Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Forest Hill Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Ava’s |
| Free highlight | Vera Room |
| Family-friendly | Stella |
| Locals only | Merchant |
| Indoor option | River |
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
The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.
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 space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.
What Makes Forest Hill Different
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
The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The daily soup ($18) — solid
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 space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.
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
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The house-made relish ($18) — solid 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 space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Yes. 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
