Best Beer Gardens in Nunawading Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Nunawading has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Gus’s and Lena’s 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. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Nunawading 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. Zara Standard — 267 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: groups

Zara Standard has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($21) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Marco’s — 273 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: families

Marco’s has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

3. Nico’s — 375 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: remote workers

Nico’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Old Yard — 48 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Old Yard has been operating in Nunawading for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Nunawading — The Honest Version

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. The best beer gardens options here reflect Nunawading’s character. Whether you’re based in Nunawading 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. The Long Place — 332 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Long Place has been operating in Nunawading for several years 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. The White Commons — 138 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups

The White Commons has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade 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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Store — 126 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

Store has been operating in Nunawading for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

8. Hugo’s — 124 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hugo’s has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Nunawading?

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

Is Nunawading good for best beer gardens?

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

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Nunawading 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