Best Italian Restaurants in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026

Forest Hill has genuine best italian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Humble Commons and Hugo 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. Finn Yard — 291 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Finn Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Cleo’s — 211 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Cleo’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

3. Mabel Works — 68 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Mabel Works has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ada Yard — 87 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: groups

Ada Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Forest Hill That Locals Know

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best italian 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.

5. Max — 255 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: remote workers

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

The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($17) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Max Pantry — 224 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: solo diners

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

The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Gus Room — 262 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: families

Gus Room has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($8) 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 room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Otto’s — 167 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Otto’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. The Bright Place — 300 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (italian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Bright Place has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Murray Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Italian 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 italian food options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best italian food?

Yes. Forest Hill has 9+ 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.

If you’re comparing Forest Hill to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026