Sanctum

Sanctum sits on Beach Road in Mentone with the water just across the road, and it has built a genuinely dog-keen reputation among the bayside cafes, complete with free treats for canine guests. On a fine day it is one of the more welcoming foreshore stops you could pick with a dog on the lead.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor beachfront seating, and the cafe is known for handing out free treats and being warm with four-legged regulars. It draws a crowd when the weather is good, so keep your dog leashed and settled close to the table, and bring a water bowl as backup for warm days.

The vibe and the menu

The headline is the bayside outlook paired with consistent coffee and a solid brunch menu. It trades from 6:30am every day, running to 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on Friday through Sunday, so early walkers can get a table with a view before the foreshore crowd arrives. Good fit for sociable dogs that enjoy a busy seafront.

Getting there and parking

Free street parking runs along Beach Road and the nearby side streets, filling early on warm weekends. The Mentone Life Saving Club, with taps and toilets, is roughly 100 metres along the foreshore if you need to rinse off sandy paws.

Close by with the dogs

The beach is directly opposite, and the Mentone Beach off-leash area covers the sand at the western end between Charman and Plummer Roads. The Reg Marlow Reserve fenced dog park is the inland option for a proper run, and Happy As Larry Cafe is another dog-friendly Mentone table if you are doing a cafe morning.

More dog-friendly venues around the suburb are on the Mentone destination page, with the wider list in the VIC cafes index.