Yarra Valley Soul Cafe

Yarra Valley Soul Cafe sits at 8 William Street East in Lilydale, a short step off the Main Street end of town and close to the Lilydale station hub, which makes it a handy coffee stop at the gateway to the Yarra Valley. It is a casual, family-run room with a community feel, and the street-front seating is where dogs come in: a relaxed dog on a lead at an outdoor table fits the place perfectly. The same crew also runs a serious catering arm, so the cake and platter game here is better than the modest storefront suggests.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables off the footpath. Water bowls are usually around but not guaranteed, so pack a travel bowl on warm days. The setting is urban and foot traffic runs steady between the cafe and the station, so keep the lead short and the dog settled close to your chair. Morning beats lunch for a calm table.

The menu

Barista coffee, specialty lattes and a proper tea list cover the drinks, with toasties, bacon and egg rolls and spanakopita leading the casual food, and Anzac biscuits and chocolate chip cookies from the cabinet. Beyond the cafe counter, the kitchen builds custom grazing boxes, cheese and fruit boards, brunch platters and afternoon teas for pickup, with vegetarian and vegan options across the range. Hours run 7am to 3pm Monday to Wednesday, to 5pm Thursday and Friday, 8am to 3pm Saturday, closed Sunday.

Getting there and parking

The address is 8 William Street East, Lilydale, just off Main Street and a few minutes' walk from Lilydale Station, so it works as a train-and-coffee outing. On-street parking around William Street and Main Street is timed but generally available in the mornings; the Main Street car parks cover longer stays. It is an easy launch point for the Maroondah Highway east into the valley's wineries.

Close by with the dogs

Lillydale Lake (North West) Dog Off Leash Area is a short drive east for a proper off-lead run before coffee, with Lilydale Lake East Dog Off Leash Area on the other side of the water. In town, the Lilydale General is another Main Street stop worth a lap, and CJ Mobile Cafe parks right at the lake car park on walking days.

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

Pepsi: toastie for my human, crumbs for me, and then the lake for a swim. The Thursday late close means the afternoon table is mine.