Best Family Restaurants in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Half Bench |
| Free highlight | Mabel’s |
| Family-friendly | The Humble House |
| Locals only | The Tall Commons |
| Indoor option | Cleo’s |
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
The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($15) — solid 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 space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Oliver Post — 373 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($26) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
The Forest Hill That Locals Know
6. Mabel Local — 148 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — solid 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 space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The charcuterie board ($28) — solid
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
The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — solid 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
Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
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
The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.
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
Yes. 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
