Belgian Beer Cafe Melbourne

The Belgian Beer Cafe Melbourne takes the river end of Riverside Quay, a corner of Southbank built for long afternoons: mussels in the classic pots, pork knuckle, schnitzel and a wall of Belgian taps led by Leffe. Doors open at midday most days and the kitchen keeps going late, with the terrace trading through sunset over the Yarra.

Dogs on the terrace

The venue has been listed among Melbourne's dog-friendly dining spots in the Good Food press, with dogs welcome on the open-air riverside terrace and water bowls readily available. That terrace is the whole show on a warm evening: it faces the water, catches the river breeze, and keeps your dog clear of the indoor bars. Bring the lead and settle in; staff are used to dogs at the quay tables and the water bowls tend to appear before you ask.

Worth knowing

Hours run from noon Monday to Wednesday, with Thursday starting at midday and trading through to midnight, and the bar running as late as 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking around Southbank is expensive and slow on event nights, so the tram along St Kilda Road or a walk across from the CBD beats driving. When there is a major event at the nearby stadiums the quay fills fast, and a dog table is much easier at a midweek dinner.

Make a day of it

The river walk keeps the day moving. The Southbank Small Dog Park gives small dogs a secure run a short stroll away, and BearBrass on the same quay handles breakfast and lunch with dogs at its outdoor tables. For a second drinks stop, the Ponyfish Island bar floats mid-river under the Evan Walker Bridge and welcomes dogs on lead. Browsers can start from the Southbank guide or the list of dog friendly pubs in Victoria.