Best Vegan Food in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best vegan food option in Forest Hill to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. River Lane is the one everyone knows. Honest Bench is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Forest Hill sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best vegan food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Forest Hill since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. High Commons — 354 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

High Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

2. Golden House — 152 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Golden House has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Quarter — 319 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

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

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Humble Table — 313 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Humble Table has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($22) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

Forest Hill — The Honest Version

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best vegan food options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. If you’re living in or near Forest Hill, 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. Place — 14 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Place has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

6. The Northern Local — 333 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Northern Local has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Rosa — 322 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Rosa has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Anchor — 185 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

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

The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Vermont South Best Vegan 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 vegan food options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best vegan food?

Yes. Forest Hill has 8+ 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.

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