Sandbah Cafe

Sandbah Cafe sits on Gilbert Street, a block back from the Torquay beachfront, and it is an easy dog stop on a Surf Coast morning. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, so nobody waits in the car while the big breakfasts come out.

The dog setup

Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area only, which is standard for Victorian cafes since pets are not permitted in indoor dining spaces under state food rules. Staff are reported to be friendly towards dogs and some get a treat, but bring your own water bowl to be sure. The footpath tables have room to settle a calm dog out of the foot traffic.

The vibe

The kitchen is known for generous big breakfasts, toasties and milkshakes, with reliable coffee and welcoming service. It runs as a relaxed local hangout rather than a tourist stop, open seven days, usually from early morning to mid-afternoon, which suits the surf crowd starting early.

Getting there

Find it at 21 Gilbert Street in the heart of Torquay near the shops. Free street parking is usually available nearby, though it tightens badly on summer weekends when the town swells.

You are a short walk from the Torquay foreshore, so grab a coffee here then head down to the front for a leg-stretch along the coast, checking council signage for current on-leash and off-leash times before the lead comes off. The Jan Juc dog beach is minutes down the road if the morning calls for sand. Bayaroma Cafe is a second dog-friendly coffee option nearby, and 4 Pines X Boardriders covers lunch with dogs outside. Best as a low-key weekday breakfast or an early weekend start before the crowds build. More options are on the Victoria cafes guide and the Torquay destination page.