Ellis’ Belly

Ellis' Belly is a small, highly rated cafe at g03/43-47 Simpson Street in Northcote, an easy walk from Dennis station. It treats dogs as part of the neighbourhood rather than a tolerated extra, which is exactly what you want from a regular brunch haunt.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating out front, and this is one of the rare compact rooms where pups are also allowed inside. Water bowls come out as standard, and staff treat dogs like proper customers rather than a nuisance to manage.

There is no fixed dog menu, so any pup treats change with the day; ask the team when you order. The room is small and fills quickly on weekends, so a dog that settles calmly at your feet will make the visit easier.

Max: ask for a seat near the door so your dog has a clear exit to the footpath if the room gets busy.

The vibe

This is casual, slow-morning territory. The kitchen runs a creative, Taiwanese-influenced brunch menu with silky scrambled eggs, baked eggs and chicken sandwiches among the standouts, poured with specialty coffee.

Kind, unhurried staff are a big part of why the ratings sit so high, and the compact space keeps the noise down compared to the bigger High Street rooms.

Getting there

Simpson Street is walking distance from Dennis Station on the Hurstbridge line, which makes this a genuinely easy no-car option. Street parking runs along Simpson Street and the surrounding residential streets and tightens up on weekends.

Close by with the dogs

Pair brunch with a walk along the Abrahams Reserve via Merri Creek Track, or let the dog run it off at the Merri Park Dog Off Leash Area before you eat.

If you want to keep cafe-hopping, Madera Bar and Cafe sits right on the Merri Creek trail side of the suburb.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly cafe guide and the Northcote destination page.