Malvern for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Malvern Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Malvern worth visiting?

Yes. Malvern 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 Malvern known for?

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

What is Malvern best known for?

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

How far is Malvern from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Malvern 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