Manx Cafe

Manx Cafe sits in the Montmorency village, just off the Were Street strip at 15 Looker Road, and the staff here have built a reputation for welcoming dogs properly rather than merely tolerating them. Dogs are set up outside, and the cafe even keeps takeaway dog treats so your dog leaves with something too.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, on lead beside your table. As with most Victorian cafes, indoor dining stays people-only, but the street-side tables are where the regulars and their dogs gather anyway. The staff are the standout: they greet dogs by name, and the takeaway treat jar is a small touch that earns repeat visits. Ask for a water bowl when you arrive.

The vibe and the menu

Monty's village feel defines the room: friendly staff who remember orders, a mix of walkers and locals, and a menu that runs past the usual smashed avo to things like duck bao, house carrot cake and the occasional high tea. Gluten free options are covered. It opens early, around 6am on weekdays, which suits an before-work lap of the neighbourhood with the dog.

Getting there and parking

Find it off Were Street in the Montmorency village, with street parking on the surrounding residential blocks and Montmorency station a short walk away. The village footpaths are quiet outside peak hours, which makes the walk in with a dog on lead easy.

Close by with the dogs

For a fenced run before or after, the Malcolm Blair Reserve fenced dog park is a short drive north. Two more dog-friendly village cafes are close by too: New Neighbour Coffee and The Were Street Food Store.

More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the Montmorency destination page, with the wider list in the VIC cafes index.