Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026

Forest Hill locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The cheap eats under 15 options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Bright Depot, then work your way to Mabel. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. This is Forest Hill in 2026.

1. Mabel — 361 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Oliver Post — 309 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

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

The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. The Honest Press — 363 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Honest Press has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Rosa Kitchen — 311 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Rosa Kitchen has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Rex Standard — 124 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Rex Standard has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Makes Forest Hill Different

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. For Forest Hill locals and anyone in the area, 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. Post — 304 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Post has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Honest Yard — 52 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Honest Yard has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The Northern Commons — 304 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Northern Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The Northern Kitchen — 7 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Northern Kitchen has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($25) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

10. River’s — 25 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

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

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. The Little Room — 368 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

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

The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

12. Stella Press — 221 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Stella Press 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 space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Vermont South Cheap Eats Under 15 — 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 cheap eats under 15 scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

What can you eat for $10 or less in Forest Hill?

Ava’s 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.

Look — Forest Hill won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026