The CBD's Next Food-Filled Laneway Is Set to Launch Alongside Steam Mill Lane in Darling Square

Just one year after the launch of Darling Square's Steam Mill Lane, the precinct's next bustling food-filled laneway is set to open. Now, it's Little Hay Street's turn to become a neon-lit culinary destination. Dubbed Electric Treat Street, the laneway will become a haven for Sydneysiders with a sweet tooth.

The location will welcome ten new retailers, slated to open in August this year. Kicking things off is a new concept by the Devon Café team. DOPA by Devon will serve up a Japanese-inspired menu that's evenly split between dessert and savoury bites — think strawberry shortcake and tiramisu shakes alongside a variety of don rice bowls.

Other Asian eats joining the laneway include Darlinghurst's Filipino restaurant Rey's Place, which will open its second outpost in Little Hay Street, and Chinese bakery and tea shop Bengong Black will expand from Burwood into the Sydney CBD, offering up signature milk tea with brown sugar pearls and patisserie-style breads with Chinese flavours.

For even more dessert action, Melbourne's cult favourite Shortstop Coffee & Donuts is opening its second Sydney outpost — expect the brand's signature maple walnut and brown butter doughnuts paired with batch-brewed filter coffee. And, of course, Gelato Messina had to get in on the action, bringing along its 40-flavour cabinet of gelato.

Apart from the eats, there'll be Newtown's tattoo parlour Thirteen Feet Tattoo, fashion boutique 15 Sheets, cosmetic retailer La Cosmetique, hair salon Hair Corner and beauty salon Five Beauty all opening as well.

The Exchange, Darling Square.

Electric Treat Street won't be the last food hub to arrive in Darling Square, either. The Exchange, a six-storey building filled with an epic collection of eateries, will also be opening in mid-2019. One of its major attractions will be Pasta Wafu, a Japanese pasta shop created by Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines of Banksii and Kerby Craig of Ume. Look out, too, for Enmore's Saga, loaded with Andy Bowdy's scrumptious pastries, cakes and desserts; craft beer specialists Bucket Boys, who'll be opening a bar and a bottle shop; famed bakery Sonoma; and fusers of Japanese and Vietnamese goodness Mr. Bao Buns.

These are just the first part of the lineup — further revelations will be coming soon.

The Electric Treat Street retailers will open between August and October along Little Hay Street, Darling Square. Keep an eye on this space for updates.