The city:
Hidden laneway gems

22 JANUARY 2025

Venture off the beaten track and wander through The City’s hidden laneways to discover a wealth of glistening gems. These venues are perfect for a quick bite, drinks with friends or a culinary delight surrounded by some of Brisbane’s best architecture and street art. Escape from the hustle and bustle of The City and immerse yourself in each laneway’s unique character and charm.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Albert Lane

Harajuku Gyoza

Harajuku Gyoza brings some of Japan’s favourite dishes to Albert Lane in The City and, as the name implies, is best known for gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumplings). Head to Harajuku for an authentic experience and well-priced eats, best enjoyed as a quick bite for lunch or over a few drinks with friends. 

Clementine Gelateria

Clementine Gelateria offers a sweet escape for those in search of a cool, indulgent treat. With its artfully crafted gelato this charming gelateria invites you to savour every scoop, whether you’re wandering through the city or simply taking a well-earned break.

Vapiano

Vapiano brings traditional Italian recipes with a dash of Aussie spice to life, including indulgent pizzas, fresh pasta, salads and delicious dolci. All dishes are made using the best Australian produce, sourced locally where possible, and served in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.

Rowes Lane

Miss Demeanour

Discover an underground cocktail bar, hidden in amongst the bustle streets. Miss Demeanour  is a vibrant yet moody bar that offers a selection of mouthwatering eats, delicious cocktails, and cracking local craft beers. Venture down and unwind to live music with your crew for afterwork drinks.

Burnett Lane

Antico

Antico Brisbane is the newest bar to arrive in Burnett Lane. The sister venue to its neighbour, Death & Taxes, Antico is an elegant cocktail bar with an Italian flair. Their drinks menu includes a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails, made with local produce, along with Italian-inspired bites.

Brew Café and Wine Bar

Brew Café and Wine Bar is one of The City's best-kept secrets. This well-loved local haunt offers great coffee, breakfast, and grab-on-the-go food by day, and brews of a different kind by night – think wine, beer and cocktails. Plus, stop by for lunch or dinner for heart-stopping café and pub grub favourites such as a chicken schnitty, a classic cheeseburger or the Brew Burger.

Death & Taxes Bar

From the team behind Cobbler, Savile Row and Finney Isles comes Death & Taxes Bar in Burnett Lane. Step behind weighty double wooden doors to find a moody lounge bar encompassing low light, leather couches and ceiling-high shelves lined with delectable drops ready for any liquor connoisseur to sip and enjoy.

Felix for Goodness

Escape the hustle of Queen Street Mall and retreat to Felix for Goodness. With a menu focused on wholesome meals made with local and flavourful ingredients, Felix for Goodness is the perfect destination to fuel up for the day ahead. Love people-watching? Take a seat by the window overlooking the lane and watch the world bustle by. 

Charlotte Street

John Mills Himself Café and Bar

Staying true to the building's architectural heritage, the quaint John Mills Himself Café and Bar features high windows, exposed brick walls and dark timber beams. Supporting all-local and organic produce where possible, the cafe rotates between The Single Guys, Cup Coffee Roasters and Uncle Joe's Coffee House blends across the three grinders. At night, John Mills Himself dresses up as an intimate and entertaining wine and piano bar.

Doodee Boran

Known for its authentic, bold flavours, this beloved eatery offers a modern take on traditional Thai street food. Whether you're craving a fragrant green curry, a zesty pad Thai, or a refreshing papaya salad, Doodee Boran delivers an unforgettable culinary experience. With its laid-back atmosphere and mouth-watering menu, it’s the perfect spot to spice up your day and immerse yourself in the bold, fresh flavours of Thai cuisine right in the heart of the city.

Strauss

Coffee haven Strauss was brought to life by the talents of the team behind Cup and Merriweather. The café is cosy and intimate with ceiling beams, exposed bricks and polished timber floors. While the kitchen offers a refined menu with a range of all-day breakfast dishes inspired by seasonal produce, the baristas will prepare your coffee just as you like it using the finest fair-trade beans.

An image of Red Hook’s two burgers and a cup of fries in Gresham Lane
Red Hook, Gresham Lane

Gresham Lane

The Gresham Bar

The Gresham Bar is an award-winning whisky and bourbon saloon oozing old-world charm with an eccentric touch. Step through the oversized cedar doors to step back in time thanks to the soaring seven-metre-high pressed-metal ceiling, dark timber floorboards, Chesterfield couches and an antique Victorian fireplace.

Malolo Poké

Malolo Poké is a Hawaiian-inspired salad bar with an Asian fusion touch. Choose from the poke bowls on offer or make your own, and pair it with one of Malolo’s signature smoothies.

Sparrow & Finch Espresso

Sparrow & Finch Espresso is the perfect place to head for lunch thanks to a wide selection of salads, meats, sandwiches and pizzas. As the sun goes down, the venue transforms into a busy after-work meeting spot where you can choose from a great selection of craft beers, wines and spirits.

Red Hook

The brainchild of Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston from Brisbane icons like Public and COPPA, Red Hook takes inspiration from the street vans spread throughout New York City. If you want to savour every bite, pull up a chair on the Queen Street side of the diner, or act like a true New Yorker and grab a burger or hotdog on the run. Head here at night for a great vibe and drinks under the stars.

Eagle Lane

Brooklyn Standard

Enjoy a slice of Brooklyn cool at the speakeasy live music venue Brooklyn Standard. Located underground on Eagle Lane, Brooklyn Standard hosts live music six nights a week, specialising in jazz, funk and blues – all accompanied by a well-stocked bar of whiskeys and classic cocktails.

No Standing

No Standing is a hole-in-the-wall coffee haunt on Eagle Lane tucked between Queen and Eagle streets. This hidden gem allows locals a respite from the hustle and bustle of the morning rush. Alongside expertly brewed coffee, No Standing features a selection of freshly baked treats courtesy of Doughcraft.

Rich Lane

Hellcat Maggie Laneway Bar and Kitchen

Residing on the corner of Rich Lane, Hellcat Maggie Laneway Bar and Kitchen is a hole-in-the-wall haunt serving up authentic American BBQ-style eats for breakfast and lunch, and bar snacks and burgers for dinner – think taco spice wings, loaded fries, and charred corn on the cob.

Ulster Lane

Cheeky Pokē Bar

From the folks behind the Fish Lane at South Brisbane, Ulster Lane has that modern-meets-grunge vibe we love to see in The City. Cheeky Pokē Bar with its contemporary Japanese concept dining and signature poke bowls has its home on the lane. We can’t wait to see what else pops up.

Two women shopping at Mumbleberry in Heritage Lanes
Mumbleberry, Heritage Lanes

Heritage Lane

Edge Functional Training

With a packed timetable of HIIT, Pilates, strength and cardio classes, along with an open gym and personal training, Edge Functional Training will whip you into shape in no time. If you like your fitness regime to feature fun, community and science, Edge is worth a visit.

Mumbleberry  

Lose yourself in the gorgeous gifts and treats at Mumbleberry fine food providore, arguably one of Brisbane’s finest sources of local and boutique brands. Your senses are sure to be delighted with a visit to this hidden gem where you’ll find everything from cocktail garnishes to ceramic coffee cups and curated gift hampers.

Malt Traders  

Pop into Malt Traders to pick up the perfect accompaniment to the nibbles you’ve just sourced at Mumbleberry. They are far from your average bottle stop, with an unrivalled selection of craft beer, biodynamic wine, single-batch whisky, and more. You can also stay for some sunshine and enjoy your beverage in their outdoor garden. We are spoilt for choice and convenience with a second Malt Traders in The City at Market Street.

Public

Public is a longstanding fave for local caffeine lovers. Serving up all the classic coffee variations and café bites in record time, they’re the perfect spot to grab a takeaway, or to take a break and watch the world go by.

Gather Bistro  

Gather Bistro is as beautiful to look at as the food is delicious. Sit and soak up the curved architecture, recycled concrete, pink tiling and brass details while enjoying the theatre of their open kitchen. Featuring a seasonal menu of fresh café eats and a small but satisfying drinks list, this could well be your new go-to breakfast and lunch destination.

Mr Bao

Mr Bao, nestled in Heritage Lane in the heart of Brisbane City, is a must-visit for lovers of Asian street food. This cosy spot offers a delightful escape from The City's bustle, with its specialty being mouth-watering bao buns that are both soft and savoury.

Little Miss Sunshine

At Little Miss Sunshine, the food is a vibrant celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients, with dishes like colourful bowls and nourishing salads that are as delicious as they are energizing. The café's warm, laid-back vibe and bright, cheerful décor make it the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or coffee break in the heart of Brisbane city.

The Merchant Exchange

Tucked away in the charming Heritage Lane, The Merchant Exchange is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of history and modern elegance. This sophisticated bar and dining venue exudes old-world charm, housed in a beautifully restored building that once served as a bustling merchant hub. With an impressive selection of cocktails, fine wines, and a menu that features delicious, locally inspired dishes, The Merchant Exchange is the perfect spot for a refined evening out.

An image of the Regent on the Queen Street Mall.