10 things worth lining up for in Melbourne in winter

From award-winning croissants to Melbourne’s iconic retro donut van. If there’s a queue, it’s a sure sign that whatever is on the other side is worth lining up for. So grab your brolly, rug up and pack your scarf as you wait it out for these winter hot spots.  

Ramen

Slurp your way through the cooler months with a great big bowl of ramen. Find this hearty Japanese staple all over Melbourne. But be prepared to line up at these popular spots when it’s cold out. Craving OG, no-fuss pork ramen? Look for the crowds outside Hakata Gensuke on Russell Street. Go Kyushu-style with Mr Ramen San tucked away in a cosy arcade. Treat yourself to the most luxurious bowl at Unabara for lobster tail ramen. Or get fired up with a bowl of ultra spicy broth at Kinkabo. Then find more ramen spots.

Hector's Deli

Venutre out from beyond your desk at lunchtime and join fellow hungry Melburnians gathered outside Hector’s Deli. Now with multiple stores at 61 and 430 Little Collins Street and 323 Lygon Street, this is the go-to spot for a gourmet sandwich or toastie. Our fave on a winter’s day has got to be the beef and pickles. Packed between two toasted slices of rye bread is tangy mustard pickle spread, cheese, dill pickles, kraut and beef pastrami.

LB's Record Bar

Who said the dance floor was dead? One of Melbourne's most iconic laneway spots has just reopened as a very popular, after-dark record bar. LB's Record Bar is the perfect place to warm up and get a little sweaty on a wintery night out. This neon-lit hideaway comes alive as DJs spin vinyl tracks and dozens of punters get ready for a night of music and killer moves. The cocktail menu will also get you on your feet with names like 'boogie nights' and 'dancefloor martini'. 

-85 degree coffee

Melburnians love a viral coffee moment and the 'dirty coffee' at Regulars lives up to the hype. The cup is frozen at -85 degrees allowing the milk and coffee to stay ice cold. Developed in China and now all the rage in Melbourne, this must-try drink gives you an intense yet super creamy caffeine hit. Sign us up!

Shanghai Street

Judging by the crowds gathered outside this Chinatown institution on a Friday or Saturday night and you’d think this was the hottest club in town. See hoards of late-night foodies queue up for a table at one of the many Shanghai Street restaurants dotted around town. Order the signature xiao long bao soup dumplings, hearty stir fries and bowls of noodles. And don’t forget to grab BYO drinks en route to enjoy while you dine.  

Bubble Tea

Melbourne is a haven of Bubble Tea shops and when a new one opens, you best believe there’ll be massive queues out the door, whatever the weather. Build-your-own tea with unlimited toppings at Toppings n Tea. Then go for a tea tour down Swanston Street and discover TopTea, ChaPanda, Molly Tea, Machi Machi and more.

American Doughnut Kitchen 

Nothing says nostalgia like queuing up for a bag of piping hot donuts at Queen Victoria Market on a frosty day. The beloved, family-owned American Doughnut Kitchen van has been with us since the 1950s. Order up a bag of freshly cooked, sugar dusted beauties, piped full of hot raspberry and plum

Norissong

A couple of freshly-made Japanese rice balls and a serving of warming miso soup. Could there be anything more comforting when it's cold out? Norissong has fast become one of Melbourne’s most-loved lunch spots that’s well worth the wait. This hidden kiosk tucked inside an office building dishes up onigiri stuffed with fillings like fried chicken, smoky eggplant and prawns.   

Soi38

The queue outside Soi38 starts building well before feeding time. This hidden gem along Royal Lane was so popular they had to relocate to a larger venue. Here’ll you find dozens of hungry locals rearing to go for a big Thai feast. Think $10 bowls of warming noodle soup at lunch time. For dinner order dishes like marinated pork jowel, spicy soup with pork and whole barramundi with fresh herbs. There’s also Thai BBQ and hot pot on offer – perfect for big groups in winter.  

Lune

If Melbourne has a pastry mecca, it’s Lune Croissanterie. With precision akin to rocket science, the croissants are impossibly crisp. All Lune-lovers need to visit the 'Maxi Lune' store at the base of the Ritz-Carlton on Lonsdale Street. Much like the Russell Street outpost, you can expect lines snaking up the street year-round.