Best Live Music in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill has genuine best live music options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The White Bench and Nina lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Forest Hill 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. The Humble Depot — 331 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Humble Depot has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Half House — 131 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: dates

The Half House has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Humble Room — 71 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Humble Room has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($8) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

4. Sunny Standard — 203 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Sunny Standard has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Sunny House — 204 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Sunny House has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

Forest Hill — The Honest Version

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best live music options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill or visiting from nearby, 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. Leo Union — 316 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Leo Union has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($8) 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. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Murray Street after 6pm.

7. Ruby’s — 62 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

8. Red Commons — 44 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Red Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

9. Ash’s — 155 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ash’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Ada — 361 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ada has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Sol House — 262 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Sol House has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Forest Hill?

The New Works is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Forest Hill good for best live music?

Yes. Forest Hill has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Forest Hill is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Forest Hill isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026