Forest Hill Food Crawl — The Ultimate Route

Forest Hill sits in Melbourne’s east and runs residential, friendly, growing. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.

Stop 1: Coffee

Nico Works — 212 King Grove

A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.

Southern Cellar — 70 Plenty Drive

Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.

Stop 2: Snack

The New Quarter — 337 Bridge Road

One of Forest Hill’s hidden gems. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $10-16. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.

The Old Pantry — 92 Young Place

One of Forest Hill’s genuine highlights. The staff takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $10-16. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.

Stop 3: Main Meal

Archive — 35 Plenty Drive

One of Forest Hill’s hidden gems. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $10-16. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.

Marco’s — 120 Bridge Road

A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.

Stop 4: Dessert

Northern Standard — 124 Bridge Road

A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.

Otto Bench — 214 Plenty Drive

A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. Consistently reliable. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.

Stop 5: Nightcap

New Corner — 123 King Grove

One of Forest Hill’s best-kept secrets. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $10-16. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.

Red Place — 258 Plenty Drive

A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Forest Hill.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.

Budget: A full day exploring Forest Hill — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $80 per person.

Parking: Street parking on King Grove is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.

Forest Hill at a Glance

Category	Quick Answer
Vibe	Residential, friendly, growing
Coffee price	$4.50-5.00
Dinner price	$22-38 pp
Getting there	Public transport options in Forest Hill
Best for	Forest Hill local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

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Last updated: March 2026

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