Best Indian Food in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best indian food scene in Forest Hill is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Long Lane, then check out Mabel Post. 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. Cleo’s — 44 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: dates

Cleo’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

2. Felix’s — 177 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Felix’s has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($14) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

3. The Blue Post — 42 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Blue Post has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Ash Room — 209 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: families

Ash Room has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Post — 97 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Post has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Forest Hill Actually Is

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best indian food options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill or visiting from nearby, 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. Ash Post — 177 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ash Post has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Long Yard — 206 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Long Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 39 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 ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Pearl Cellar — 262 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Pearl Cellar has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. River’s — 116 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

River’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Union — 30 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (indian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Union has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Half Room — 338 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

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

Half Room has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Indian Food — 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 indian food options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best indian food?

Yes. Forest Hill has 11+ 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.

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