The Little Royal: A Touch of Parisian Elegance in the Royal Arcade

When you wander through the grand, light-filled spaces of Melbourne’s historic Royal Arcade, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported back in time. But if you look closely among the heritage architecture, you’ll spot a splash of vibrant colour that brings a distinct taste of Paris to the heart of the CBD: The Little Royal.

As a beloved stop on our signature Foodie Discovery Walking Tour, this boutique kiosk is the ultimate destination for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life—namely, luxury macarons and exceptional coffee.

Born from Melbourne Coffee Royalty

The Little Royal didn't just appear by chance; it comes from serious local hospitality pedigree. The boutique kiosk was founded by the creative minds behind Caffé E Torta, a legendary fixture of Melbourne's laneway dining scene. Bringing that same dedication to premium European quality, they created a dedicated space celebrating the delicate art of the French macaron right here in Victoria.

Luxury, Colour, and Craft

The first thing you’ll notice at the kiosk is the stunning, jewel-like display of colourful macarons. But these treats aren't just beautiful to look at—they are crafted to the highest standards:

• Inclusivity First: Every single macaron at The Little Royal is 100% vegetarian and gluten-free, meaning more of our tour guests can indulge without worry.

• Beyond the Biscuit: While the classic macaron is the star of the show, they also specialise in premium individual desserts, delicate petit fours, and show-stopping macaron cakes and towering displays.

• The Perfect Pairing: Because this is Melbourne, sweet treats demand excellent caffeine. The Little Royal serves premium Genovese coffee, creating the quintessential local pairing of a rich espresso alongside a crisp, chewy macaron.

Why It’s a Foodie Discovery Highlight

On our Foodie Discovery Walking Tour, we love highlighting independent local vendors who do one thing flawlessly. Tucking into a sweet treat in the middle of Australia's oldest surviving retail arcade gives our guests a perfect blend of living history and modern culinary indulgence. It’s a moment to slow down, look up at the arcade's famous architecture, and enjoy a taste of luxury.

Travel Tips for Your Visit

• Look Up while You Sip: The Little Royal is perfectly positioned in the arcade, making it a great spot to grab a coffee and look up at the famous statues of Gog and Magog striking the heritage clock nearby.

• Gift of Luxury: If you are looking for a sophisticated souvenir or a thank-you gift, their beautifully boxed macaron selections are a popular choice.

• Arrive Ready for Sweets: We feature this stop to showcase the sweeter side of the Hoddle Grid, so make sure you save some room alongside the savoury dumplings and fusion bites on the tour.

Join Us in the Laneways

Ready to discover the sweet secrets hidden inside Melbourne's historic shopping precincts? Join us on the Foodie Discovery Walking Tour, where our expert guides will take you behind the scenes to experience local icons like The Little Royal. We handle all the curation and ordering, leaving you free to soak up the history, the coffee, and the flavours of the city.

Food Tours Melbourne Australia

Why Melbourne is the Ultimate Foodie Destination

Melbourne’s Culinary Reputation

Melbourne is celebrated as Australia’s top culinary destination and prides itself as a diverse and multicultural foodie destination. From our café culture to our farm-to-table movement, Melbourne’s culinary scene continuously grows and challenges itself to be better than any other. Melbourne celebrates its culinary diversity and reputation in a variety of ways. With an ever-growing scene of innovative fine dining experiences to fun market fairs filled with food stalls and festivals throughout the year, all demonstrating cultural diversity and yummy food, one will always find themselves a part of a multicultural foodie experience. 

Diverse Flavours to Discover

Melbourne's multicultural population brings a rich tapestry of flavours from all around the globe. You can find everything from authentic Italian and Greek to vibrant Fillipino and Ethiopian cuisines. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique culinary gems. Still, the CBD (ie downtown) shows a true reflection of multicultural vibe through a wonderful mix of cuisines along every street, laneway and street corner. Walk down any of the famous alleyways and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by two or three restaurants honouring different cuisines already. The choices are universal and endless from Chinatown on Little Bourke St, Italian fare on  Lygon Street, and the recently christened ‘K-town’ on Healy Lane! 

Best Food Tours for Group Getaways

This is what makes Melbourne’s Discovery Walk unique and special. It is perfect for any foodie adventurer or a group of taste “buds” to see what our laneways offer. What better way than to discover a hole in the wall, listen to stories of a time long ago and indulge in the food culture that makes Melbourne CBD so vibrant. An afternoon that encompasses food, a glimpse of culture and discovering Melbourne laneways while spending time with your loved ones? It sounds like the perfect quartet!

Family-Friendly Food Experiences

Traveling with children? We’ve got some options for you, too! Melbourne is lucky to have several markets all of which are fun and suitable for family-friendly food experiences. Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and Prahran Market all have wonderful offerings and high-quality fresh produce. You’re bound to find something for everyone at these markets and perhaps even fill your inner child with delights such as delicious jam donuts, artisanal hot chocolates, nostalgic hot dogs and even meat pies! Kids can collect a market passport at Queen Victoria Market and fully immerse themselves while interacting with vendors and claim a prize at the end. A wonderful family-friendly activity awaits!  

Fitzroy| © Visit Victoria

Top Foodie Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

When venturing out to the suburbs of Melbourne for a more unique foodie experience, while each of the suburbs have their own gems, here are the top 3 Foodie Neighbourhoods for any visitor in Melbourne: 

Fitzroy /Collingwood

Just 3km outside of the CBD, in Fitzroy, once renowned as a working-class suburb, has now turned into an eclectic neighbourhood that is home to some of the best cafes, bakeries (such as To Be Frank), pubs and wine bars and a wide range of eateries. Along Gertrude Street, where you’ll find plenty of vintage shops and independent retailers, you’ll also find Maha, a Middle Eastern restaurant offering a contemporary spin on traditional dishes. Afterwards, head to Naked For Satan for stunning city views and delicious cocktails while people watch. For something more memorable, head down to Cutler and Co. for an unforgettable dining experience. Be spoilt with the fine dining service in a cool and comfortable setting.

Brunswick

6kms from Melbourne CBD, you’ll find yourself in Brunswick. Along Sydney Road is a vibrant collection of Mediterranean groceries, cafes and some fun ice cream shops! Get yourself some tailor-made jeans at Dejour Jeans, soak up all things Mediterranean at A1 bakery or treat yourself to deliciously juicy southern fried chicken at Juanita Peaches and end your day at one of the many ice-cream retailers on Sydney Road. For traditional Aussie flavours check out Luther’s Scoop or for the more daring foodie adventurers, check out Fluffy Torpedo for unexpected flavour bombs that are mind-blowingly different and unexpectedly delicious. 

South Melbourne

Just 2 tram stops south of the CBD. This neighbourhood is a bustling foodie find with everything from bakeries to breweries within blocks of each other. The centre of the community is the South Melbourne Market, the oldest market in Melbourne, dating back to 1867. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s famous for its ‘eat on the spot’ local seafood stands and a hive of artisanal goods and produce. In the nearby South Melbourne neighbourhood, close to Clarendon St, some of the trendiest daytime venues in Melbourne are within a few steps of the market, such as Hector’s Deli and Moon Mart. 

Planning Tips for a Seamless Tour

Book in Advance: Melbourne’s growing population and popularity as a tourist destination mean reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Pre-booking ensures a stress-free experience.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Melbourne’s laneways and markets on foot. Your feet will thank you!

Layer Up: Melbourne’s weather is famously unpredictable. Dressing in layers, with a scarf or a light jacket, will keep you prepared for anything.

Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed as you walk and dine.

Weather Protection: A light jacket with a hood is a lifesaver for unexpected rain, and a hat or sunglasses are perfect for sunny days.

Best Times to Visit

Not sure when to visit Melbourne? Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn months are ideal where the weather is mostly pleasant - although be prepared even for four seasons in one day! Autumn in Melbourne is known as “Mad March”as the city hosts many festivals - perhaps to distract us from an impending winter! From the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix or International Comedy Festival, there’ll be something for everyone. A month full of celebrations means that the offerings are diverse with plenty of unique experiences to be had. As the Spring months start warming up and the flora and fauna are thriving, watch Melbourne spring back into life again! It’s a beautiful time of the year for picnics at the parks, plenty of fun outdoor food markets and activities, and festivals gearing up for the festive season! 

Four Pillars Gin

Beyond the Tour: Extend Your Food Journey

Beyond your food tour and throughout your travels, don’t forget that with each culinary experience also comes a chance to take a little piece of it home. From artisanal Melbourne roasted coffee for coffee lovers, artisanal chocolates with Australian native ingredients from Koko Black, locally made wines in our rich and diverse wine regions of Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley, Melbourne-based gin and whiskey companies such as Four Pillars or Starward Distillery and even fabulous handcrafted gifts such as ceramic mugs, plates or tea towels by inspiring locals.

These unique gifts not only remind you of your time in Melbourne but can also transport you back to the memories made in Melbourne by reliving some of the culinary food experiences!

Make sure to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience, whether at Embla for sophisticated and contemporary Australian dining or at Vue de Monde for that extra memorable moment and view! If a more relaxed vibe is more your style then why not hit up one of many bars, such as HER rooftop bar or Caretaker’s Cottage? And while you’re at the international airport terminal and the end of holiday blues takes over, there’s always a last chance for preflight cakes and coffee at Brunetti Classico or a classic Melbourne flat white at St Ali.

Book a food tour with us, for a taste of Melbourne and for more insider foodie tips from our knowledgeable and passionate guides!

Top 5 Melbourne Laneways for Street Art

AC/DC Lane

Yes, this street is named after the 1970’s rock band who - although they formed in Sydney - made Melbourne their home. For hard core fans, check out the 1975 video clip to ‘It’s a long way to the top” which is filmed on Melbourne’s main drag, Swanston Street. Those same fans should definitely book in a dinner at one of the restaurants in AC/DC lane if not just to view the street art here while they dine. The best restaurant for that is a window table at Pastuso.

If you know your artists, you’ll know Banksy. At least, you’ll know Banksy’s work, because no one actually knows who Banksy is. There’s a Banksy stencil close to the door of Tonka restaurant in AC/DC Lane/Duckboard Place (which is the same street). It’s very difficult to tell you exactly where to look, but the stencil is a very simple silhouette of a parachuting rat.

Union Lane

In 2007, the City Of Melbourne created ‘the Union Lane Project where “more than 50 young people between the ages of 13 and 28 created a mural spanning 550 square metres on both sides of Union Lane.” Since then it’s been painted over daily. Sometimes you’ll find lots of tagging, sometimes you’ll find some brand new pieces. Everything from political statements to marriage proposals (!) line these walls. The only rule is that there are no rules! In 2019, street art went electric with a neon sign reading “Kiss Under the Mistletoe” erected over the Bourke St Mall end during the Christmas period.

Presgrave Place

By convention, this laneway is not a place to bring your spray can, but your art in a picture frame to ‘hang’ (or glue) on the wall. If you’re there during cocktail hour, you might like to stop in for a drink at Bar Americano.

Hosier Lane

If you’re looking for street art this is defiantly the most famous place to come. Hosier Lane is a curious phenomenon because even though it is super popular with tourists looking for the best selfie, it’s also the first place that artists go with political messages. It’s the place to have your message seen. To see the most enduring and best piece in the city, stand half way down Hosier Lane against the western wall and look up. You’ll notice the 23 metre high mural called ‘Aboriginal Boy’ painted by renowned street artist Matt Adnate in 2014.

There are also a couple of great bars and restaurants down here, namely MoVida, MoVida Next Door and BarTini all serving Spanish food.

Degraves Street

Undoubtedly the best place in Melbourne for a bit of people watching over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, Degraves is also rewarding for those looking for street art. For those willing to look around corners and spot smaller pieces, there are often some cute works.

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Melbourne Spring Itinerary - Food Lovers Weekend

Spring foodie Weekend in Melbourne

Friday night

Drop your bags at your hotel and head straight to Chinatown! On a dry evening there will be a buzz of people walking up and down Little Bourke St which is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world.  If you’d like cheap and cheerful, head to Shanghai Street (the name of the restaurant, not the street) for xiao long bao or Juicy Bao for sheng jian bao. Both are right on Little Bourke St, either side of Russell St. You’ll need to queue at both, but the line typically moves quickly.  If you want to splash out, try the Flower Drum, but make sure you’ve booked weeks in advance. For somewhere in the middle, try Mr. Bo. 

Chinese restaurants are not typically known for their excellent drinks list, but there are some great laneway bars in Chinatown if you’d like to indulge after dinner. Try One or Two or the Union Electric.

China Town  | © Visit Victoria

Saturday 

Melbourne has literally a thousand places to get a morning coffee, so why not explore a few on our Coffee Lovers Walk. You’ll leave with a new found respect for your flat white!

After the tour concludes, jump on a tram and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for lunch at The Terrace and enjoy a sunny spring afternoon wandering around and relaxing. For those more interested in a bit of culture, spend your time at the NGV. You’ve got two venues to choose from either on St Kilda Road for international art or at Federation Square for Australian Art. 

Speaking of Federation Square, this is your dinner venue. Grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy flavours from all over the world at the many eateries on offer. After that you might like a wander along the river and have a drink with a view at Ponyfish Island(under the Evan Walker Bridge) or Yarra Botanica (a pontoon floating in the river). Both have lovely night time view of the city lights.  

Royal Botanic Gardens  | © Visit Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens | © Visit Victoria

Sunday

Head just out of the city to South Melbourne Market (which is an easy walk from Crown) and join the  locals doing their Sunday morning grocery shopping and enjoying breakfast. There’s a lot of options to choose from here from pastries and coffee to freshly shucked oysters and crayfish!  

For your final Spring meal in Melbourne, head to the renowned Hardware Lane for the best Malaysian flavours in the town at Lulu’s, followed by a coffee at Maker and a gelato at Piccolina, all within a few steps of each other. 

South Melbourne Market | © Visit Victoria

South Melbourne Market | © Visit Victoria

Top 5 Melbourne Laneways for Food (and drink!)

If you didn’t dine in a Melbourne laneway cafe or restaurant, did you even come to Melbourne? While in some parts of the world you probably don’t walk down the alleyways by yourself, in Melbourne laneways are where all the cool stuff happens. Here are some of the best as per May 2023.

AC/DC Lane

Yes, this street is named after the 1970’s rock band who - although they formed in Sydney - made Melbourne their home. For hard core fans, check out the 1975 video clip to ‘It’s a long way to the top” which is filmed on Melbourne’s main drag, Swanston Street. Those same fans should definitely dine at one of the restaurants in AC/DC lane if not just to check out the street art memorials to the members of the band no longer with us.

Some of Melbourne’s tastiest morsels from tops chefs are down here and you’ll be surprised to find the entrance to the restaurants feels like the back door that the garbage gets taken out. This is pretty common in Melbourne and the best example if Melbourne’s top modern Indian fusion restaurant called Tonka, by Adam d’Sylva. It’s a great example modern Australian dining but book ahead – they’re often busy. Or try his outstanding South East Asian fusion (3 minutes walk away) at Coda.

Chinese immigrants have had an impact on Melbourne since the goldrush of the 1850’s to the present day, so modern Chinese food is a must have. You’ll see Lee Ho Fook within spitting distance from Tonka.

And of course, Melbourne’s best Peruvian restaurant rounds out the trio in AC/DC Lane. Pastuso not only serves ceviche, but has a ceviche menu. If you’re not into seafood, their meat dishes are also outstanding.

Niagara Lane (with bonus Melbourne laneway nearby)

There are really only two places to eat in Niagara Lane, they are both worth it! Tori’s bakery describes itself as a ‘sweet escape from bustling life’ which is perfectly apt! While it lies just metres from the traffic of Lonsdale Street, Tori’s has a feeling as if you’re relaxing in living room enjoying beautifully baked treats. While this Melbourne laneway cafe is more of an afternoon tea stop, next door is definatly for dinner. Alt is all about pasta, but not as you know it. Using elements of Japanese cooking, experimentation (and moody lighting) is the name of the game here. So maybe leave Nonna at home.

If you want bonus Melbourne laneway dining nearby, head across Little Bourke St to Warburton Lane for Myrtle. Think French style food with Australian native ingredients with a vibe that screams ‘Melbourne laneway bar’.  

Drewery Lane

There is something for you at both ends of the day in this Melbourne laneway. For your morning coffee, head up to the Little Lonsdale end, for two Melbourne laneway cafes. Grab a coffee from Little Rogue and a treat from Bakemono. Note that Bakemono bakes according to a schedule, so if you’re after something specific, note the times on their website.

Later on you might like to visit the other end of this Melbourne laneway for lunch, dinner or drinks. The magnificent four stories (named HER) house multiple venues to suit your changing mood. A French saloon at street level, SE Asian fusion food upstairs at BKK and cocktails on the HER rooftop. Check out two enduring pieces of Melbourne laneway street art - the Kardashian selfie (which the city council promptly censored with black lines) and the mosaiced wall erected by Legacy Australia to honour families of defence force personnel who have been injured or killed.

Hardware Lane

Up until recently, Hardware Lane was tricky to navigate to avoid the tourist traps. But it’s having a local renaissance with a few notable openings. Try to ‘most authentic pho outside of Hanoi’ at Pho Thin, Melbourne style Italian food at The Hardware Club, Israeli roasted cauliflower with a cult following at Miznon and some good Asian fusion at Rice Paper Scissors. And if liquid is more your style on the corner with Little Bourke St offers the ever enduring and classy Kirks’ wine bar or one of the best Melbourne laneway cafes at Maker.

Centre Place / Degraves Street

There’s no doubt that these two Melbourne laneways - separated only by 3 steps across the zebra crossing at Flinders Lane - are the most famous in town. You’ll see locals rushing to and from the train station pushing through the groups of walking tours trying to soak up every detail. While some of these Melbourne laneways cafes are sometimes better for people watching than for great food and drink, there are some notable exceptions.

Definitely try a flat white (or an iced latte) at Fieldwork Coffee in Degraves. The gelato at Pidapipo is among the best in the city as are the dumplings at ShangDong Mama mini.

Experience Melbourne's Laneways with Laneway Tours

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Walk Melbourne Tours will help you get the best out of your stay in Melbourne. Our walking food tours include tastings, a bit of Melbourne laneways history, and a lot of tips about how to best spend your time here. We aim to show you places and share flavors that you wouldn't find on your own. Coffee, sweets, dumplings and bars are our favorite things and we have Melbourne walking tours to feature all of these delicious delights. Click Here for more info.

Melbourne's Laneways: A Foodie's Paradise

A Foodie’s Guide To Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne's laneways are known for their street art, boutique shops, and hidden bars, but they're also home to some of the city's best food destinations. From hole-in-the-wall cafes to fine-dining restaurants, Melbourne's laneways offer a diverse range of culinary experiences. Here's our guide to some of the best foodie destinations in Melbourne's laneways.

Flinders Quarter

The Flinders Quarter is the neighbourhood around Flinders Lane between Swanston St and Elizabeth St. It includes the famous laneways of Centre Place and Degraves St which are lined with cafes and small places to eat. But there are many other lesser known treats in this neighbourhood. The Flinders Quarters’ unique and eclectic atmosphere makes it the perfect destination for foodies looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Flinders Lane ‘restaurant run’

The Flinders Lane ‘restaurant run’ is just east of the Flinders Quarter. It runs between Swanston St and Spring St and is home to some of Melbourne's (if not Australia’s ) best restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. From fine-dining to something more casual, Flinders Lane is the perfect destination for a night out. Don’t forget to visit a bar or two along the way as well.

Hardware Lane

Hardware Lane is a charming laneway located in Melbourne's CBD. The laneway is lined with restaurants and cafes serving up a range of cuisine, from Italian to modern Australian. Hardware Lane's outdoor seating and lively atmosphere make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Little Collins St

The sophisticated neighbourhood near the Melbourne Town Hall offers something for those discerning foodies. You’ll find wine bars and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and experiences, all in extreme comfort. For those that enjoy nothing but the best, visit ARU, voted Best Restaurant in Australia in 2023.

For those in the know this area offers one of the most prestigious addresses in Melbourne.

Melbourne's laneways offer a unique and unforgettable culinary experience, with their diverse range of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a fine-dining experience, you're sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds in these laneways.

If you're interested in exploring Melbourne's laneways and discovering the best food destinations, check out Walk Melbourne Tours. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you to some of the best foodie destinations in the city, and help you discover the hidden gems of Melbourne's laneways.