Best Dog Friendly Guide in Mordialloc Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Mordialloc to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Southern Store is the one everyone knows. Ada is the one they should know. Mordialloc has mordialloc creek and beach are the main attractions.

1. Marco’s — 257 Cecil Terrace, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco’s has been operating in Mordialloc for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Ivy’s — 207 Maple Lane, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

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

The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mordialloc farmers market when it runs.

3. The Tall Store — 93 Hill Avenue, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: solo diners

The Tall Store has been operating in Mordialloc for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($15) — the best version in Mordialloc Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Cleo Lane — 99 Cecil Terrace, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: groups

Cleo Lane has been operating in Mordialloc 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Mordialloc Insider tip: Parking is free on Hill Street after 6pm.

5. Ruby’s — 239 Cecil Terrace, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: families

Ruby’s has been operating in Mordialloc for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Mordialloc — The Honest Version

Mordialloc Creek and beach are the main attractions. Strong weekend brunch culture on Main Street. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Mordialloc’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Mordialloc, 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. Marco’s — 368 Johnston Drive, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Marco’s has been operating in Mordialloc for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Maple Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Mordialloc Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Blue Local — 93 Maple Lane, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Blue Local has been operating in Mordialloc for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The Northern Bench — 350 Lake Avenue, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Northern Bench has been operating in Mordialloc for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Rex’s — 218 Cecil Terrace, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Rex’s has been operating in Mordialloc 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Mordialloc Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

10. Little Kitchen — 32 Maple Lane, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Little Kitchen has been operating in Mordialloc 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Hazel Store — 259 Maple Lane, Mordialloc VIC 3197

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Hazel Store has been operating in Mordialloc for over a decade 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.

The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Mordialloc Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Mordialloc worth visiting?

Yes. Mordialloc 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 Mordialloc known for?

Mordialloc Creek and beach are the main attractions.

What is Mordialloc best known for?

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

How far is Mordialloc from Melbourne CBD?

Mordialloc is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mordialloc to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026

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