Best Dog Friendly Guide in Toorak Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Toorak 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. The White Room and Tall Bench are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Toorak sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Toorak is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Ivy Standard — 365 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ivy Standard has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Theo’s — 247 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Theo’s has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Luna — 295 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Luna has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s 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 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. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

4. Blue Lane — 315 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Blue Lane has been operating in Toorak 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 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. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($22) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Parking is free on Elm Street after 6pm.

5. Atlas — 147 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Atlas has been operating in Toorak for several years 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.

The space seats about 58 — 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 ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Why Toorak Is Worth Knowing

Toorak is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Toorak’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Toorak, 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 New Room — 181 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The New Room has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

7. The Old Social — 280 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: solo diners

The Old Social has been operating in Toorak 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Hugo — 311 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Hugo has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Collective — 271 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: groups

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

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Elm Street after 6pm.

10. Long Lane — 158 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Long Lane has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

11. Nina’s — 132 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: dates

Nina’s has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

12. Sol — 291 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: dates

Sol has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Toorak worth visiting?

Yes. Toorak 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 Toorak known for?

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

What is Toorak best known for?

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

How far is Toorak from Melbourne CBD?

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

Toorak is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026

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