Best Dog Friendly Guide in Nunawading Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Nunawading locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The dog friendly guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Vera Store, then work your way to Mabel’s. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. This is Nunawading in 2026.

1. Lucky Pantry — 5 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Lucky Pantry has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. High Room — 360 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

High Room has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Archive — 118 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: remote workers

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

Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ivy’s — 65 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: dates

Ivy’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Collective — 219 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Collective has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

Why Nunawading Is Worth Knowing

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Nunawading’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Nunawading or visiting from nearby, 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. New Commons — 295 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: remote workers

New Commons has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Half Corner — 121 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Half Corner has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Honest Pantry — 38 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: groups

Honest Pantry has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Theo Yard — 88 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo Yard has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

10. Ash’s — 157 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Ash’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

11. Atlas — 202 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Atlas has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Nunawading worth visiting?

Yes. Nunawading 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 Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

What is Nunawading best known for?

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

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

Nunawading is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Nunawading 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.