Sanctum

Sanctum sits on Beach Road in Mentone, a beachfront cafe with views over the bay and a genuinely dog-keen reputation, complete with free treats for canine guests. It is one of the more welcoming foreshore stops, with the water just across the road.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor beachfront seating, and the cafe has a reputation for handing out free treats and being warm with dogs. Keep your dog leashed and settled given how busy the spot gets on a fine day, and bring a water bowl as backup.

Good to know. The headline is the bayside outlook paired with consistent coffee and a solid brunch menu. It is a relaxed, well-liked local spot, so it draws a crowd when the weather is good.

Getting there. Free street parking runs along Beach Road and the nearby side streets, filling on warm weekends. The Mentone Life Saving Club, with taps and toilets, is roughly 100 metres away.

Nearby with the dogs. The beach is directly opposite, with off-leash sand at the western end between Charman and Plummer Roads. The Beach Road coastal path runs right past for a walk before or after coffee.

When to go. Early on a sunny day, before the foreshore crowd and the parking fill. Good for a sociable dog that enjoys a busy seafront.

Sources

• Dog ownership - City of Kingston · kingston.vic.gov.au
• Dog Friendly Eateries in and around Bayside · baysidedogownersgroup.com.au

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