Pour your own coffee at this secret laneway cafe
Those who frequent Eagle Lane’s No Standing know that this cloistered caffeinery doesn’t mess around when it comes to ensuring its clientele stay fuelled. Despite its concealed location beneath the Eagle Lane entrance to the Central Plaza annex, No Standing has become a popular spot for the caffeine-craving commuter to grab a cup of quality Joe and a bite to eat on-the-go. To make the process even quicker, No Standing has adopted a pour-your-own system that dispenses expeditious amounts of batch brew for the time-poor customer to enjoy. The more you know, hey.

Devour German-sausage croissants and apple-shaped cakes at this hidden pastry kiosk
Here at The Weekend Edition, we discuss the three C’s regularly – croissants, cakes and coffee, and at The Whisk Fine Patisserie you can grab the lot. Located inside laneway hub Inter/Section on Charlotte Street, this hidden pastry-slinging kiosk is the brainchild of award-winning pastry-maker Justin Yu. The Whisk dishes up some of Brisbane’s best sweet and savoury snacks, alongside a cuisine-bending menu of breakfast and lunch eats, as well as some top-notch sips including specialty coffee and a handful of espresso-infused concoctions for those who need a little bit more of a kick. While the classic croissants, cakes and danishes are certainly to die for, The Whisk’s German sausage and caramelised onion croissant is a must-try for the more adventurous folk. Or sink your teeth into the apple-shaped cake, which is sure to have you questioning, is it real or is it cake?

Sample homestyle Indonesian dishes from this restaurant/grocery hybrid
Since 2010, Sendok Garpu has been delivering a massive menu of Indonesian eats to Brisbane’s suburbs. What started as tiny takeaway joint in Coopers Plains has grown into a highly regarded source of Indonesian specialties, with locations that included Indooroopilly and Mt Gravatt. Last year, Sendok Garpu relocated its Indooroopilly venue to Elizabeth Street, finally gracing The City with its authentic homestyle cooking. Located in the Elizabeth Street Arcade, Sendok Garpu is part dining room, which dishes out a mind-boggling array of regional and rural dishes that transport you to the street stalls and markets of Indonesia, and part grocery store where you can find authentic items such as rendang paste and packs of Indonesian coffee. If you’re a fan of nasi goreng, aromatic rendang and sizzling satay, we suggest you give this hidden haunt a try.

Venture beyond the mall to find handcrafted fine jewellery
The City has many places to shop, but for those wanting to venture beyond the mall to get their hands on some beautiful bespoke pieces then Sarah and Sebastian on Edward Street is certainly worth the steps. This Australian jewellery studio is loved by the diamond-wearing masses for its original handcrafted designed and responsibly sources precious metals and jewels. Earlier this year the beloved brand opened its first Queensland location and biggest store to date, is housed in a 1886 heritage-listed building on Edward Street, that just oozes luxury. Customers can make the commitment to the finer things in life (aka dainty bracelets) with its famous Soldered range, where signature chains are custom-fitted and soldered seamlessly onto the wrist or finger. The store also boasts Luxury Piercing services, as well as consultations for fine jewellery, engagement rings and wedding bands.

Descend below ground to discover this intimate wine bar
Many will have heard of acclaimed Edward Street restaurant Exhibition Restaurant, but for those who have struggled to lock in a reservation, we suggest checking out its off-shoot cosy ten-seat wine bar for a tipple (or two). It’s here where you can indulge in a small menu of mouth-watering bites such as freshly-shucked Pacific oysters, caviar on a pecorino waffle with traditional accompaniments, a selection of cured meats and cheese, and duck rillette with mandarin marmalade, pistachio and sourdough. Pair these palate-pleasing snacks with some sips from Exhibition’s beverage program, which features a short list of wine from small ethically minded producers, spirits and sake, and a concise cocktail list (which also boasts non-alcoholic options) that takes cues from the kitchen, with the use of shrubs, infusions and ingredients.

This article was written in partnership with our friends at The City.