The best dog-friendly cafés in Melbourne

So much of Parco’s charm comes from how it stoically serves Carlton from a tiny old power substation marooned on a spit of land opposite Argyle Square. Dining at Parco is unsurprisingly alfresco due to space constraints, making it a popular option for dog owners and dog spotters. Shade umbrellas help keep the summer sun at bay while in winter blankets are doled out for anyone not wearing enough layers.

Melbourne has a way with shipping containers. We’re used to drinking in them (see Section 8 and Arbory) and now we can eat in them. Rudimentary is housed in three cube shipping containers that surround an Astroturf garden where your pup can join you for your morning brew and feed. 

Crate is tucked away in the back streets of Heidelberg Heights, and while they're best known for brewing specialty coffee and cooking up tasty food, you'll also find gorgeous outdoor seating with water bowls for your pup. 

This bright and airy café in Prahran bakes up handmade dog treats so that your little friend can have a tasty snack while you enjoy breakfast. 

Who doesn’t love the smell of roasting coffee over breakfast? Better yet, the aroma of a craft coffee roaster in full gear? This is the tantalising setting for Code Black – and you and your doggo can sit out the front and enjoy it.

You can dine al fresco with your dog and feel good about doing it: the café does good by employing at-risk youth. For many of them, Streat is the first job they’ve ever had and could be their leg up out of homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness.