Most cities feature wonderful intimate establishments—cafes, pubs, and dining venues—nestled in corners that mainly locals discover. Melbourne offers countless marvellous concealed laneway dining spots. Yet frequently, it's challenging to determine where to begin searching. You might regularly pass by entrances to these pubs and cafes without realising they're there. So I ventured into the bustling energy of the CBD to uncover several of these remarkable, tucked-away laneway treasures.
MoVida
Exploring Melbourne's sights throughout the day? Peckish but not ready for a substantial meal? Seeking refuge from the crowds? MoVida is your ideal destination! Hosier Lane draws visitors keen to admire its striking murals, yet the modest restaurants tucked along this lane often go unnoticed. MoVida provides a peaceful retreat for a brief pause whilst taking in the remarkable street art. Though prices on the menu can be steep, you can easily pick up a few tapas and a drink without breaking the bank. It's the ideal spot to refresh before exploring the rest of Melbourne's CBD.
Lane’s Edge
Don't let the street number mislead you; this laneway cafe is tucked away out of sight. The cafe can be accessed via two separate doors: one on Bourke Street and another on Meyers Place. Most patrons tend to enter through the front and remain in the main section. However, if you venture through a doorway and navigate a brief confined corridor, you'll discover the concealed courtyard. On most occasions, you can access the courtyard through a small entrance on Meyers Place. This venue is ideal for those seeking refuge from the frenetic pace of the bustling CBD. Both the cafe and courtyard serve food and beverages. Brilliant for post-work socialising or a casual drink whilst visiting the city, ensure you include this spot on your CBD itinerary.
Loop Roof
Tucked away near Parliament Station sits this stunning rooftop bar. You'll need to climb several flights of stairs to get there, but the effort is absolutely worthwhile. The venue boasts impressive interior design, excellent views across Parliament, and offers spectacular sunset vistas. Concerned about the cold in winter? No need to worry. Heated lamps are positioned outside to keep you comfortable. It's a perfect spot for end-of-day socialising or anyone passionate about photography. Loop Roof offers a wonderful range of small sharing plates, ideal for evening drinks. During winter, sample their remarkable mulled wine paired with a glazed bourbon doughnut. I genuinely love a quality mulled wine.
Hash Specialty Coffee & Roasters
Melbourne's café scene is so vast that choosing where to visit can prove overwhelming. Hash has discovered a way to capture your curiosity. Beyond their exceptional coffee selection, they offer an unusual hot chocolate speciality—fairy floss hot chocolate! Yes, you read that right... Fairy Floss Hot Chocolate! Like something from a laboratory demonstration, you're given an enormous pile of fairy floss alongside your hot chocolate served in a science beaker. From there, the fun begins as you pour your hot chocolate onto the fairy floss and observe it dissolve. It appeals equally to children and grown-ups. To be completely frank; I don't typically enjoy coffee. It's never suited me. Yet I chose to try the iced coffee at hash. Wow, it was absolutely fantastic! I highly suggest giving it a try.
Bowery to Williamsburg
Once a charming little New York-style café situated on Hardware Lane. Should you wander down Hardware Lane, you'll spot Bowery to Williamsburg nestled against the picturesque brick wall. However, don't be deceived. It's no longer an American's haven; it's become Bowery to Williamsburg Tel Aviv. If you're after an excellent bagel with schmear, you'll need to head to Oliver Lane instead. And now I'm craving a pastrami sandwich. Pardon me whilst I treat myself.
Have you visited Melbourne? What are some of your preferred secret laneway bars and cafes? Do you have any preferred hidden bars and cafes in your own town? Please share them in the comments section below!
MoVida
Exploring Melbourne's sights throughout the day? Peckish but not ready for a substantial meal? Seeking refuge from the crowds? MoVida is your ideal destination! Hosier Lane draws visitors keen to admire its striking murals, yet the modest restaurants tucked along this lane often go unnoticed. MoVida provides a peaceful retreat for a brief pause whilst taking in the remarkable street art. Though prices on the menu can be steep, you can easily pick up a few tapas and a drink without breaking the bank. It's the ideal spot to refresh before exploring the rest of Melbourne's CBD.
Lane’s Edge
Don't let the street number mislead you; this laneway cafe is tucked away out of sight. The cafe can be accessed via two separate doors: one on Bourke Street and another on Meyers Place. Most patrons tend to enter through the front and remain in the main section. However, if you venture through a doorway and navigate a brief confined corridor, you'll discover the concealed courtyard. On most occasions, you can access the courtyard through a small entrance on Meyers Place. This venue is ideal for those seeking refuge from the frenetic pace of the bustling CBD. Both the cafe and courtyard serve food and beverages. Brilliant for post-work socialising or a casual drink whilst visiting the city, ensure you include this spot on your CBD itinerary.
Loop Roof
Tucked away near Parliament Station sits this stunning rooftop bar. You'll need to climb several flights of stairs to get there, but the effort is absolutely worthwhile. The venue boasts impressive interior design, excellent views across Parliament, and offers spectacular sunset vistas. Concerned about the cold in winter? No need to worry. Heated lamps are positioned outside to keep you comfortable. It's a perfect spot for end-of-day socialising or anyone passionate about photography. Loop Roof offers a wonderful range of small sharing plates, ideal for evening drinks. During winter, sample their remarkable mulled wine paired with a glazed bourbon doughnut. I genuinely love a quality mulled wine.
Hash Specialty Coffee & Roasters
Melbourne's café scene is so vast that choosing where to visit can prove overwhelming. Hash has discovered a way to capture your curiosity. Beyond their exceptional coffee selection, they offer an unusual hot chocolate speciality—fairy floss hot chocolate! Yes, you read that right... Fairy Floss Hot Chocolate! Like something from a laboratory demonstration, you're given an enormous pile of fairy floss alongside your hot chocolate served in a science beaker. From there, the fun begins as you pour your hot chocolate onto the fairy floss and observe it dissolve. It appeals equally to children and grown-ups. To be completely frank; I don't typically enjoy coffee. It's never suited me. Yet I chose to try the iced coffee at hash. Wow, it was absolutely fantastic! I highly suggest giving it a try.
Bowery to Williamsburg
Once a charming little New York-style café situated on Hardware Lane. Should you wander down Hardware Lane, you'll spot Bowery to Williamsburg nestled against the picturesque brick wall. However, don't be deceived. It's no longer an American's haven; it's become Bowery to Williamsburg Tel Aviv. If you're after an excellent bagel with schmear, you'll need to head to Oliver Lane instead. And now I'm craving a pastrami sandwich. Pardon me whilst I treat myself.
Have you visited Melbourne? What are some of your preferred secret laneway bars and cafes? Do you have any preferred hidden bars and cafes in your own town? Please share them in the comments section below!
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