Cafe Piccante

Cafe Piccante is a family-run local on St Georges Road in Fitzroy North, best known for its Ruben toasties, focaccia and a genuinely dog-friendly rear courtyard tucked behind the main room.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the rear courtyard, which locals describe as a quiet, open space away from the street. A few footpath tables out front also take dogs. Staff have been known to bring out water bowls and the odd treat, but bring your own bowl to be safe. Keep your dog on lead moving through the indoor section on the way to the courtyard.

Good to know. Reviewers rate the focaccia and early opening hours highly, and regulars call out the friendly, family-owned feel. Hours run roughly 5.30am-2.30pm Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, and from 6am Sunday, with Tuesdays closed - worth confirming before an early visit.

Getting there and parking. The cafe sits on St Georges Road near Merri Parade, with street parking on St Georges Road and side streets (check signage for permit zones). The Route 11 tram runs along St Georges Road and stops close by.

Nearby with the dogs. Edinburgh Gardens' off-leash area is a short walk or drive away for a run before or after coffee, and the Merri Creek trail is close by for a longer leg-stretch.

Go early on a weekday if you want the courtyard to yourself, and call ahead if you're bringing a big group with dogs in tow.

Sources

• Cafe Piccante - North Fitzroy Restaurants - Tripadvisor · tripadvisor.com.au
• Cafe Piccante (@cafe_piccante) - Fitzroy North, VIC - Instagram · instagram.com
• Piccante Caffe - Yelp · m.yelp.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.