Best Live Music in Templestowe Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Templestowe has genuine best live music options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Northern Mill and The Tall Works lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Templestowe 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. Nico Bench — 174 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: dates

Nico Bench has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Nico House — 35 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: groups

Nico House has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

3. Ada’s — 100 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ada’s has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

4. The Green Store — 74 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Green Store has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Pearl Lane — 270 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Pearl Lane has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($17) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Locals Stay in Templestowe

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. The best live music options here reflect Templestowe’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe 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. Chapter — 343 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Chapter has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Rosa Kitchen — 298 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rosa Kitchen has been operating in Templestowe 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Atlas Social — 353 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Atlas Social has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Ada — 329 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ada has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. The Red Quarter — 168 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: remote workers

The Red Quarter has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

11. The White Mill — 195 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

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

The White Mill has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Templestowe?

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

Is Templestowe good for best live music?

Yes. Templestowe has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

Templestowe is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Templestowe is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026