Xpresso

Xpresso is a long-running cafe on The Centreway in Lara, and one of the established dog-friendly options in the town's shopping strip. It works for an early coffee before a walk or a late breakfast after one, with dogs welcome at the street tables out front and in the courtyard out the back.

The dog setup

Dogs join you at the front street tables or the courtyard seating behind the cafe, on lead and settled beside you. Part of the outdoor seating is covered and heated, which takes the edge off cold Geelong-baseline mornings. Bring your own water bowl and ask staff on the day about treats. The courtyard is the better pick if your dog fidgets around passing foot traffic on the strip.

The vibe

Casual and community-minded, with hearty breakfasts known for generous portions, barista coffee and a cabinet full of cakes including gluten-free choices. The menu runs from eggs benny and smashed avo to sandwiches and smoothies, and service is quick even when the room fills on weekends. Hours run 6:45am to 2:45pm on weekdays and 7am to 2pm on weekends, so it is a breakfast-and-lunch spot rather than an afternoon one.

Pepsi: the back courtyard beats the street tables with a dog. More sheltered, away from the pram traffic, and easier to park a bed.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits at 43 The Centreway, central to Lara's shopping strip between Geelong and the You Yangs. Free parking is available nearby, and it is an easy walk if you are already in town.

Make a day of it

Burn the breakfast off at Hovells Creek Reserve, a fenced dog park in Lara, or head further afield to Stead Park Dog Park in Corio. If you are lingering in town, Anna's Cafe In is the other local dog-friendly coffee stop.

For more ideas, browse dog friendly cafes in Victoria or what else is on around Lara.