Best Beer Gardens in Kew Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Kew to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Remy Social is the one everyone knows. Cleo’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Kew sits in the Middle East corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Northern Room — 157 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: dates

Northern Room has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The New Pantry — 332 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The New Pantry has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Sol Corner — 210 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sol Corner has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Rex — 194 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Rex has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s 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.

The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

Why Kew Is Worth Knowing

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. The best beer gardens options here reflect Kew’s character. Whether you’re based in Kew 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.

5. Mabel Cellar — 304 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel Cellar has been operating in Kew 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 room holds 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Bright Commons — 323 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

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

The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

7. Theo’s — 11 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

Theo’s has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Stella Pantry — 307 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Stella Pantry has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. New Cellar — 359 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: remote workers

New Cellar has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Kew?

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

Is Kew good for best beer gardens?

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

What is Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?

Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Kew: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026