Did Brisbane’s vibing laneway scene sneak up on you? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate backstreet hit list.

From hole-in-the-wall cafes to small bars, Insta-worthy street art and indie fashion, some of the city’s best can be found just off the beaten track. Ready for an urban adventure? Read on!

Valley of secret restaurants and bars

Fortitude Valley (or ‘The Valley’) may be better known for its nightlife, but take a stroll down one of its dynamic laneways and you’ll find there’s more to the precinct than meets the eye.

Burgers and fashion in Winn Lane

Hidden from the hustle and bustle of Ann Street, Winn Lane is where cool meets creative. A melting pot of local artisans, foodies, hairstylists and fashion designers. Sink your teeth into one of Ben’s Burgers, rock out at Tym Guitars, or freshen up your look at fashion boutique House of Ezi’s — the choice is yours.

Restaurants and design in Bakery Lane

A stone’s throw from Winn Lane, Bakery Lane is an incubator for Brisbane’s innovative design community. The heritage-listed laneway is also home to some of the area’s best bars, restaurants and cafes like Uh-Oh Spaghetti-O, Joy, Gung Ho Dumpling, The New Black, Nom Nom Korean and Laruche Bar.

Vintage vibes and dumplings in California Lane

The Valley’s newest laneway addition, California Lane, plays up to its name with vintage vibes and palm trees. Enter via Brunswick or McLachlan Streets to nom on dumplings at Fat Dumpling, load up at Brooklyn Depot Express, or tuck into hearty Italian food at Giardinetto.

City centre laneways

Brisbane City is at the heart of Brisbane’s bourgeoning laneway scene and here’s just a few to get you started.

Burnett Lane for foodie institutions

Brisbane’s oldest laneway has come a long way since its days as a prisoner exercise yard. Take a detour off Queen Street Mall to discover spectacular art nestled amongst back room bars and foodie institutions such as Pho City, Felix for Goodness and Funny Funny.

Outdoor art in Eagle Lane

Nestled between Eagle Street and Queen Street, Eagle Lane is the grittier cousin to the city’s refined riverfront precinct. Slip behind the buildings for trendy music venues like Brooklyn Standard, or get your caffeine fix at The Coop Espresso. Keep your eyes peeled for artwork in the laneway’s light boxes, which change regularly as part of the city’s Outdoor Gallery exhibition program.

Gresham Lane for drinks and quick eats

A short stroll from Eagle Lane with access via Creek and Queen streets, Gresham Lane is a gastronomical wonderland, featuring American-style fare favourites Red Hook, authentic Japanese masters Ichiban Yakitori, and everything in between. It wouldn’t be a visit to the lane without stopping in at its namesake, The Gresham, where you can learn about the hotel’s rich history.

Shopping and sushi in Albert Lane

Linking Queen and Elizabeth Streets, Albert Lane has broad appeal with its myriad of eateries and polished arcade design. If Japanese cuisine is your thing, laneway favourites like Harajuku Gyoza and Kotobuki have got you covered. It’s also great for filling your shopping bag with several big-name retailers like Kathmandu, Aldo and Hype DC.

All about bar life in Fish Lane

Head across Victoria Bridge to Brisbane’s cultural precinct. Stretching six blocks between Merivale and Cordelia Streets, the eclectic Fish Lane is home to 16 restaurants, 11 bars, six cafes and 15 public art installations, including some truly ‘grammable’ street art. Don’t forget to tag your art photos from Fish Lane with #viewsofbrisbane and #BNEpublic art.

Searching for suburban secrets?

Once you’ve trawled Brisbane’s laneways, head out into the suburbs to discover more hidden gems. Check out our Brisbetter Local videos to discover what makes our suburbs shine.

Related links

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• Discover even more to see and do
• Uncover Brisbane’s best street art