Willo Cafe

Willo Cafe is a neighbourhood brunch spot at 56 Willsmere Road in Kew, and it is genuinely dog-keen rather than merely dog-tolerant. Staff are known for making a fuss of visiting dogs, which sets the tone for the whole visit.

The dog setup

There is a generous covered outdoor area out front with umbrellas and heaters, which is the natural place to sit with a dog. Reviews consistently mention dogs being welcomed warmly and water bowls usually being on hand. Keep your dog leashed at the table and settle in on the footpath side, where there is room to tuck a bag and a bowl.

Worth knowing

The kitchen leans into hearty brunch. The Willo roll is the signature order, the chilli scramble and the ham and cheese toastie have their fans, and the coffee is Allpress. Hours run 7am to 2pm on weekdays, 7.30am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday, with the kitchen closing at 2pm across the board. Weekend mornings get busy, so expect a short wait for a table at peak.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on the Willsmere Road shopping strip, with street parking along the surrounding residential blocks. If you are coming with a dog, build the walk into the plan rather than circling for the closest spot.

Close by with the dogs

The Willsmere Park Dog Off Leash Area is close by for a proper off-lead run before or after coffee, and Yarra Bend Park adds a longer riverside option. The Foley Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is another nearby reserve, and Hay and Hide Cafe in Kew East is a dog-friendly backup if Willo is packed.

Mid-morning on a weekday is the calmest window if your dog would rather not navigate a full footpath. More options are on the dog friendly cafes in Victoria list or the Kew guide.