You know a good meal or the perfect flat white is always better with one thing – good company. And who said your BFF has to be able to hold a conversation in English?

These days dining with your dog is no longer taboo. But lest your four-legged friend be left waiting on the sidewalk, we’ve rounded up five fur-friendly hot spots where eating off the floor is not just tolerated but welcomed. Try not to be too jealous if your pup has a better time than you do.

Grub Food Van

If your pup has a taste for sun with a side of street cred, get thee to Fitzroy’s best eatery on four wheels. And if your own tastebuds are a little more refined, this ’65 Airstreem is also serving up decadent deli items, boutique beers, summery cocktails, and a full food menu covering all manner of cravings. Pets are allowed inside too, so if you don’t have a permanent fur coat there’s respite for the cooler months.

Grub Food Van
87-89 Moor St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
03 9419 8991

Madame Brussels

The rooftop terrace at this kitschy fabulous parlour bar will warmly welcome a lady’s best friend. Kick back with a jug of Prussian Iced Tea, over-order on the curried egg sandwiches, and let your frou-frou flag fly. Just make sure your pooch knows the AstroTurf isn’t an alfresco “powder room.”

Madame Brussels
59-63 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
03 9662 2775 

Fitzrovia

The “gate to plate” blend of European influence and local produce is spectacular and the staff über friendly. (Though excellence is to be expected considering chef to the stars Paul Jewson has cooked for the likes of Bill Clinton and Karl Lagerfeld.) What’s really special is the sprawling, sunny, animal-friendly fit-out, which is rumoured to be expanding. A menu of doggie treats is also in the works to keep hungry eyes off your pork belly. 

Fitzrovia
2/155 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
03 9537 0001

Cibi

The low-key, sun-drenched seating out front provides a satisfactory distraction for four-legged friends, allowing you to make it through the salmon segment of Cibi’s raved-about Japanese breakfast without feeling too guilty. Other human-only options include a soba noodle salad and light sourdough toast with potato salad.

Cibi
45 Keele Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
03 9077 3941

Rooftop Bar

Steer clear during peak hours, but pre-sunset your dog is welcome to join you for an open-air drink on one of the city’s best rooftops. Daylight hours offer the best views anyway, and the seven flights of stairs will stave off any immediate begging for a W-A-L-K. Come Rooftop Cinema season it’s ticket-holders only so take advantage while you can.

Rooftop Bar
Level 7, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
03 9654 5394