Best Dog Friendly Guide in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Vermont South 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. Golden Press and Ava Standard are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Vermont South sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby.

1. Theo — 79 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Theo has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Tall Post — 280 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: dates

The Tall Post has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Mia Mill — 227 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: dates

Mia Mill has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Old Store — 37 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Old Store has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($16) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

5. The Tall Quarter — 143 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Tall Quarter has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Vermont South’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Vermont South, 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 Common Social — 321 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: families

The Common Social has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

7. The Sunny Mill — 59 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: dates

The Sunny Mill has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

8. Ada Pantry — 16 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ada Pantry has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

9. Mia’s — 205 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

10. Kai Local — 188 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Kai Local has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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 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 Lake Street is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Nina’s — 357 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nina’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Vermont South worth visiting?

Yes. Vermont South 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 Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

What is Vermont South best known for?

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

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Vermont South 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