A World War II air raid shelter in Brisbane that was converted into a cafe has been given urgent protection by the Brisbane City Council.

Bunker Coffee at 21 Railway Terrace, Milton, opened in 2010 and on Tuesday the council issued a temporary protection order over the property.

Bunker Coffee on Railway Parade at Milton. Credit:Ruth McCosker

The coffee shop is covered in green vines with some basic seating outside, but the small space was once a World War II air raid shelter.

City planning chairman Matthew Bourke has written to State Development Minister Cameron Dick to seek approval for the protection order, known as a Temporary Local Planning Instrument TLPI.