Melbourne’s secret carpark diners

You’ve waited in line to score a coveted spot in Melbourne’s original carpark restaurant, Soi 38. But did you know there are loads more to unearth? Find these restaurants, bars and snack spots tucked away in the most unlikely of places. 

Soi 38

You have to have a bit of grit and a lot of confidence to open a restaurant in a car park. Luckily Soi 38 has both, as the steady lunch queues prove. You'll find it down McIlwraith Place inside the multi-level car park, right beside the elevators. The lunch crowds slurp $10 bowls of boat noodles featuring a rich broth and springy noodles. While the evening menu expands into spicy salads, freshly-shucked oysters and BBQ hot pot.

Saluminsti

That big blue and red ‘P’ sign on Flinders Lane doesn’t just mark a carpark. It lights the way to Italian sandwich joint Saluminsti. This tiny hole-in-the-wall is known for its best-selling grilled panini, the porchetta. That’s free-range roasted pork ribboned with artichoke paste, partnered with pecorino and rocket. Served in a stone-baked ciabatta roll, with a side of house-made pickled veg, it's perfetto. 

Code Black

Melbourne coffee empire Code Black has opened its most ambitious cafe to date, right next to a laneway carpark. Dubbed a ‘morning bar’, the cafe brings cocktail bar vibes to brunch. The all-day menu features dishes like ham hock baked eggs and baklava French toast. Brave brunchers wake up with inventive drinks like a Vegemite-infused coffee. Or try coffee-inspired cocktails, from negronis to caffeinated gin and tonics. 

Nico’s 

Instantly recognised by any self-respecting sandwich head, Nico's is another window vendor hidden behind a carpark. Find the bright blue shop in Healey's Lane for crispy schnittys, classic salad sandwiches and pork belly Cubanos. Nico's also does a mean vego mushroom melt with roasted portobellos, black truffle paste and Swiss cheese. There’s plenty of vegan options, too.

The Valiant Bar

Enter via the carpark on Little Collins Street to find Melbourne’s chicest speakeasy, The Valiant. Seemingly worlds away from the carpark it inhabits, the space is adorned with glittering disco balls and luxe velvet couches. Theatrical cocktails are served in a cloud of citrusy smoke. The brunches are bottomless. And the bar snacks are elevated. Think poached prawns, fluffy focaccia and caviar bumps.

Great Asia Food Store 

Visit this well-stocked Asian grocer in Chinatown to find the authentic snacks you’ve been craving from Japan, Korea and beyond. Wedged beneath a carpark, it's hard to miss thanks to the huge glowing sign. Order freshly roasted chestnuts from the street vendor. And grab a hot tea, matcha or coffee from the Flying Turtle vending machine out front.   

Snack Monster

Venture behind Lygon Street stalwart Jimmy Watson's to find a hidden gem. Snack Monster is a tiny bar tucked down a laneway behind the carpark. Find it and be rewarded with nibbles from the everchanging specials menu. It might be pork sliders or duck liver and pancetta pate, with airy chocolate mousse for dessert. This cosy spot is pet friendly too!

Kōri Ice Cream   

This tiny-but-mighty dessert shop is scooping up some of Melbourne’s most creative ice cream flavours. Nestled beside a Bourke Street parking garage, Kōri’s sleek and futuristic interiors will transport you to Japan. Try the Hokkaido cheesecake ice cream, Fuji apple sorbet or miso banana caramel treats. Once you’ve picked a winner, you can take home a tub from the vending machine.  

Section 8 Bar

Surrounded by graffiti covered walls is the hipster haven and permanent pop-up bar Section 8. The converted shipping container bar in a former carpark exudes funk and is constantly humming with music and the occasional live band. Sip beers and shoot hoops on the classic b-ball courts or pull up a wooden pallet and sip a spicy marg.