Things to Do in Forest Hill This Weekend — 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Forest Hill to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. The Honest Yard is the one everyone knows. Tall Cellar is the one they should know. Forest Hill has forest hill chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

1. Otto’s — 326 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: groups

Otto’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Remy’s — 329 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Remy’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Nell — 255 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nell has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. The Common Cellar — 347 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Common Cellar has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($18) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Sunny Commons — 123 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: families

Sunny Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Forest Hill

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. Zara’s — 109 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

7. Nina’s — 337 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 53 — 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 daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The Tall Bench — 299 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: families

The Tall Bench has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

9. Hugo — 141 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hugo has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

10. Ruby Commons — 86 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ruby Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Zara’s — 371 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: groups

Zara’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Golden Local — 87 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Golden Local has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Vermont South Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

What is there to do in Forest Hill on a Sunday?

Zara 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.

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