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Central 

It’s so easy to lose yourself in the central city grid – those big parallel streets with their little streets all running around in straight-line precision. While these busy thoroughfares may be the veins of the city, it’s in the ‘capillaries’ – the hidden laneways and back alleys – where things get really interesting.

 

Derelict spaces rejigged into funky hangouts, the world’s best coffee served from nondescript windows, with recycled milk crates as chairs. Bars locked behind doors without so much as a sign to announce them.

 

The centre of Melbourne has got it all, but unless you’re in the know, you’re none the wiser. So here’s your chance to find out.

 

You may know it as: The City.

 

Image of L'uccello
As suppliers of vintage haberdashery and fancy goods, L’uccello couldn’t be more at home than in the curious interior of the Nicholas Building. Imagine you’re Alice and – rather than Wonderland – you’ve woken up in your great-grandmother’s sewing kit.
Image of T'Roy Browns
Troy Benjamin is your host at this lively and hip hole-in-the-wall coffee stop without pretension.
Image of Kokoro Ramen
Kokoro Ramen is a casual an eatery as they come and one tailor-made for the noodle-obsessed. Choose your dish and broth or build your own from the picture menu of ramen variations (if confused, go straight to the ‘highly recommended’).
Image of Lucy Folk
To say local designer Lucy Folk’s jewellery is good enough to eat is closer to the truth than you may think. Take a bite of her pasta bangles, lobster leg or taco pendants sprinkled with some ‘diamond salt’ and you may chip a tooth in the process.
Image of Naked Espresso Bar
Naked Espresso Bar, is named for its choice of the naked portafilter extraction method. A welcoming, simple menu of hearty comfort food is prepared in-situ by Naked’s own Tom Ervin-Ward and Shanny Sena.
Image of Mister Close
Mister Close is the dream of two schoolmates who met 28 years ago. We set out to create a space in the middle of the city that is unique for office folk, keen shoppers, uni students and locals who love their food.
Image of Strange Wolf
Imagine it’s Berlin and you’re descending into a psy-trance nightclub – that’s the kind of sensation you’ll have when entering Strange Wolf.
Image of Morris & Sons
We are Australia's leading retailer of fine needlecraft and knitting supplies. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, we have been serving craft enthusiasts for over thirty years.
Image of Señoritas
Enjoy the authentic flavours and culinary traditions of Mexico at Senoritas. Try Mexican street food from different regions such as Oaxaca or Yucatan. Discover Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s favourite dishes.
Image of The Aylesbury
Many restaurants pay lip service to good produce but The Aylesbury really means it.
Image of Pugnacious George
Better than your average retail outlet, online sellers and random ‘pop-up’ store operators, Pugnacious George, are now inviting you to visit their working studio where you can try on perfectly perfected slim fit, button-down shirts with French cuffs, a...
Image of The Moat Bar & Cafe
In the bluestone basement of the city’s literary hub, The Wheeler Centre, lies The Moat – fortified by a terrace of synthetic turf grass, rather than water.
Image of The League Of Honest Coffee
The Padre coffee team bravely transforms a concrete cavern with some heart, soul and espresso aroma for The League of Honest Coffee.
Image of Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana
Maccaroni is an authentic Italian Trattoria restaurant – cheap and casual. This small family-run business provides homemade food, cooked on-site, from fresh and genuine ingredients.
Image of Clementine's
Clementine's is a Fine Food & Gifts Store dedicated to stocking products and produce made and crafted in Victoria, Australia. Our products are made by artisans and growers based in both regional Victoria and Melbourne.
Image of Mr Mason
Mr Mason is a French-inspired restaurant and bar. It features a lounge and dining area, as well as an outdoor terrace. The menu changes weekly, with a few French classics that always remain.
Image of Due Passi Cafe
Legal Eagles and city bankers head ‘due passi’ (two steps, just down the street) to Pasquale Villella’s for prepared-from-scratch, authentic and piping hot Italian cuisine. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi whilst you sip your Lavazza coffee.
Image of Bar Ampere
Sitting on an operational electrical sub-station is the high voltage Bar Ampere – most notable for electrifying aperitifs, such as the unusual quinine-derived Quinquina.
Image of Oriental Tea House
Feast your senses on the Oriental Teahouse – Melbourne premier tea and yum cha destination. A magical culinary myriad of taste, aroma and atmosphere, here to welcome you with open minds, open arms and open menus.

 More to explore
Image of Federation Square precinct
Federation Square is Melbourne's meeting place and a unique cultural precinct. Find out what's happening at Fed Square and what else is nearby.
Image of Chinatown
Chinatown: Through the ornate archway, past the marble lions, you are transported to the clattering, chattering streets of China, a world of dumplings, dragonfruit and drunken chicken.
Image of Greek precinct
Athens might be a world away, but Grecian delights await discovery in Melbourne's Greek Precinct. At all hours of the day and night, this corner is a treasure trove of mouth-watering delights.
Image of See & do
Melbourne is packed with attractions, from laid-back laneways and lush parks to grand libraries and museums, all wrapped up in a vibrant atmosphere.
Image of Attractions
For a dynamic look at Melbourne, experience the city's attractions from any angle – from the pages of history, across the skyline, on the water, through art or via the big screen.

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