Best Live Music in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best live music option in Mentone to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Northern House is the one everyone knows. Luna is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Mentone sits in the Bayside corridor, 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best live music scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mentone since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Stella’s — 100 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: dates

Stella’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($10) 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 32 — 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 house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

2. Marco Commons — 186 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Marco Commons has been operating in Mentone 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Lena Local — 320 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena Local has been operating in Mentone for several years 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 room holds 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Ash’s — 143 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ash’s has been operating in Mentone 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 room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Mentone That Locals Know

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best live music options here reflect Mentone’s character. For Mentone 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. Hazel’s — 172 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Hazel’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Mia’s — 53 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Mia’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

7. Leo Place — 301 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: groups

Leo Place has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

8. Atlas — 51 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Atlas has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

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

Start with: The crispy chicken ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Mentone?

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

Is Mentone good for best live music?

Yes. Mentone has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mentone to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026