Down The Rabbit Hole Cafe

Down The Rabbit Hole Cafe runs from a small shopfront on Newmans Road in Templestowe, and it has built a following on the strength of its pastry cabinet and breakfast plates. It opens early on weekdays at 6am, shifting to an 8am start on weekends, and closes at 3pm across the board. For dog owners in Melbourne's north east it adds another easy stop to the local circuit, with casual outdoor seating where dogs are welcome to join the table.

The dog setup

Dog-friendly directories and visitor reports describe water-side welcome here: dogs are accommodated at the outdoor seating, with dog treats on hand and puppuccinos reportedly served for well-behaved regulars. The venue's own site stays quiet on the details, so it is worth confirming the setup with staff on a first visit, but the outdoor tables have consistently hosted dogs alongside their owners. Weekday mornings are the calmest window, before the brunch rush fills the forecourt.

The menu is where the cafe earns its reputation. The cabinet is stocked with donuts and the house bronuts, a house take on the filled cronut, alongside bagels and acai bowls for the breakfast crowd. A roesti with poached eggs covers the savoury side, and the presentation gets as much attention from diners as the flavour. Coffee holds to a solid Melbourne standard, and the turnaround is quick enough for a pre-work stop on weekdays.

While you're out there

Templestowe's reserve network makes an easy pairing. The Serpells Community Reserve Dog Off Leash Area gives a proper off-lead run within a short drive, and the Main Yarra Trail offers a long riverside walk for the leash-on crowd. For another stop on the cafe circuit, Petty's Orchards sits nearby with its own garden setting, and the Templestowe guide lists the rest of the suburb's dog-friendly options. Street parking is available along Newmans Road and the surrounding shops.