Best Dog Friendly Guide in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Forest Hill locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The dog friendly guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Humble Mill, then work your way to Mia’s. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. This is Forest Hill in 2026.

1. Marco’s — 135 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Marco’s has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 38 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 ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Southern Store — 250 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Southern Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 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.

The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Iris Union — 103 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Iris Union has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

4. Old Room — 351 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: solo diners

Old Room has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. The Lucky House — 77 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Lucky House has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

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. 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. Room — 131 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

Room has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.

7. Nina’s — 188 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Nina’s has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Green Table — 257 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: remote workers

Green Table has been operating in Forest Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. High Mill — 300 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

High Mill 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

10. Honest Table — 242 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Honest Table 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Vermont South Dog Friendly Guide — 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 dog friendly guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

What is Forest Hill best known for?

Nina 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