Best Bars for Dates in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Little Commons | | Best with kids | The Tall Place | | Hidden spot | Press | | Bad weather pick | Cleo’s |
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
The space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — solid 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
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($24) — solid 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
Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
What Nobody Tells You About Forest Hill
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
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Green Store — 288 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($28) — solid
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
Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The house-made relish ($23) — solid
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
The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($22) — solid 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
Capacity is around 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Yes. 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
