Best Burgers in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill has genuine best burgers options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Good Press and Ivy Social 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. Ivy Yard — 362 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ivy Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Ash — 151 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: families

Ash has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Nina’s — 247 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nina’s has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Gus Cellar — 41 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Gus Cellar has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Leo Social — 138 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Leo Social has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Why Forest Hill Is Worth Knowing

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best burgers 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. The Bright Store — 339 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Bright Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($27) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Depot — 272 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Depot has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($10) 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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The Long Post — 6 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Long Post has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

9. The High Yard — 204 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The High Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Ada — 11 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ada has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

11. Mabel — 49 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mabel has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Burgers — 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 burgers options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best burgers?

Yes. Forest Hill has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing 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.

Look — Forest Hill won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026