Wondering what’s been happening behind the scenes in the city? Find out what’s new in our guide to the latest laneway happenings.

Eat late night desserts in Mebourne's most hidden cafe

We often describe things as hidden, but Snow Moon is seriously hidden. Like, walk down a never-ending tunnel off a laneway and stop dead in the centre levels of hidden. But for these delicious Thai-inpsired bingsu desserts, it's definitely worth the journey. Classic milk tea and Oreo flavours are on the menu. Along with pandan-soaked toastie sticks, Yakult jelly creations and Lotus Biscoff waffles. Other delicious toppings include salted egg sauce, foithang (sweet egg yolk strands) and butterfly pea.

A cookies and cream dessert in a silver dish
Snow Moon

Find the TikTok famous pasta bar

Silky handmade pasta and creamy risottos take centre stage at this moody late-night pasta bar. Tucked down tiny Niagara Lane, Alt's chefs create art with simple dishes in an open kitchen. Order a plate of glossy cacio e pepe, or perhaps squid ink fettuccine with spanner crab. Everything is made in-house, from the pasta down to the seasonal gelato, and carefully paired with a curated wine list.

Make Filipino your new fave food off Guildford Lane

Take the stairs up to Barkada Pinoy on Sutherland Street. The menu is stacked with barbecued delights. This includes smoky skewers, burger steaks, cult-status inasal (flame-grilled chicken) and hearty breakfast sets. Save room for dessert – 'ice scrambles' stacked with cream, seasonal fruit and buttery crumble are a must-try. Or bring your bestie to try the 'taho'. A delicious sweet tofu and sago syrup pudding, freshly scooped from a a giant metal serving dish.

Two people walking down a plant-lined laneway
Wander down to Sutherland Street to find Barkada Pinoy

Revisit Melbourne's most iconic laneway bar

From Meyers Place to Crossley Street, this impressively narrow fit-out was known as one of Melbourne's most iconic tiny bars. Now the old Six Degrees bones have been given new life in the form of Bard's Apothecary, a bar-meets-art space in the former Meyers Place premises. Pop in at ground level for knock-off negronis. Then head down into the secret basement and enjoy live music, comedy and more.

Have futuristic bingsu in Hardware Street

With flawless interiors, laneway location and creative dessert options, Nimbo was bound to be an instant classic. Join the queue in Hardware Street and order the fan-fave ube (purple sweet potato) flavour, topped with sticky sweet cornflake clusters. Try inventive toasties like miso cheese or pear and foie gras. Or go dairy free with vegan options, including a tofu pudding bingsu.

People sitting inside a dessert bar with blue walls and creative lighting
Nimbo

Try fancy potato cakes in Warburton Lane

Enjoy Australian wines paired with native produce in a warm and inviting space at Myrtle Wine Bar. A newcomer to Warburton Lane, the two-storey space is beautifully rustic. To eat there’s aniseed myrtle and saltbush spiced squid. Sardine fingers with whipped Murray cod. Buttermilk damper. And oh-so nostalgic chip shop potato cakes, elevated to gourmet status with salmon roe and cultured cream.

Seek out a hidden oyster bar in MidCity Arcade

Insiders know MidCity Arcade is like a detour to Japan. But ride the escalator above this little laneway, push back the unassuming door and you'll find a world of French wine and premium oysters. Pull up a velvet stool at the bar, where a display of the day’s fresh selection will tempt you. Try rock oysters sourced from around Australia. And order a glass from the country’s (and perhaps the world’s) largest Chablis library.  

More new laneway adventures

Serai

Serai

Filipino dishes reimagined and cooked over a wood-fired grill.

Bakemono Bakers

Bakemono Bakers

Inspired by bakeries in Japan and Korea.

Mörk Chocolate City

Mörk Chocolate City

Iconic chocolate shop in an old lift shaft, located in one of Melbourne’s most bustling laneways.

Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur

French toasties and a Parisian brasserie vibe.

Nico’s

Nico’s

Fast and fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and coffee.

Bench Coffee Co

Bench Coffee Co

An espresso bar situated along Melbourne’s Little Collins Street.

Mr Cuff

Mr Cuff

Bespoke menswear in Melbourne city.

Sarah & Sebastian

Sarah & Sebastian

Fine jewellery store and luxury piercing by an Australian jewellery designer.

Last updated on Fri 3 Mar 2023

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