Moto Vecchia

Moto Vecchia is a family-run Italian cafe at 35 Gordons Hill Road in Bellerive, easy to spot for its rotating display of vintage motorcycles and memorabilia alongside Calabrian-inspired food and coffee. It opens from 7am on weekday mornings, and the outdoor tables are where dogs fit in while you explore the Bellerive village side of Hobart's eastern shore.

The dog setup

The cafe's outdoor seating is where dogs are accommodated, on lead and tucked close, as the space is shared with other diners and the display shelves indoors leave no room for four legs. Staff have a reputation for being accommodating, but a dedicated dog bowl is not guaranteed, so bring your own travel bowl to be safe. If the dog policy matters to your visit, a quick call ahead is worth it, as it is a small family operation.

Worth knowing

The motorcycle memorabilia does the decorating, while the kitchen keeps it simple: home-style panini, eggs and hot chocolate get the regular mentions, and reviewers consistently single out the welcome from the owners. Doors open 7am weekdays and 7am Saturday, closing 2pm on weekdays and midday Saturday, closed Sundays. Mornings get busy, so mid-morning on a weekday is the easy table.

Getting there and parking

Gordons Hill Road is the main artery through Bellerive, with free onsite and street parking available. It is a short drive from Rosny Park and an easy stop on the way to the Bellerive boardwalk and village.

Close by with the dogs

Bellerive Beach and the boardwalk suit a coastal on-lead walk either side of coffee. South Street Reserve Fenced Dog Park is close by for off-lead time, and Howrah Dog Park covers the next bay south. Cocomo+Co near the Quay is another cafe with a proper undercover alfresco area where dogs are established regulars.

More options are on the Tasmania dog friendly cafes guide and the Bellerive destination page.

Max: park the dog at your feet outside, order the panini, and walk the boardwalk afterwards to burn off the morning.