Best Date Night Restaurants in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026

The best date night restaurants scene in Forest Hill is better than most people realise. Start at The Common House, then check out Felix Union. 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. Ash — 27 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ash has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

2. Pantry — 344 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: dates

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

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

3. Atlas’s — 131 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Atlas’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. White Pantry — 347 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Pantry has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. High Store — 348 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

High Store has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Reality of Forest Hill

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best date night restaurants 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. Finn — 59 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Finn has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($21) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Otto — 181 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Otto has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Ava’s — 61 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) A local institution Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ava’s has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Post — 332 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: dates

Post has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. New Bench — 363 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (date night restaurants) A local institution Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: solo diners

New Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Date Night Restaurants — 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 date night restaurants options in Forest Hill?

Kai Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Forest Hill good for best date night restaurants?

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