Best Dog Friendly Guide in St Kilda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

St Kilda doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The dog friendly guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Marco’s and Ash’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. St Kilda sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. St Kilda is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Iris’s — 304 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Iris’s has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local St Kilda roaster — ask which one.

2. Max’s — 364 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: families

Max’s has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Old Commons — 293 Chapel Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Old Commons has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Chapel Street after 6pm.

4. The Good Kitchen — 73 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: solo diners

The Good Kitchen has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Chapel Street after 6pm.

5. Chapter — 218 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: remote workers

Chapter has been operating in St Kilda 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Locals Stay in St Kilda

St Kilda is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines St Kilda’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For St Kilda locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Southern Table — 313 High Crescent, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Southern Table has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The High Depot — 188 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

The High Depot has been operating in St Kilda 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($13) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Nina Cellar — 237 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nina Cellar has been operating in St Kilda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Felix’s — 348 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

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

The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Plenty Street after 6pm.

10. Ruby Social — 8 High Crescent, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ruby Social has been operating in St Kilda 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Vera’s — 131 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Vera’s has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($9) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Parking is free on Willow Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is St Kilda worth visiting?

Yes. St Kilda 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 St Kilda known for?

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

What is St Kilda best known for?

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

How far is St Kilda from Melbourne CBD?

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

St Kilda 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