Best Live Music in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best live music scene in Highett is better than most people realise. Start at Hugo’s, then check out The Good Mill. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Highett locals actually recommend.

1. Hazel’s — 191 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($25) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The White Local — 214 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The White Local has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

3. Atlas House — 215 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: dates

Atlas House has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Golden Store — 31 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Golden Store has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

5. Old Room — 49 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Old Room has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Ada Room — 237 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Ada Room has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Highett — The Honest Version

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best live music options here reflect Highett’s character. Whether you’re based in Highett 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.

7. Old Place — 301 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: groups

Old Place has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

8. Bench — 50 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Bench has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

9. The Humble Commons — 244 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: families

The Humble Commons has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Old Place — 282 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Old Place has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Finn Mill — 98 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Finn Mill has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) 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 58 — 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 ($21) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

12. The Humble Bench — 87 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Humble Bench has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 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 fish special ($22) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best live music?

Yes. Highett has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Highett 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