Best Live Music in Box Hill North Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Box Hill North has genuine best live music options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. New Corner and Ash Cellar lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Box Hill North Primary. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Box Hill North resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Kitchen — 281 Park Place, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: groups

Kitchen has been operating in Box Hill North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Cleo — 32 Victoria Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Cleo has been operating in Box Hill North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Box Hill North roaster — ask which one.

3. New Social — 33 Park Place, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

New Social has been operating in Box Hill North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Box Hill North Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ash’s — 371 George Grove, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash’s has been operating in Box Hill North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill North farmers market when it runs.

5. Hazel’s — 337 Queen Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: dates

Hazel’s has been operating in Box Hill North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Box Hill North Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill North farmers market when it runs.

What Box Hill North Actually Is

Residential suburb with Box Hill North Primary. Elgar Park is the main public space. The best live music options here reflect Box Hill North’s character. For Box Hill North locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. The Humble Mill — 269 Queen Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Humble Mill has been operating in Box Hill North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Common Lane — 150 Albert Street, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Common Lane has been operating in Box Hill North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Zara Local — 305 Albert Street, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Zara Local has been operating in Box Hill North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Box Hill North Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

9. Gus — 18 Queen Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Gus has been operating in Box Hill North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Southern House — 172 Albert Street, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: solo diners

Southern House has been operating in Box Hill North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Park Place is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

11. New Store — 91 Queen Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3126

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

New Store has been operating in Box Hill North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Box Hill Best Live Music — same vibe, different suburb
• Box Hill North Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Box Hill North Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Box Hill North Complete Guide — everything about Box Hill North
• Compare Suburbs — see how Box Hill North stacks up
• All Box Hill North Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Box Hill North?

Luna’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Box Hill North good for best live music?

Yes. Box Hill North has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Box Hill North known for?

Residential suburb with Box Hill North Primary.

How far is Box Hill North from Melbourne CBD?

Box Hill North is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Box Hill North is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026