Citrine Bistro & Bar, Olinda

Citrine Bistro & Bar is a small, candlelit modern-Australian bistro at 1419 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Olinda village, working around a seasonal menu that changes with local produce, backed by a serious wine and cocktail list. The sunny front courtyard is where dogs are welcome, which makes it one of the more civilised dog-friendly lunch stops in the hills.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor front courtyard, casual seating that catches the afternoon sun and is used mainly in the warmer months. Bring your own water bowl, and call ahead to secure a courtyard spot: this is an intimate venue with few tables, and the regional listing frames dog access as enquire-first, so confirm when you book rather than turning up and hoping.

Worth knowing

In winter the action moves indoors to fireside seating, so the dog-friendly season is effectively the warmer months when the courtyard is in service. Hours run 5:30pm to 8:30pm Monday and Tuesday, closed Wednesday and Thursday, then midday to 9pm Friday and Saturday and to 8:30pm Sunday, so long lunches are a Friday-to-Sunday proposition.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along the Tourist Road through Olinda, with village public parking within walking distance. On a fine weekend the strip fills early, which is another reason to lock in a table.

Close by with the dogs

The Lookout Rock track and the RJ Hamer Arboretum loop are both close for a leashed walk either side of lunch, and the Old Olinda Golf Course off-leash area allows a proper run. In the village, Olinda Tea House is the other notable dog-friendly dining option on this stretch of the ridge.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly restaurants guide and the Olinda destination page.

Max: the courtyard tables go fast on weekend lunches. Book, mention the dog, and ask for the shaded end in summer.