Best Bars for Dates in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026

Forest Hill locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The best bars for dates options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Iris’s, then work your way to Green Table. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. This is Forest Hill in 2026.

1. Mabel — 314 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mabel has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 quarterly 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. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Red Table — 130 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: groups

Red Table has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

3. Long Press — 31 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: families

Long Press has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Red House — 105 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Red House has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 47 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 crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. The Red Lane — 23 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Red Lane has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Nobody Tells You About Forest Hill

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Forest Hill’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Forest Hill locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Vera’s — 94 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Vera’s has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

7. Marco Bench — 33 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The Green Store — 123 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: solo diners

The Green Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 38 — 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 daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Green Store — 288 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups

Green Store has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

10. Gus House — 342 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Gus House has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Southern Kitchen — 136 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Southern Kitchen has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Ash Store — 204 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Forest Hill worth visiting?

Yes. Forest Hill has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

Where is a good date spot in Forest Hill?

New Social is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Forest Hill 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