Best Live Music in Eltham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best live music option in Eltham to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Common Kitchen is the one everyone knows. Nina’s is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. Eltham sits in the Middle North corridor, 24km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best live music scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Eltham since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Sunny Standard — 182 Rowan Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sunny Standard has been operating in Eltham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 46 — 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 lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Eltham Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Eltham roaster — ask which one.

2. The Sunny House — 235 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Sunny House has been operating in Eltham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Nell — 130 Rowan Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nell has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Remy’s — 16 West Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Remy’s has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Eltham farmers market when it runs.

What Makes Eltham Different

Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. Montsalvat artists’ colony since 1934. The best live music options here reflect Eltham’s character. If you’re living in or near Eltham, 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. The Red Cellar — 286 West Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: dates

The Red Cellar has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Nico Lane — 230 Rowan Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nico Lane has been operating in Eltham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Eltham roaster — ask which one.

7. Bench — 351 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Bench has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Anderson Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Eltham roaster — ask which one.

8. Remy Depot — 139 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: dates

Remy Depot has been operating in Eltham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Eltham?

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

Is Eltham good for best live music?

Yes. Eltham has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Eltham known for?

Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham.

How far is Eltham from Melbourne CBD?

Eltham is 24km, 45min train, 32min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Eltham 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