The ultimate guide to Centre Place

Playfully grungy and brimming with hidden treasures, Centre Place packs a lot into a little space. Grab a coffee from a hole-in-the-wall, listen for the sound of buskers and see what happens in one of Melbourne’s quintessential laneways.

Centre Place

Mörk Chocolate Looking Glass

Melbourne’s award-winning chocolatier has just opened a new laneway cafe. Visit Mörk for an artisan cup of ethically sourced hot chocolate. Campfire is the star, recreating the nostalgia of a childhood bonfire. It comes complete with house-made marshmallows. Prefer to keep it simple? The chocolate makers are also brewing cups from 50 per cent cacao all the way up to a rich 100 per cent cacao drop.

Beekeeper Parade

Want a bag that’s good for people, animals and the planet? Then make a beeline for Beekeeper Parade. The flagship store stocks a range of colourful backpacks, handbags and pouches made from upcycled textile waste. You can even pick up cute Melbourne-inspired pins to adorn your new purchase.

Jungle Juice

You'll find more than just juice at Jungle Juice. This pint-sized cafe serves New York-style bagels, as well as excellent coffee and more adventurous bevvy choices. Try the Vietnamese iced coffee, a chocolate spiked short black or a spicy cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon espresso. Pull up a milk crate and check out the adorable menu, hidden between the pages of a children's Golden Book.

ShanDong MaMa Mini

This eatery may be tiny, but its flavours are big. An offshoot of the original ShanDong MaMa dumpling house, ShanDong MaMa Mini serves up a shorter version of the same menu. Grab a cold craft beer alongside plates of fresh pan-fried dumplings. Try the vegan zucchini mix or mackerel with coriander, ginger and chives. 

Centro Espresso Coffee

This tiny corner cafe serves up quality brews and sandwiches to busy office workers and passers-by. It's got some great brekkie and lunch deals options. Think classic pies, falafel wraps and loaded focaccias. Look out for deals too, and pair your coffee with a toastie for a cheap feed.

Aix Cafe Creperie

Francophiles might be surprised to find banh mi on the menu but we guarantee you'll fall head-over-heels for this cosy creperie. Grab a table for two and eat your heart out. The menu of freshly-made treats covers both the sweet and savoury camps. Aix Cafe dishes up all the traditional, can’t-live-without favourites. Including oodles of Nutella, of course.

Kinki Gerlinki 

Melbourne born and based, Kinki Gerlinki gives a nod to vintage fashion as it struts off into the future. Inside the micro-boutique you'll find bright colours and funky patterns aplenty. Browse the treasure trove of clothes and accessories, and you’ll walk out with a whimsical smile at least. More likely a bag of joy, if not a whole new look.

Cafe Vicolino

A Centre Place stalwart, Cafe Vicolino is your classic laneway eatery dishing up hearty, homemade fare. Think matcha lattes and paninis, burgers and big brekkies. Grab a sandwich and coffee to go, or linger over brunch as you people watch. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, no one is going home hungry. 

Centreway Arcade

Although you've reached the end of Centre Place, your laneway voyage isn't over. Climb the stairs and enter the Baroque-style Centreway Arcade.

Bali Bola

Bali's famous matcha cafe has made its way to Melbourne. Look for Balibola's cute hole-in-the-wall kiosk and order the creamiest matcha lattes. These aren't your classic green tea drinks though. We're talking flavours like sweet potato, tiramisu, and strawberry. There's even a Basque matcha cheesecake on the menu well worth a try.

Happy Socks 

Centreway Arcade is also home to Happy Socks’ one and only Aussie outpost. This colourful little space does exactly what it says on the tin. You'll find fun and eye-catching everyday essentials, guaranteed to pop a smile on your dial. Who could be sad wearing socks covered in watermelons?