Ezra Next Door

Ezra Next Door is a modern Australian cafe on Mount Eliza Way that actively welcomes dogs, to the point of running a dedicated puppy menu. It is a relaxed village spot for coffee, gelato and all-day food, with the outdoor tables doing the dog-friendly work from breakfast through to a late dinner service on weekends.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating, including the front footpath tables that look onto the street. Staff are accommodating and will usually bring water out, and the puppy menu means the dog does not have to beg for scraps. Bring your own bowl as backup for the busiest hours, and treat indoors as people-only. The footpath sits on the village strip, so a settled dog handles the passing prams best.

Worth knowing

The kitchen leans modern Australian with a focus on local produce and good coffee, and the venue is tied to Paletto's gluten-free gelato and sorbet. Reviewers single out the huge milkshakes, sliders and generous portions, with gnocchi and risotto filling out the dinner side. Hours run 7am daily, closing 5pm early in the week and pushing to 8-10pm from Wednesday through Saturday, which makes it a rare dog-friendly dinner option in the village.

Getting there and parking

Ezra sits at 32-34 Mount Eliza Way, central in the village. Street parking runs along Mount Eliza Way and the adjacent side streets, busier at meal times, but the strip is compact enough that a short walk with the dog is part of the visit.

Close by with the dogs

The village strip itself is a pleasant on-lead stroll, with water bowls outside a few shops. For off-lead time, Fossil Beach Dog Off Leash Area is a short drive down the bay and Ballam Park Dog Off-Leash and Fenced Agility Park is over at Frankston. Cafe alternatives include Commonfolk Mornington and The Winey Cow.

More options are on the VIC dog friendly cafes guide and the Mount Eliza destination page.

Max: the puppy menu is the hook, but the late dinner service is the real win. Book an outdoor table on a Friday, order the sliders, and let the dog work the puppy menu.