Best Dog Friendly Guide in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Mentone 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 Lane and Cleo Press are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Mentone sits 20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

1. Mabel Place — 112 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Mabel Place has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Stella’s — 82 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Stella’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Green Place — 19 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Green Place has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Place — 31 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Place has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Long Corner — 361 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Long Corner has been operating in Mentone 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 room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

Mentone — The Honest Version

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Mentone’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Mentone 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. Nell — 357 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nell has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. The Little Yard — 43 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Little Yard has been operating in Mentone for over a decade 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.

The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Lane — 12 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lane has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($10) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

9. Rosa’s — 242 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rosa’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. The Northern Social — 48 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups

The Northern Social has been operating in Mentone 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

11. Nell’s — 229 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nell’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Vera’s — 44 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: solo diners

Vera’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 65 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 sourdough bread ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Mentone worth visiting?

Yes. Mentone 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 Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

What is Mentone best known for?

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

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Mentone 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