Best Dog Friendly Guide in Tottenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

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

1. Nina’s — 261 Plenty Avenue, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nina’s has been operating in Tottenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Tottenham Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Green Standard — 341 Lygon Grove, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Green Standard has been operating in Tottenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on North Street is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Zara’s — 121 Plenty Avenue, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: groups

Zara’s has been operating in Tottenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($8) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on North Street is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($12) — the best version in Tottenham Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Tottenham roaster — ask which one.

4. Rosa Store — 121 Lygon Grove, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Rosa Store has been operating in Tottenham 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the best version in Tottenham Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Hazel’s — 372 North Street, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Hazel’s has been operating in Tottenham for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Reality of Tottenham

Tottenham is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Tottenham’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Tottenham 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. Rex Standard — 149 Main Terrace, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rex Standard has been operating in Tottenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Theo Standard — 107 North Street, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Theo Standard has been operating in Tottenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Tottenham roaster — ask which one.

8. Mia House — 279 North Street, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mia House has been operating in Tottenham for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($20) — the best version in Tottenham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. White Social — 292 Main Terrace, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

White Social has been operating in Tottenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the best version in Tottenham Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Atlas Union — 124 North Street, Tottenham VIC 3109

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Atlas Union has been operating in Tottenham 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 room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Main Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Tottenham roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Tottenham worth visiting?

Yes. Tottenham 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 Tottenham known for?

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

What is Tottenham best known for?

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

How far is Tottenham from Melbourne CBD?

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

Tottenham 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