A foodie's guide to Equitable Place
Tucked between Queen and Elizabeth streets in the city, this laneway is packed with some of the city’s tastiest hidden gems. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a relaxed meal, here’s your ultimate guide to the best lunch spots in Equitable Place.
Ilza
This charming cafe blends Japanese homestyle cooking with Melbourne’s brunch culture. Dive into a standout homemade beef curry or sip on drinks like the orange latte and the strawberry matcha latte. With its cosy ambience and walk-ins-only policy, Ilza feels like a secret retreat in the city.
Louie
Louie specialises in precision coffee brewing with sustainably sourced beans from Colombia. Expect gourmet toasties that pair perfectly with a cup of single-origin coffee. Add one of the freshly baked sweet or savoury muffins, and you’ve got the ideal snack or light meal.
Mörk Chocolate
Renowned for exceptional hot chocolate, Mörk has transformed an old lift shaft into a tiny haven for chocolate lovers. Don’t miss the cinnamon buns from Söt by Mörk or the handmade products to take home. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in something sweet while exploring Equitable Place.
DoDee Paidang
Craving authentic Thai street food? DoDee Paidang delivers with flavourful curries, stir-fries, and salads. Highlights include the tom yum noodle soup and pineapple fried rice. While the huge papaya salads and whole deep-fried fish are perfect for sharing. It’s a bustling, flavourful spot that brings the streets of Bangkok to Melbourne.
Two Conversations
This intimate cafe is the epitome of Melbourne’s coffee culture. With beans sourced from A Coffee and pastries like croffles from Bakemono Bakers, the menu is small but curated. The cosy indoor seating and outdoor milk crate setup gives it a quirky charm, perfect for a casual coffee catch-up.
The Worker's Food Room
Fresh and hearty eats are the focus at The Worker's Food Room, making it a top choice for a quick, satisfying lunch. From wood-fired flatbreads to vibrant salads, this spot has plenty of options for all dietaries. No fuss, no frills, all flavour.
Kenny’s Bakery Cafe
For classic, hearty fare, Kenny’s is the go-to spot. Freshly baked French bread rolls are filled with custom toppings. These sandwiches are a crowd favourite, alongside pies, pizza rolls, and soups. Pair your meal with a cup of smooth coffee for a simple yet satisfying experience.
More Melbourne laneways to explore
The ultimate guide to Centre Place
Discover laneway lunch spots, boutique shopping and hole-in-the-wall cafes.
The ultimate guide to Degraves Street
Where to shop, dine and caffeinate in Melbourne's most famous laneway.
The best restaurants, cafes and bars in Hardware Lane
Out shopping? Stop for street food, Korean desserts and secret Italian bars.
A laneway lover’s guide to Guildford Lane
Seek out Scoopy Milk Bar, brunch at Krimper and visit more of Melbourne's best cafes.
What’s new in Melbourne’s laneways
Take a peek down unfamiliar roads as we highlight the best hidden attractions in the city.
8 laneways only real Melburnians know
Have you eaten your way through Melb's unofficial Koreatown and found the secret piano bar?
Melbourne’s best hidden laneway cafes
Head down these laneways to find leafy cafes, tiny hole-in-the-walls and hidden gem coffee roasters.
Where to find Melbourne's best hidden laneway bars
Discover some of the city's best hidden laneway bars and enjoy unique cocktails, sensational food.
Last updated on Tue 14 Jan 2025
Discover more
Hidden spaces in Melbourne
Melbourne is crammed with hidden spaces, nooks and crannies. Here are some gems you may have missed.
Casual dining
From workday lunches to relaxed dinners, make the most of Melbourne's most affordable dining spots.