The Scented Garden

The Scented Garden is a garden-style cafe at 2A McAdam Square in Croydon, rated 4.4 from more than 300 reviews, and it earns its dog-friendly reputation the practical way: a covered, heated veranda that works whatever the weather, plus biscuits on hand for canine visitors. The kitchen leans wholesome and organic, with gluten-free and vegetarian options across the menu.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor courtyard and on the covered, heated veranda, so a frosty Maroondah morning is no barrier. Staff are used to canine regulars and typically put down a water bowl, and reviewers note dog biscuits are part of the welcome. The outdoor seating is roomy enough to tuck a dog in beside you on a lead. Indoor tables stay for people only.

The vibe

The signature dish is the SG beef brisket rosti, slow-braised beef on a potato rosti with pickled red cabbage, poached eggs and hollandaise, and the chilli scrambled eggs and corn fritters also come up among regulars. House-made desserts line a display cabinet, and the coffee is well regarded. Hours run 7am to 3pm weekdays and 8am to 2pm weekends.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits inside the McAdam Square shopping village at the corner of Hull Road and Mount Dandenong Road, with free parking in the square right out front. It fills on weekend brunch, so the bays closest to the square go first.

Close by with the dogs

The McAdam Square walkways suit a short on-lead potter between courses. For a proper run, Eastfield Fenced Dog Park is a few minutes south, and the Candlebark Walk Reserve trail in Croydon Hills gives a bushland option. Blackwork on Hewish Road and The Jolly Miller are other Croydon stops that welcome dogs, both a short drive away.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Croydon destination page.

Max: the heated veranda is the pick in winter. Confirm a covered table is free before you settle in the open courtyard, because on a wet Croydon day there is a queue for both.