Best Live Music in Nunawading Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Nina’s |
| Best free option | Sol House |
| Best for families | Blue Corner |
| Best local secret | Gus Table |
| Best for rainy days | Gus’s |
We’ve tested every best live music option in Nunawading to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Marco Lane is the one everyone knows. The Blue Bench is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Nunawading sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best live music scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Nunawading since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. The High Union — 273 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.
2. Rex Union — 173 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Rex’s — 217 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($15) — solid
4. Good Social — 74 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. Zara Pantry — 112 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.
6. Sol Post — 307 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
The Nunawading That Locals Know
Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. The best live music options here reflect Nunawading’s character. For Nunawading 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.
7. Standard — 263 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: families
The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.
8. Good Post — 15 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.
9. The Southern Quarter — 108 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.
Come back for: The house-made relish ($12) — solid
10. Ada Room — 157 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
11. Atlas’s — 280 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.
12. Zara Lane — 152 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154
What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Mitcham Best Live Music — 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 live music options in Nunawading?
Nina’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Nunawading good for best live music?
Yes. Nunawading has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
