Best Live Music in Richmond Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best live music scene in Richmond is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Northern Yard, then check out The Green Store. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Located 3km from the CBD, Richmond is part of Melbourne’s Inner East 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 Richmond locals actually recommend.

1. Otto Mill — 308 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Otto Mill has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Humble Depot — 144 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: remote workers

The Humble Depot has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Albert Street after 6pm.

3. Kai’s — 191 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Kai’s has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Social — 275 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Social has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Theo — 45 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Theo has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Richmond

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. The best live music options here reflect Richmond’s character. Whether you’re based in Richmond 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.

6. The Humble Cellar — 12 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Humble Cellar has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Pearl Cellar — 303 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pearl Cellar has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 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 space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Lena — 146 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Lena has been operating in Richmond for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 — 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 lamb shoulder ($19) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Luna — 84 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Luna has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.

10. Ash Local — 187 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ash Local has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Richmond?

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

Is Richmond good for best live music?

Yes. Richmond has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Richmond known for?

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.

How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?

Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Richmond isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026