My Little Kitchen Cafe & Bar

My Little Kitchen Cafe & Bar, known locally as MLK, is a busy brunch and lunch spot at 274 Maroondah Highway in the middle of Healesville, and it is one of the town's best dog setups. Rather than a strip of footpath tables, it runs a covered, heated courtyard out the back that is effectively dedicated to diners with dogs, reached by its own laneway entrance down the right-hand side of the building.

The dog setup

Head straight for the rear laneway entrance rather than the front door and you and your dog can settle into the courtyard without threading through the main room. Staff are known for making a fuss of visiting dogs and water bowls are provided. There is also some seating out the front, but the courtyard is the reason this one works year round, heated through the Yarra Valley winter and covered when the weather turns.

The vibe and the menu

The kitchen runs modern, creative brunch and lunch: zucchini fritters, loaded potato hash, poached eggs and avo on toast, with fresh-pressed juices and a fully licensed list pouring local Yarra Valley beer and wine. Hours are 8am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm weekends, and it is popular, so weekends fill early.

Getting there and parking

Maroondah Highway is the main drag through town and street parking along it gets tight on weekends, particularly with the winery traffic. Park once and walk: the main street is an easy dog-friendly stroll afterwards. Nearby options include the garden tables at Cherry Tree Cafe a few doors up, an off-lead stretch at the Healesville Showgrounds, and a tasting at Payten & Jones.

More of the valley is on the Healesville destination page and in the VIC cafes index.