Bendigo has developed one of the most extensive and vibrant selections of dining options in Australia. From classic European elegance to tasty pub grub and delicious Asian fusion, the city’s food scene caters to all tastes. Our guide below presents the 12 best restaurants to visit in Bendigo, featuring a mix of old favourites and new establishments that reflect the city’s increasingly multicultural culinary experience.
Bendigo Food Culture
Bendigo is one of the most diverse and dynamic food scenes in Victoria. Driven by a unique desire to supply their cafés and restaurants with the freshest produce from surrounding communities. This creates a density of high-quality options, from quaint, laneway-style cafes to intimate wine bars and charming, local bakeries.
Bendigo’s food community is so well-regarded that it was recognised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) as a Creative City and a Region of Gastronomy in 2019. The first Australian city to receive this rare honour, Bendigo joined 245 other creative cities from across the globe. This acknowledges the region as amongst the world best in providing high quality local ingredients and sustainability-sourced produce.
Visitors and locals can also enjoy a plethora of food-related community festivals and events. Zinda Festival celebrates Bendigo’s international flavours, showcasing delicious multicultural dishes from South Korea, Thailand, and many other countries. The Bendigo Festival of Lamb highlights the contributions of local farming, featuring tasting sessions and cooking demonstrations by regional chefs.
Just 90 minutes north-west from Melbourne, Bendigo represents the best of regional Victoria, with a food experience to match.
Image credit: Old Boundary Hotel
12 Best Restaurants in Bendigo
With an abundance of brilliant food, crafting a best-of list in Bendigo can be challenging. The following restaurants represent some of the must-try spots you won’t want to miss.
Kang Thai
Nestled along Williamson Street, Kang Thai delivers on all your Thai food cravings. With a cosy, warm setting, Kang Thai invites you to relax and feel comfortable when enjoying their authentic food. Their menu is packed with all the Thai staples, including chicken satay, pad-thai, curries and stir-fry. Both their tom-yam and green curry dishes are must-haves, and be sure to request the extra spicy option if you can handle it. Open from 11 am-3 pm and 5-9 pm, Kang Thai is perfect for a cheeky lunchtime hit-up or a lively dinner.
Ms Batterhams
Sitting in the gorgeous MacKenzie Quarters in the heart of central Bendigo, Ms Battherhams impresses with a delicious Southern-European style menu. When you step inside Ms Battherhams, you’re greeted by the intimate setting, lovingly paying homage to the 145-year history of the Mackenzie Quarters. Begin your tasting with their addictive, home-made sourdough and choice of tapas. Ms Battherhams embraces a social dinner, with fast-paced service designed for you to share the unique flavours of multiple dishes. Their seared kangaroo loin and saltbush cauliflower are both standouts, especially when paired with their refined selection of wines and locally inspired cocktails.
Ghosty’s Diner
If you’re looking for more of a casual dining experience, look no further than Ghosty’s Diner. They’ve been a popular mainstay along View Street since reopening in 2023. Inspired by retro-diners, Ghosty’s Diner embraces all the funkiness of late 80s Americana. With a focus on no-fuss favourites and homestyle classics, updated to serve the modern customer. Their menu is deceptively simple, featuring grilled cheese toasties, pastrami on rye sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken, all packed with flavour and delivering on taste. Ghosty’s opens from 11:30 am till late, and is one of Bendigo’s comfort-food staples.
Borchelli Ristorante
Your taste of Italy, right in the heart of the city. Borchelli Ristorante delivers on the traditional, family-run restaurant. Walk through their doors and get transported to the shores of Italy, from the intimate photos, chequered tablecloths, music and their irresistible food. Borchelli Ristorante nails all the classic Italian staples – from spaghetti bolognese to chicken risotto and tasty garlic bruschetta, with plenty more. Don’t ignore their desserts either; their tiramisu alone is enough to warrant a visit. Be sure to book ahead, as Borchelli’s limited seating makes it one of the busiest restaurants along Mitchell Street.
Malayan Orchid
Asian-fusion has exploded in popularity due to its ability to combine some of the best flavours of Asia into one delicious menu. Malayan Orchid has been leading the way for Bendigo’s asian-fusion scene since 1993. Visit their View Street restaurant for a vibrant symphony of flavours, skillfully blending both traditional Malaysian and Chinese cuisines. Creativity is always at the forefront of Malayan Orchid, who also incorporate Australian meats, such as kangaroo, crocodile and emu, into their tasty creations. Their assam fish, szechuan aubergine and korean mac and cheese are all must-tries.
Harpoon Social Club
The team at Harpoon Social Club deliver great-tasting Japanese cuisine at an affordable price. Stepping through the lively doors at Harpoon is like stepping into the quirky streets of Tokyo. Although their pork belly bao, karaage chicken, and donburi are all flavourful, their ramen selection remains a standout. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients, their ramen remains true to its asian origins, while embracing Bendigo’s rich produce to deliver a unique experience. Be sure not to miss this hidden gem, perfect for any date night or quick ramen fix.
Signature Dhaba
Right in the heart of Bendigo, Signature Dhaba provides a vibrant dining experience, with traditional Indian flavours for the ultimate taste experience. The atmosphere inside is cosy and inviting, putting you at ease as you’re enveloped in the sights and smells of Indian cuisine. Quickly becoming a favourite among locals since 2023, Signature Dhaba puts taste first with a versatile selection of dishes to light up your palate. Some of their standout dishes include the dal makhani, biryani, and cheesy naan – ticking all the boxes for a delicious night in.
Old Boundary Hotel
The Old Boundary Hotel nails everything your classic pub should be. A casual atmosphere brings comfort, warmth and a sense of community to everyone who steps through its doors. Lovingly restored, while maintaining the classic, rustic exterior, the Old Boundary Hotel also delivers a tasty menu. All your pub grub favourites are here: chicken parmigiana, beer-battered flathead and steak sandwich – with some fun additions, such as the pumpkin cannelloni and thai beef salad. Also, don’t skip their pie of the day – their beef and Guinness pie is a game-changer. With generous portion sizes at an affordable price, don’t skip out on the Old Boundary Hotel.
The Woodhouse
Can’t discuss the best of Bendigo food without a mention of the city’s only dedicated steakhouse, The Woodhouse Bar and Grill. A staple along Williamston Street since its opening in 2012. Premium produce is at the centre of the Woodhouse experience, with a carefully curated menu showcasing tasty wagyu cuts with delicious dry-aged beef, housemade charcuterie and indulgent desserts. Be sure to arrive early and enjoy a pre-dinner drink in front of their rustic fire, before letting their knowledgeable staff guide you through their extensive menu. You’ll be sure to leave salivating over their melt-in-your-mouth food and rustic charm.
Alium Dining
Alium Dining is elegance and creativity all wrapped up into one dining experience. Within the historic former Royal Bank, the decor has been lovingly maintained, with stylish green-velvet chairs, generous natural light, with cosy chandeliers. Their impressive drinks selection celebrates the best of Central Victoria, with full-flavoured riesling and sauvignon-blanc. Savour their impressive menu options, beginning with their mushroom arancini or oysters, before devouring their potato gnocchi, seared scallops or roasted pork loin for main. Finish your stay with their selection of house-made sorbet or their stunning almond and pear tart.
Terrae Restaurant
In the heart of the celebrated Arts Precinct, Terrae is pushing the boundaries of modern European cuisine. Deeply rooted in creativity, Terrae pays homage to time-honoured cooking methods with modern creativity. It’s also a nod to the best of Bendigo’s produce, with the finest local ingredients and sustainably sourced flavours. As the seasons change, so does Terrae, with their menu moving through the year to highlight the best of each season. Expect to fall head over heels for their handmade pasta, kingfish ceviche and tender lamb rump. Their attention to detail is also evident in their meticulously curated wine list, showcasing the finest selections Central Victoria has to offer.
El Gordo
Get your taste of Spain at El Gordo. Snuggled within Chancery Lane, Bendigo’s colourful Melbourne-style Laneway, this hidden gem is perfect for a cosy breakfast or a tantalising lunch. Choose from some of their old favourites, including their yummy huevos rancheros, and their fan-favourite pulled-pork wrap. Not to mention, their coffee is amongst the best in the city, within an enviable location.
Chauncy
We had to mention one of Regional Victoria’s special food destinations. Just a 40-minute drive from Bendigo to the tranquil town of Heathcote, lies Chauncy. A revelation since it opened back in 2021, this blend of French and Victorian cooking has earned rave reviews from food critics and locals alike. The brainchild of Louis Naepels and Tess Murray, Naepels is a French native who developed his craft in the Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Paris. His knowledge of food pairs beautifully with Tess’s passion for finding the most exquisite wine, all set within a beautifully quaint sandstone building. Prepare your palate for a stunning selection of dishes, from a delicate soft herb and ricotta ravioli, to the duck l’orange and crème brûlée.
For those lucky enough to live in Bendigo and visitors alike you will find an enticing selection of options to satisfy any type of foodie. If you are considering living in Bendigo and wanting to take advantage of the stunning natural beauty, fabulous dining experiences and relaxed lifestyle, Harlowe at Huntly is just 12 km from the city centre. Enjoy a lifestyle in this brand new community with blocks of land for sale as well as house and land packages, all at affordable prices. When you live in this dynamic real estate offering, the gastronomic delights are not far away.
In Bendigo you can enjoy everything from classic pub grub offerings at the Old Boundary Hotel, to the sophisticated elegance of Terrae and Alium Dining. Build your dream home today and enjoy all the wonderful delights Bendigo has to offer.