Nordie Café

Nordie Café is a Scandinavian-inspired all-day eatery on Mornington-Flinders Road in the heart of Red Hill, and the draw for dog owners is the large, sheltered back courtyard where dogs are welcome alongside you. It is an easy stop between the peninsula's wineries and walking trails.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the spacious rear courtyard, a leafy, sunny outdoor area that is popular with locals and their dogs. Indoor seating is for people; book or aim for an outdoor table if you have your dog with you. Staff will usually sort a water bowl on request, though it is worth carrying a collapsible bowl on warm days.

Good to know. The kitchen leans Nordic, with brunch plates, specialty coffee and sweet treats being the regular talking points. It runs a daytime service, generally from early morning to mid-afternoon, so it suits a breakfast or lunch stop rather than dinner. Hours can shift seasonally, so confirm before a long drive.

Getting there and parking. There is a free car park behind the cafe plus street parking on the surrounding roads, and access from the car park through to the courtyard is flat and easy. It fills up on weekends, so arrive earlier if you want a shaded courtyard spot.

Nearby with the dogs. You are minutes from the Red Hill wineries, several of which welcome dogs in their outdoor areas, and the quiet surrounding lanes make for a decent pre- or post-coffee stroll on lead.

When to go. A weekday morning is the calmest window for a courtyard table with the dog settled at your feet. Good for a relaxed brunch stop when you are touring the Red Hill area.

Sources

• Nordie Cafe Red Hill - Mamma Knows South · mammaknowssouth.com.au

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