Moving to Forest Hill Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

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

1. New Bench — 336 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

New Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade 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 room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Iris — 80 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Iris has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($8) 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 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

3. Atlas’s — 162 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Atlas’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

4. Long Store — 160 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Long Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($10) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($15) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

5. Otto Post — 227 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Otto Post has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

The Forest Hill That Locals Know

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. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill or visiting from nearby, 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. Ivy’s — 57 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ivy’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Standard — 110 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Standard 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.

The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Good Corner — 102 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Good Corner has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Iris’s — 321 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

Iris’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

10. The New Lane — 167 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: solo diners

The New Lane has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. River’s — 369 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: solo diners

River’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years 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.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. Pearl — 205 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

Pearl has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

13. Collective — 45 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Collective has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• Vermont South Moving To — 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 moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

What are the pros and cons of living in Forest Hill?

Blue Union 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