8 laneways only real Melburnians know

You've explored Hardware Lane and Degraves Street. But have you eaten your way through Melbourne's unofficial Koreatown and found the secret Japanese day spa?

Healey’s Lane 

This little pocket of the city is fast making a name for itself as Melbourne’s unofficial Koreatown. Head to Sevenstar Pocha for comforting Korean army stew, chock-full of ramyun noodles, spam, veggies and more. Come back at lunchtime for cult-status street toast from Sukbong or a meatball sub from Nico’s. You’ll find this sandwich-slinging window vendor hidden behind a carpark.

Niagara Lane 

This cute little cobblestone lane is home to two viral TikTok sensations. Tucked between the towering brick buildings of Niagara Lane is adorable cafe Tori’s. French patisserie vibes with Japanese flavour inspo, this spot is beloved for its strawberry matcha latte and handmade Madeleines. For more fusion head next door to Alt Pasta Bar and try the squid ink spaghetti with spanner crab. 

Drewery Lane

Bakemono is the hole-in-the-wall Japanese bakery that put this laneway on the map. Try the yuzu croissants and garlic bread, then grab a matcha or filter coffee from Little Rogue. Four-storey vertical laneway Her soars high over Drewery Lane. Explore the moody ground floor bar, the vinyl-spinning Music Room and resident Thai BBQ diner BKK. Then soar up to the rooftop for a Med-style escape. 

Sutherland Street 

You might have zoomed through Sutherland Street on your way to the green oasis of Guildford Lane. But this strip is worth a visit of its own. Pick up underground streetwear at Supply Store. Admire the adorable vintage cakes at Maka Maka and stop for Thai street food at Paksoi. Look for the bright green walls of Yum Sing House where a night of karaoke, Cantonese food and 1960s kitsch awaits. For sweet tooths, there’s Shortstop’s iconic doughnuts or towering bingsu bowls at Scoopy. 

Heffernan Lane 

There’s more to Chinatown than Little Bourke Street, with a maze of laneways and alleys leading to tiny bars and iconic restaurants. The perfect example is Heffernan Lane. Grab a pre-dinner cocktail at Union Electric, a rooftop gin garden meets modern Tiki bar. Next, it’s over to QQ Chicky Pot for steamy hotpot and soju. Keep an ear out for the occasional foodie night markets hosted in the laneway, too. 

Katherine Place

From an iconic Melbourne cafe to the sweetest new Korean bakery. Katherine Place will find a spot in every sweet tooth’s heart. Our city’s OG brekkie spot, The Hardware Societe ended the era of basic eggs on toast. Visit the flagship cafe for stunning dishes like fried bircher. For post-brekkie treats, The Butter Room’s croissants and cakes are as aesthetic as they are delicious. If you’re visiting late, pick up bingsu and more Thai desserts from the team behind Snow Moon at PaChan.

Equitable Place 

Equitable Place is the stuff of lunchtime legends and a hive of hungry city workers come midday. Carve out a path down this narrow strip and take a seat at Ilza. The second outpost of this popular Japanese spot serves thick-cut katsu sandwiches and a delicious peanut butter latte. Grab coffee and a giant fluffy muffin at Louie, or if it’s cocoa you’re craving try a hot choccie from Mörk’s hole-in-the-wall. Sandwiches are on tap too, try The Workers' Food Room or Kenny’s for a cracking banh mi.

Warburton Lane

A mixed bag of Melbourne pleasures can be found on Warburton Lane. Did you know the city has a hidden Japanese day spa? Head to Sakura Lounge and Spa for calming relaxation massages, hot stone treatments and traditional shiatsu. Over at Myrtle Wine Bar you can savour Australian wines paired with native produce. All good nights out end gathered around the piano at vintage speakeasy Murmur Piano Bar. It's inspired by the owners’ experiences of good-time piano bars in the USA.