Melo Cafe

Melo Cafe is a bright, plant-filled neighbourhood cafe at Shop 1/1 Longview Road, Windsor Gardens, in Adelaide's north east, with a Japanese-fusion brunch menu that has made it a destination rather than just a local. The covered outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and it actually works year round.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, which is covered and heated, so a winter brunch is as viable as a summer one. Water bowls are often put out for visiting dogs. The catch is size: the outdoor area is on the small side and weekend brunch fills it fast, so an outdoor table is not guaranteed. Weekday mornings are the reliable window for a table with your dog beside you.

Worth knowing

The menu is why people cross town: chilli scrambled eggs, crispy poached eggs on smashed avo, red velvet pancakes, burgers and strong coffee and matcha alongside. Presentation gets consistent praise, so expect a wait at peak times as well. Hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm and weekends 8am to 2:30pm. There is free on-site parking plus street parking, with easy access off North East Road.

Pair it with

The River Torrens Linear Park corridor is the obvious pre-brunch walk, just remember the shared-use paths along the Torrens at Windsor Gardens are strictly on-lead, with council by-laws protecting the revegetation and wildlife along the banks. For an off-lead run before the pancakes, L.J. Lewis Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Northfield has fully fenced zones with agility equipment, and Hillcrest Off Leash Dog Park is another nearby council option. If Melo's outdoor tables are full, Ben Bakers Drive Through Coffee saves the coffee leg without leaving the car.

More options are in the South Australia dog friendly cafes guide and the Windsor Gardens destination page.

Pepsi: weekday at eight, the heated outdoor table is all yours, the chilli scrambled eggs arrive fast, and nobody steps on your dog's paws.