Soft Cafe

Soft Cafe is at 29 Minerva Road, Herne Hill, on Geelong's western side, a relaxed brunch spot with a dedicated alfresco area set up for dogs, heaters and throws included, so it works even on a cold Geelong morning. It rates 4.3 across more than 300 reviews.

Dogs in the alfresco

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor alfresco area, which is undercover and fitted with heaters and throws for winter. Indoor seating stays dog-free, in line with standard cafe health rules. Water bowls are generally put out, and dogs need to stay leashed and settled at the tables.

On the menu

Inglewood coffee anchors the drinks list, and the seasonal brunch menu covers design-your-own breakfasts, brekkie burgers and toasties, with dishes like pulled pork benedict, salmon bagel cakes, sweet potato toast and orange poppyseed hotcakes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are covered, there is a kids menu, and the greenery-filled space has a sandpit that keeps children busy. The kitchen also does wedding catering. Hours are 6:30am to 3pm weekdays and 6:30am to 2pm weekends and public holidays.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on a small local shopping strip on Minerva Road, with free street parking along the strip and surrounding residential streets.

Close by with the dogs

Kevin Kirby Reserve on Heytesbury Street is a council-designated supervised off-leash area in Herne Hill, close enough for a proper run before breakfast. For another table, Sixteen06. and Black Moustache Coffee Co. are also in Herne Hill, and Windy Creek Estate pours locally. More are listed under VIC restaurants and in Herne Hill.

Weekday mornings are quieter if you want the alfresco tables to yourself; weekend brunch gets busy, so arrive early or expect a short wait.