Best Dog Friendly Guide in Sandringham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Sandringham 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 Marco, then work your way to Ruby Store. Sandringham is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This is Sandringham in 2026.

1. River — 168 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: dates

River has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Nico Yard — 166 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nico Yard has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Ada — 140 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ada has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 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.

The room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Sandringham roaster — ask which one.

4. House — 347 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

House has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Sandringham roaster — ask which one.

5. Room — 338 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: dates

Room has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Nobody Tells You About Sandringham

Sandringham is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Sandringham’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Sandringham, 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. Old Local — 17 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3154

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

Old Local has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Iris’s — 367 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: groups

Iris’s has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Tall Table — 100 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: groups

The Tall Table has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Zara’s — 166 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: families

Zara’s has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Creek Crescent is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Marco Local — 7 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: families

Marco Local has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. The Bright Depot — 58 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3154

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: remote workers

The Bright Depot has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Sandringham worth visiting?

Yes. Sandringham 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 Sandringham known for?

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

What is Sandringham best known for?

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

How far is Sandringham from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Sandringham: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026