Best Dog Friendly Guide in Montmorency Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Montmorency 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. Southern Table is the one everyone knows. Sunny Lane is the one they should know. Montmorency has montmorency is a growing melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Merchant — 87 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Merchant has been operating in Montmorency for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montmorency roaster — ask which one.

2. Press — 111 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Press has been operating in Montmorency for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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. Street parking on Lake Road is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($22) — the best version in Montmorency Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Rex Local — 199 Margaret Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: families

Rex Local has been operating in Montmorency for since the early 2020s 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.

The space seats about 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Vera Place — 13 Cecil Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: groups

Vera Place has been operating in Montmorency 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Hazel — 352 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: dates

Hazel has been operating in Montmorency 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Montmorency Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Montmorency Different

Montmorency is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Montmorency’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Montmorency, 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. Sol — 200 James Grove, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sol has been operating in Montmorency for several years 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.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Montmorency Insider tip: They source produce from Montmorency farmers market when it runs.

7. The Common Yard — 188 Margaret Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: solo diners

The Common Yard has been operating in Montmorency for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Montmorency farmers market when it runs.

8. Lucky Corner — 43 James Grove, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lucky Corner has been operating in Montmorency for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Leo’s — 305 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Leo’s has been operating in Montmorency for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Otto’s — 277 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3144

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Otto’s has been operating in Montmorency for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montmorency roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Montmorency worth visiting?

Yes. Montmorency 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 Montmorency known for?

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

What is Montmorency best known for?

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

How far is Montmorency from Melbourne CBD?

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

Montmorency isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026