Best Dog Friendly Guide in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Montrose 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. The Lucky Social is the one everyone knows. Ruby is the one they should know. Montrose has montrose is a growing melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Canvas — 164 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Canvas has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Humble Social — 147 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Humble Social has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($15) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

3. Table — 275 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: budget eaters

Table has been operating in Montrose 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

4. Old Depot — 261 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Depot has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

5. The Good Lane — 341 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Good Lane has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Montrose That Locals Know

Montrose is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Montrose’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Montrose, 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. River — 36 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

River has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Green Bench — 25 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Green Bench has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 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 44 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 house-made relish ($19) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. River’s — 243 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: families

River’s has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

9. Anchor — 322 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Anchor has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

10. Gus — 79 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Gus has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Green Pantry — 55 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Green Pantry has been operating in Montrose 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Little Place — 299 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Little Place has been operating in Montrose for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Place is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($21) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Montrose worth visiting?

Yes. Montrose 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 Montrose known for?

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

What is Montrose best known for?

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

How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?

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

Montrose is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026