Best Dog Friendly Guide in Strathmore Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Strathmore 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. Remy’s and Northern Room are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Strathmore sits 9-20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Leafy residential suburb with a strong sense of community.

1. Mia’s — 234 Elm Parade, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Mia’s has been operating in Strathmore 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 room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Half House — 376 Main Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Half House has been operating in Strathmore for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($23) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($26) — the best version in Strathmore Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Mia — 199 Elm Parade, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mia has been operating in Strathmore for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Pearl’s — 20 Church Drive, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Pearl’s has been operating in Strathmore for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Good Place — 243 Elm Parade, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Good Place has been operating in Strathmore for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Strathmore Actually Is

Leafy residential suburb with a strong sense of community. Strathmore Primary is highly rated. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Strathmore’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Strathmore, 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. Kai’s — 73 Church Drive, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Kai’s has been operating in Strathmore for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Southern Press — 146 Plenty Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Southern Press has been operating in Strathmore for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Mia’s — 348 Church Drive, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mia’s has been operating in Strathmore 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Finn’s — 164 King Crescent, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Finn’s has been operating in Strathmore for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Remy Bench — 295 King Crescent, Strathmore VIC 3074

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: remote workers

Remy Bench has been operating in Strathmore for several years 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Strathmore worth visiting?

Yes. Strathmore 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 Strathmore known for?

Leafy residential suburb with a strong sense of community.

What is Strathmore best known for?

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

How far is Strathmore from Melbourne CBD?

Strathmore is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Strathmore 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.