Best Family Restaurants 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. Remy is the one everyone knows. Ava Commons is the one they should know. Forest Hill has forest hill chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

1. Stella — 322 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Stella has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Bright Works — 61 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Bright Works has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The Lucky Bench — 192 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: remote workers

The Lucky Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

4. Southern Press — 138 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

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

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Oliver Post — 373 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: remote workers

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

The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Forest Hill That Locals Know

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. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill or visiting from nearby, 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. Mabel Local — 148 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: groups

Mabel Local 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Max’s — 134 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: families

Max’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

8. The Blue Standard — 42 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: groups

The Blue Standard has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

9. The Northern Commons — 334 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: groups

The Northern Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Nina — 186 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: dates

Nina has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Golden Corner — 357 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: the whole crew

Golden Corner 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

12. Vera Place — 136 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: families

Vera Place 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 room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Restaurants for Families — 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 restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Forest Hill?

Half Bench 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 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