Hidden treasures to eat and drink down laneways and alleyways
It’s not just our big city neighbour up the road that champions laneway fine food establishments. Geelong packs a punch when it comes to eateries and drink venues that rise above and is only growing in reputation and variety for taste and innovation.
Little Malop Street is the corridor of cosmopolitan cuisine and it’s offshoots Union Street and Downes Lane. A short ten-minute stroll from the Geelong Waterfront, tantalise your taste buds with these flavour-packed options.
Felix Restaurant – Opened in mid-2021, this European inspired restaurant that focuses on a celebration of seafood and vegetables will delight with its stylish and draw-dropping design. Lunch Saturday and Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday. 9 Downes Lane.
The Arborist – Modern Australian inspired cuisine with subtle middle eastern twists, designed to share. The Arborist is built around the excelsior tree, is perfect for a cocktail in the courtyard, wine while people-watching or feasting on the flavoursome offerings. Lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. 75 Little Malop Street.
Lipari Espresso Bar – Pasta, pasta, pasta. Down narrow Union Street you will stumble upon a Geelong institution. Find us a local that hasn’t heard of Lipari Espresso bar. We’ll challenge you. Serving pasta for over 20 years. 7 days from 5pm. 10 Union Street.
Lou’s Pizza & Wine – Funky New York style pizza bar opened in late 2021. Off Little Malop Street, casual and fun. Savour the thin crust base and varied topping menus. Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday, dinner Saturday and Sunday. 1/73B Little Malop Street.
Mav’s Greek Restaurant – Fresh, authentic, wholesome, homemade Greek cuisine with a combination of smaller dishes designed to share alongside a bigger, heartier fare as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list. Lunch Wednesday to Sunday, dinner Wednesday to Monday. 73A Little Malop Street.
Piano Bar Geelong – Sing along sessions and casual eats. Be entertained by the uber-talented pianists and singers at Piano Bar Geelong. What’s your favourite song? Get your pencil and paper, write it down and next minute you’re singing along with all your new friends at the bar. Open Wednesday to Sunday. 90-92 Little Malop Street.
Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues – Got a hankering for the Blues, like nothing better than some Southern Friday Chicken and other American staples, hit up Pistol Pete’s for some food and live music. Open Wednesday to Sunday lunch and dinner. 93 Little Malop Street.
Sober Ramen – Deep bowls of ramen goodness and other Japanese inspired starters and plates of goodness. Sit at the bar, sit with a group, sit with a beer, sit with a glass of wine, but most of all SIP your soupy goodness. Tuesday to Sunday lunch and dinner. 85 Little Malop Street.
