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.
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