Four&Sons

Food for thought

BY Four, September 20, 2012

For our first collaboration with You Only Live Once, we’ve been scouting around Melbourne to bring you our favourite spots to grab a bite to eat with your four-legged friends. Enjoy.

Images: clockwise from right.

Mixed Business (01)
486 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill, Telephone +61 (3) 9486 1606 — Map
This unassuming café is a heavy hitter with its amazing coffee, simple dishes and great hot rolls-made with delicious Seven Seeds coffee and Dench sourdough. Plus, at the front of this fine establishment dogs are warmly welcomed with a bowl of water — ’nuff said.

Rita’s Cafeteria (02)
239 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, Telephone +61 (3) 9419 8233 — Map
A newcomer to the Abbostford end of town, this cafeteria offers the best carbs you could ever crave. A side courtyard offers the perfect spot for your dog to hang while you smash some pizza, pasta or a risotto cooked with as much locally sourced produce as the chef can get his hands on.

Cibi (03)
45 Keele Street, Collingwood, Telephone +61 (3) 9077 3941 — Map
Zenta and Megan Tanaka not only feed your body, they also feed your mind. The duo behind this much loved Japanese café and store are true dog lovers, and will welcome your dog chilling out in the nooks at the front. The food is light and fresh and the green tea could bring you back from the dead.

Edimburgh Gardens (04)
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy North — Map
Grab a picnic and enjoy the best dog-friendly park on the Northside. With plenty of dog-lovers around, your dog will always feel welcome (although the old timers do give the newcomers a run for their money.) If you feel like a game of lawn bowls, the Fitzroy Bowling Club sits on the Gardens grounds while the Lord Newry Hotel (with great pub grub and outdoor seating for you and your dog) is just across the road.

Rooftop Bar (05)
Level 7, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne,
Telephone +61 (3) 9654 5394 — Map
Aim high when visiting Curtin House, in the heart of the City. Going up seven flights of stairs will be rewarded with one of the best views of Melbourne your dog will ever enjoy. Dogs are welcome (on their leash) during daylight hours only, to avoid rowdiness and excessive howling to the moon. Although the food changes seasonally (courtesy of the Beatbox Kitchen, Concorde Crepes or Miss Chu) it always hits the spot.

Wall Two 80 (06)
Rear 280 Carlisle Street, Balaclava,
Telephone +61 (3) 9593 8280 — Map
Ok so the name basically says it all-you sit outside a wall which sounds like madness, but is actually pretty genius. The coffee here is some of the best in Melbourne and your pooch will love making friends as you sip it. While the food is simple it’s delicious, and the sidewalk dining makes for fab people-and-puppy watching.

Las Chicas (07)
203 Carlisle St, Balaclava, Telephone +61 (3) 9531 3699 — Map
If you’re wondering where everyone is hanging on a lazy weekend, it’s Las Chicas, where nursing a chronic hangover is a cinch with their signature brekkie burrito. Your pooch will be kept quiet at your feet in the courtyard with a bowl of water and plenty of pats from the friendly staff.

Kanteen (08)
150 Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra,
Telephone +61 (3) 9827 0488 — Map
While the murky hues of the Yarra may not boast the same appeal as a view of the Med, your dogs won’t give a shit at Kanteen, as there’s plenty of space to run around and meet some buds. Snuggle in with a complimentary rug and a bite to eat. Charming and casual.

Porgie & Mr Jones (09)
291 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, Telephone +61 (3) 9882 2955 — Map
P+MJ, where the bread is organic and the poached free range eggs are ‘happy’. But don’t be fooled —pretty aint prissy. With a cracking courtyard out the back and laneway access for Fido and Rocky to make a grand entrance without disturbing those eating inside, P+MJ is a surefire hit for any pet owner.

Fitzrovia (10)
2/155 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Telephone +61 (3) 9537 0001 — Map
Chef Paul Jewson was once based in London and has cooked for the likes of Sting and Kaiser Karl Lagerfield, so you know the food’s going to be up to scratch. Fitzrovia is about to double their outside seating area and introduce a dog menu with treats for your best friend. Here everyone is a winner.

Pillar of Salt (11)
541 Church Street, Richmond, Telephone +61 (3) 9421 1550 — Map
Dogs will love chilling in the outside courtyard of this Church Street favourite, and you’ll love the chance to get your eggs with a side of suntan. Its often chockers but don’t be afraid of a little wait — it’s worth it.

Cafe Vue at Heide (12)
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, Telephone +61 (3) 9852 2346 — Map
If your dog is on the lookout for a culture fix, head down to the Heide Museum of Art. Welcomed throughout the grounds and across the 15 acres of sculpture park, there is plenty of room and art for your dog to enjoy. Cafe Vue at Heide offers outdoor seating and will provide you with classic sandwiches, hampers, lunchboxes and even a two or
three-course menu du jour.

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Shortlist

Palomino — Northcote
Commons — South Melbourne
Ici — Fitzroy
De Clieu — Fitzroy
Cavallero — Collingwood
North — Carlton North
The Abbotsford Convent Bakery — Abbotsford
Small Block — Brunswick East
City Wine Shop — City
Madame Brussels — City
Lb. (Pound) — South Yarra
Jerry’s Milk Bar — Elwood
30 Mill Espresso — Malvern
A Thousand Blessings — Richmond

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Thanks to all these fine establishments, the dogs featured and their owners. Special thanks to Cibi and Rooftop Bar for their pics.
All additional photography by Four

Tags Australia, Cafe Vue at Heide, Cibi, Fitzrovia, Food, Kanteen, Las Chicas, Living, Melbourne, Min Lokal, Mixed Business, Pillar of Salt, Porgie & Mr Jones, Rita's Cafeteria, Rooftop Bar, Wall Two 80