MOMO PALACE

Momo Palace is a casual Nepalese food operation on Meriton Place in Clayton South, and the reason people drive across town is the momos: Himalayan dumplings in steamed, fried, tandoori and cheesy styles, with chilli and paneer versions and a signature spicy chutney. It is an evening venue rather than a lunch stop, and it is one of the few food spots around that is listed as welcoming dogs both inside and out.

The dog setup

Dogs are permitted in both the indoor and outdoor areas, which is unusual for a food venue of any size and doubly rare for a street-style counter setup. The space is informal and compact, so a settled dog that tucks up beside the table suits it best. There is no dog menu, and water bowls are not confirmed as standard, so pack your own bowl. On rainy nights the indoor allowance genuinely matters, because most dog-friendly listings around Melbourne are alfresco only.

The food and the hours

Reviews consistently rate the steamed veg and paneer momos, with the chilli momos praised for heat that actually lands, and chowmein picking up regular mentions. Hours at last listing run 5pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, extending to midnight on Friday and Saturday, so think dinner or a late snack rather than brunch. Onsite parking is limited to the surrounding streets.

Close by with the dogs

Keeley Park, a short walk up Main Road, is an on-leash option for a pre-dinner stroll past the ovals and playground. For an actual off-lead run, Haughton Road Fenced Dog Park at the corner of Orchid Street is a fully fenced grassy enclosure with double-gated entry, though owners of small dogs should note gaps have been reported under some lower fence sections. City of Kingston rules require leads everywhere outside signed off-leash zones. More options are under Victorian dog friendly cafes and in the Clayton South guide.

Max: Indoor tables that let dogs in means the chilli momo run is now an all-weather operation. I am free most evenings.