Hardware Lane
Ahhhhh…. If you are heading in to the city for lunch on a warm and sunny day, then Hardware Lane can be a great option because there is usually a little bit of room to sit on one of the outdoor tables, even with a pram. There is quite a bit of foot traffic, especially throughout the week. There are some quick take away options with Roll’d Vietnamese Street Food and McDonalds, but you will not be short of choice. I love Larder Section for a quick bite and La Belle Miette for the best macaroons.
If you are planning on driving in thoughout the week, the big issue you will encounter is finding nearby parking. It can be very expensive in this part of the city (upwards of $12 per hour) You can get discounted rates for entry before 10am and exit after 3pm or if you park at Melbourne Central (via Latrobe or Lonsdale St) you can get discounted rates ($6 per hour for each $10 you spend)
Other attractions in the area:
Bourke St Mall
La Belle Miette
Emporium
Myer Emporium
Melbourne Central