Best Asian Food in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Union and The Green Room 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. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Forest Hill 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. Finn — 211 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: remote workers

Finn has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

2. Mabel Standard — 28 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel Standard has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

3. Cleo Mill — 208 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: families

Cleo Mill has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The Old Store — 130 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Old Store has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

The Forest Hill That Locals Know

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best asian food options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill 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. Southern Union — 158 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Southern Union has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. The Green Quarter — 148 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Green Quarter has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Southern Bench — 253 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Southern Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Nina’s — 51 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nina’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Gus’s — 357 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Gus’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($27) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Forest Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Forest Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Forest Hill Complete Guide — everything about Forest Hill
• Compare Suburbs — see how Forest Hill stacks up
• All Forest Hill Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best asian food?

Yes. Forest Hill has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Forest Hill: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026