Best Beer Gardens in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best beer gardens scene in Forest Hill is growing every year. Start at Lucky Yard, then check out Sol. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Forest Hill is part of Melbourne’s Outer 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 Forest Hill locals actually recommend.

1. Lucky Press — 93 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: solo diners

Lucky Press has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

2. Felix’s — 69 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: families

Felix’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Marco Commons — 126 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

4. The Lucky Yard — 139 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Lucky Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Yard — 181 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

Forest Hill — The Honest Version

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best beer gardens options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. For Forest Hill locals and anyone in the area, 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. Nell Works — 113 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nell Works has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

7. Nina — 107 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: dates

Nina has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Mia Lane — 73 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: families

Mia Lane has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

9. Finn — 134 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Finn has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. The Sunny House — 205 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: solo diners

The Sunny House has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Beer Gardens — 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 beer gardens options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Forest Hill has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established 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.

Forest Hill 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