Best Late Night Food in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every late night food option in Forest Hill to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Bright Room is the one everyone knows. Felix Works is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — 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 late night 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. Hugo Mill — 201 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Hugo Mill has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Golden Lane — 76 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Golden Lane has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Mabel Depot — 115 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mabel Depot has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Atlas — 315 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Atlas has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Forest Hill Actually Is

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The late night 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. Vera Corner — 143 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: groups

Vera Corner 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 room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Ruby Kitchen — 140 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Ruby Kitchen has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Bright Store — 350 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: remote workers

The Bright Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

8. Iris — 77 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Iris has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($26) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Leo — 121 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Leo has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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 room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• Vermont South Late Night 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 late night food options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for late night food?

Yes. Forest Hill has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established 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.

The truth about Forest Hill: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026