What’s new in Melbourne’s laneways

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

Dine at a rooftop container bar in New Chancery Lane

Part rooftop bar, part local produce diner, 100% your next laneway cocktail destination. Wander up Little Collins Street and let the royal blue façade of Sojourn sneak up on you out of nowhere. The uniquely designed shipping container-style spot is one of Melbourne's newest hidden gems, right next to Scott Pickett's Chancery Lane.

Try world famous noodles in Little Lon

Iconic South Korean chef Jong-won Paik has opened his first Australian outpost of the hugely popular Paik's Noodle franchise. It's right near Sukbong, Sinjeon and Kono Karaoke in what's fast becoming Melbourne's own Korea-town. Try flaming 'Gochu Jajang', a chilli-spiked black bean broth rich with umami flavour. Or slurp up bowls of Jjamppong, the cult-status seafood noodle bowl you would have seen on countless K-dramas.

Visit an entire café dedicated to croque monsieur

Seek out one of Melbourne's tiniest hidden laneways is to find Croque Melbourne. It's a French toastie wonderland from the team behind Roule Galette. The classic croque is a cheesy, melty masterpiece cooked to perfection on artisan bread. Savour the house made béchamel sauce and pretend you're in France. Visit again for the salmon and avo grilled cheese, then grab flaky croissants and Danishes to go.

Sip standing-room-only coffee in Little Collins

Bench is a corner cafe for caffeine connoisseurs at 321 Little Collins Street. Grab one of the few bench seats if you’re lucky, or take your place at the long shelf running the length of the room. Your work-of-art beverage can be black, white or filter. Pair with a dacquoise meringue filled with matcha. 

Swing by Mörk's new CBD digs

Iconic choc spot Mörk has opened the cutest new café in Melbourne. Tucked away in Equitable place, you can score the full söt cake range, along with decadent toasted marshmallow hot chocolates to-go. And yes, they are fully stocked with fresh cinnamon buns.

Try a traditional Chinese breakfast in Equitable Place

Want to start the day with something other than toast? At Decennium, you can feast on Chinese home-style breakfast favourites from 6am to 5pm. Maybe a crispy roll with pork floss and egg, or Taiwan’s burrito-sized sausage rice ball. Try a Chinese doughnut, a fried rice cake sprinkled with sweet black sesame.

Visit a Japanese bakery in Drewery Lane

Enter Bakemono Bakers in teensy Drewery Lane and you’ll find a surprise. The wooden shopfront is pure Kyoto, but behind those doors is a light and airy industrial kitchen. The bakery produces superb Japanese-Korean specialities, like chocolate croffles (that’s croissant waffles). And cream-cheesy garlic bread, Korean-style, plus fluffy shokupan bread to take home for toast.

Find Melbourne's best menswear in Howey Place

It's 2022, you're back in the office, and your pants from 2019 just don't hit anymore. Enter Mr Cuff, a bespoke menswear brand offering tailored looks. Think custom pants, read-to-wear shirts and head-to-toe looks made just for you. The pop-up on Howey Place is open until 6pm Monday-Friday, so swing by after work and let the magic happen.

Have a French Madeleine moment in Niagara Lane

Melbourne has been blessed by another adorable new laneway cafe. Tori's is cute as a button, and so are the treats. Perfectly hand crafted Madeleines, burnt basque cheesecake, friands and some special matcha-fusion delights. Think French patisserie vibes with Japanese flavour inspo.