Hidden dining gems in Melbourne’s laneways

Take a trip to New York City at Bowery to Williamsburg, a classic diner which gives you the best of America with a distinct Melbourne spin.

Set on Oliver Lane, this industrial chic spot is no-frills and no-fuss dining, with a large communal table and cafeteria-style seating perfect for rounding up a group of mates over casual coffee runs.

Any self-respecting NYC-inspired diner would not be without bagels, and Bowery has them in spades, courtesy of local bagel supermos 5 and Dime. Choose from the Hot smoked salmon bagel sandwich or for something sweeter go the cinnamon and raisin bagel with a lemon vanilla schmear. Other tempting options are the sangas which include Philly cheese steaks and cubanos, and delicious brekkie fare of omelettes, brisket and eggs, and deli boards.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Lox and potato latkes ($21)

A favourite frequented by Korean food aficionados all across the city, By Korea serves up traditional Korean food that’s quite possibly some of the city’s best in a cosy, modern setting.

Coming here without a reservation is pretty much setting yourself up for a major wait, though you can put the time to good use by perusing the extensive menu and eyeing orders floating by to other tables.

Everything here is more than good, but if you’re a fan of KFC (Korean fried chicken), get ready for something special. If you love mayo, the Onion and mayo fried chicken will knock your socks off, and works particularly well when paired with multigrain rice, beef bulgogi tteokboki (nope, not the fiery-red sauce coated rice cake dish you might be expecting!), and some kimchi and ham fried rice that’s surrounded by a sea of egg and cheese.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Soy fried chicken ($19)

While this might be cheating a little, Pidapipó is so good that a list of laneway eateries without it is almost unthinkable.

Lisa Valmorbida’s gelateria made major waves city-wide for her famed pistachio flavour – though we can attest to the quality and taste of pretty much all the flavours in the repertoire.

With gorgeous retro-Italian style decor, gelato here is made from scratch daily with quality ingredients sourced from local producers, and the result is consistently creamy and addictive gelato that makes a serious play for best in Melbourne. Try the classic pistachio, bacio, and hazelnut flavours and go nuts by adding Nutella, whipped cream and maraschino cherries.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Single scoop pistachio ($5.30)

Start your day the Melbourne way at industrial-chic cafe Manchester Press.

A mix of large communal tables and cosy two-seaters, this coffee stalwart at the end of Rankins Lane serves up heaping bagels, toasties, and hearty nourish bowls to fuel your work (or play) days.

Armed with a team passionate about coffee roasting, this warm and inviting nook is busy all day every day, and for good reason – the coffee here is consistently good and the selection of bagels delicious.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Reuben sandwich ($19.90)

With a bright blue boxy facade, new kid on the block Sojourn serves up a stellar spread that’s bold, innovative and fun.

Enjoy casual rooftop dining or opt for indoor seating on colder days where you’ll be shielded in a modern fit-out complete with arched cut-outs and mosaic-tiled ceilings.

This chic cafe features plates to share such as an antipasto platter of Istra smallgoods from Daylesford with Mount Zero olives, larger dishes including Great Ocean Road confit duck legs and desserts like Bombe Alaska.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Twice roasted Flinders Island lamb shoulder ($32)

Lulu’s Char Koay Teow is a simple, no-frills Malaysian food hotspot which has become one of Hardware Lane’s undisputed dining icons.

There’s nearly always a fast-moving queue, especially when visiting at peak times, but it’s worth the wait. A fan favourite for char koay teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed with secret sauce and prawns, Chinese sausages, egg, bean sprouts, and pork lard), this joint has been heralded by many a visitor as the best in the city.

With spice levels ranging from mild to hot and topping options from squid to duck egg, there’s plenty to love here. There are other Malaysian homestyle dishes on offer, though not many, and rightfully so – if you’re a master of one thing, why bother with anything else?

Dish Cult’s top pick: Jumbo prawns char koay teow ($18.90)

Krimper Cafe is the classic Melbourne laneway experience in that it’s hard to find! Hidden down a laneway that branches out into several other laneways and then tucked behind large double-doors, it’s the perfect backdrop to enjoy some quality Korean-influenced brunching.

You’ll get almond French toast, eggs benny done with a unique twist (options range from beef bulgogi and smoked salmon to soy-braised mushroom), and coconut bircher quinoa.

More substantial offerings include Kimchi soba with tempura prawns, Gangnam ribs, and a chicken karaage burger. Once we find it, we’re not leaving anytime soon!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Beef bulgogi eggs benny ($21)