Bo Gurks

Bo Gurks is a lively bar and pizzeria on the Nepean Highway strip in Edithvale, right opposite the train station, known for woodfired pizzas and a serious wine and cider list. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, which makes it a natural Friday-night stop after a walk down to the bay.

The dog setup

Dogs are fine at the outdoor patio tables, where you can settle in with a pizza while your dog rests at your feet, and staff bring water bowls out when asked. Indoors follows standard restaurant rules with service animals only. On cooler evenings the patio is the popular side of the venue regardless, so arriving before the dinner rush gives a dog the easiest run of it.

The vibe

This is a neighborhood bar first: prosciutto pizza and gluten-free bases from the woodfired oven, a wine list that goes beyond the usual, local ciders on tap, and occasional live entertainment through the evening. The kitchen closes later than most on the strip from Thursday to Saturday, while Monday and Tuesday are dark days. Bookings are a sensible move on weekends when the patio fills.

Pepsi: The strategy is simple. Park yourself under the pizza table and let the prosciutto aromas do the negotiating.

Getting there and parking

The address is 244 Nepean Highway, directly across from Edithvale station, so the train is a genuine option. Street parking is available on side streets such as Fraser Avenue, though it gets tight during dinner service, so budget a couple of minutes on Friday nights.

Close by with the dogs

Edithvale Beach is about 400 metres west for an on-leash walk before or after your meal, and the Iluka Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Aspendale gives dogs a secure off-lead run a few minutes north. Bicentennial Park covers the off-leash stretch at Chelsea, and on the food side Edithvale General Store and Skinny Boy Jim take care of the morning shift nearby.

For more dog-friendly dining in Victoria, browse restaurants in VIC, or see what else is around Edithvale.