Piccolo One

Piccolo One is a hole-in-the-wall espresso bar tucked down a laneway off Douglas Parade in Williamstown, and a popular stop for locals walking their dogs. The covered laneway, lined with wall art, gives dogs a shaded, sheltered place to settle while you order.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the covered outdoor laneway seating. It is a cosy space, so it suits dogs that are comfortable close to other people and pets, and the lead stays on and short. The cafe is accommodating and has offered puppuccinos in the past, though bring your own water bowl to be sure.

The vibe

This is a hole-in-the-wall espresso bar rather than a big brunch room, and reviewers rate the coffee highly. The kitchen turns out freshly made local sourdough, including bagels, which makes it an easy breakfast stop before a foreshore walk. Hours run 7am to 2pm on weekdays, with a 7:30am start on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

Max: the laneway is snug, so a dog that spooks in tight spaces will be happier waiting at the lane mouth. Weekend mornings squeeze up quickly with the regular crowd.

Getting there

Look for the laneway at around 2/12 Douglas Parade, near the Ferguson Street corner. Free street parking runs along Douglas Parade and the side streets, busiest on weekends, and the waterfront is a short walk away.

Pair it with

The Williamstown waterfront and Breakwater Pier paths are a short stroll away for an on-lead leg-stretch, and the Ferguson Street strip leads on to the foreshore parks. For off-lead time, Cyril Curtain Reserve and Gloucester Reserve both take dogs nearby.

For a sit-down brunch with more space, Crowded House Cafe is up the street. More options are on the Victoria cafe guide and the Williamstown destination page.