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.
Fashion
The Red House — 377 Bridge Road
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Half Bench — 280 King Grove
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Lane — 249 Young Place
Opened in 2024 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
Homewares
Leo’s — 371 Young Place
One of Forest Hill’s best-kept secrets. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $10-16. The back area is where the regulars sit. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Iris’s — 308 Plenty Drive
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Lucky Larder — 29 Young Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Books & Records
Ash — 214 Young Place
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Larder — 26 Plenty Drive
One of Forest Hill’s best-kept secrets. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $10-16. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Gus Lane — 208 King Grove
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Food & Specialty
The Wide Works — 25 King Grove
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Mia Works — 45 Plenty Drive
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Gus Yard — 65 Bridge Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Markets
Merchant — 216 Plenty Drive
One of Forest Hill’s genuine highlights. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $10-16. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Hazel’s — 216 Barkly Grove
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Press — 217 Bridge Road
One of Forest Hill’s best-kept secrets. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $10-16. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Forest Hill.
Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.
Budget: A full day exploring Forest Hill — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $97 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 |
Nearby
- Box Hill — also worth exploring
- Forest Hill Cafes
- Forest Hill Restaurants
- All Forest Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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