Best Live Music in Camberwell Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best live music scene in Camberwell is better than most people realise. Start at Hazel Post, then check out Ava Social. Camberwell Junction is a major shopping and dining precinct. Located 10km from the CBD, Camberwell is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Camberwell locals actually recommend.

1. Stella Quarter — 153 Bridge Drive, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Stella Quarter has been operating in Camberwell for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Kai’s — 192 Bridge Drive, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Kai’s has been operating in Camberwell for since 2019 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.

The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Camberwell farmers market when it runs.

3. Mabel’s — 271 Victoria Lane, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mabel’s has been operating in Camberwell for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Pine Place is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Finn Room — 283 Swan Road, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Finn Room has been operating in Camberwell for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Camberwell roaster — ask which one.

Why Camberwell Is Worth Knowing

Camberwell Junction is a major shopping and dining precinct. The Sunday Camberwell Market is a Melbourne institution. The best live music options here reflect Camberwell’s character. For Camberwell 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.

5. Good Corner — 173 Chapel Parade, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Good Corner has been operating in Camberwell for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Chapel Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. River’s — 243 Victoria Lane, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

River’s has been operating in Camberwell for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. New Local — 195 Swan Road, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

New Local has been operating in Camberwell for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Oliver Room — 90 Swan Road, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Oliver Room has been operating in Camberwell for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Merchant — 236 Bridge Drive, Camberwell VIC 3138

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Merchant has been operating in Camberwell for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Pine Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Camberwell?

Half Pantry is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Camberwell good for best live music?

Yes. Camberwell has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Camberwell known for?

Camberwell Junction is a major shopping and dining precinct.

How far is Camberwell from Melbourne CBD?

Camberwell is 10km, 20min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Camberwell 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