Mitch & Co Cafe

Mitch & Co Cafe sits on the Frankston-Flinders Road as it passes through Tyabb, and it has built a devoted following on the peninsula for hearty brunch plates and a genuinely warm welcome. Dogs are part of the furniture here: the outdoor seating takes leashed pets, dog treats sit on the counter, and the regulars expect a friendly dog at the next table. Its 5am opens tell you what kind of cafe it is, one that serves the early crew before most kitchens have flicked the lights on.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on lead at the outdoor tables, where water bowls and a counter selection of dog treats, including bagged Lily's dog treats, make it easy to spoil them. The seating is casual, and staff have a reputation for being welcoming rather than merely tolerant. Weekends fill with the brunch crowd, so earlier is better if you want a comfortable spot with a dog.

The menu

The kitchen covers early breakfast through lunch with a seasonal menu: eggs Benedict sits beside inventive plates like mac and cheese croquettes and a signature mushroom dish with pine nuts, rocket and vegan feta on sourdough. Vegetarian and vegan options run deep, the coffee is properly made, and the cabinet of homemade muffins, gluten-free cakes and croissants is worth leaving room for. Hours are 5am to 3pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 1552 Frankston-Flinders Road, Tyabb, with free on-site parking, and the Tyabb Packing House antiques village is a short walk away for a leashed wander afterwards. It is an easy stop mid-drive across the peninsula.

While you're out there

For water time, the Hastings Foreshore Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a few minutes south and the Somers Beach Dog Off Leash East Area is just past it. Nearby coffee options include Rattling Red Cafe in Tyabb itself and Pelikan Société on the Hastings waterfront.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Tyabb destination page.