Best Dog Friendly Guide in Vermont Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Vermont 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 Tall Works and Half Cellar are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Vermont sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

1. The Honest Cellar — 262 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Honest Cellar has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Golden Yard — 234 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Golden Yard has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

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

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Union — 62 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: budget eaters

Union has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on North Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($26) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The White Table — 141 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: groups

The White Table has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 44 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Commons — 95 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Commons has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on North Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

Why Locals Stay in Vermont

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Bellbird Dell nature reserve. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Vermont’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Vermont 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. Nico Table — 212 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nico Table has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. River — 232 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

River has been operating in Vermont 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

8. Lena Store — 144 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: dates

Lena Store has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

9. Green Corner — 240 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

Green Corner has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Albert Street after 6pm.

10. Iris Bench — 335 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Iris Bench has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Southern Corner — 123 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Southern Corner has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Vermont worth visiting?

Yes. Vermont 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 known for?

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

What is Vermont best known for?

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

How far is Vermont from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Vermont 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