Best Cafes for Remote Work in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Forest Hill to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. The Humble Commons is the one everyone knows. Tall Kitchen is the one they should know. Forest Hill has forest hill chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

1. Nico Union — 197 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: families

Nico Union has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

2. Lane — 342 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: dates

Lane 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Red Table — 323 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Red Table has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($9) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

4. The Sunny Kitchen — 155 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Sunny Kitchen has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Iris — 103 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Iris has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Forest Hill Actually Is

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. If you’re living in or near Forest Hill, 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. Post — 139 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: families

Post has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

7. River Bench — 138 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Green Works — 279 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

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

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Ava’s — 28 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ava’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. High Social — 244 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

High Social has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

11. The Lucky Room — 34 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

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

The room holds 34 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 crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

12. Sunny Store — 94 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Sunny Store has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Cafes for Remote Work — 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 cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

Which cafes in Forest Hill have good WiFi?

The Lucky 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.

Forest Hill isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026