10 of the best eateries and bars in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Long known for its world-class produce and hospitality, in 2019 Bendigo was formally recognised when UNESCO appointed it as Australia’s first and only Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. Fossick at a farmers' market, enjoy a vino with a view at more than 60 wineries, or nab a table at one of the region’s hottest restaurants.

1. Bendigo Wholefoods

Stocked with products from over 100 farmers and producers, Bendigo Wholefoods is the best place to fill up your pantry. Inside the heritage-fronted grocer you’ll also find an edible garden nursery where you can pick up new additions to your veggie patch, as well as a café with a seasonal organic menu.

2. Terrae at Hotel Ernest

A tasteful nod to time-honoured European cuisine infused with contemporary creativity awaits at Terrae. The thoughtfully-curated menu is filled with homemade pastas and perfectly cooked meat, accompanied by fresh produce from the hotel's kitchen garden and orchard.

3. Wine Bank On View

Housed inside a heritage-listed 19th-century former bank building, every drop is gold at Wine Bank On View. Touted as Bendigo’s best wine merchant, drop in on Wednesday nights for the weekly free wine tasting or stay a little longer to enjoy the stylish all-day dining menu.

4. Percy and Percy

This former milk bar has found new life as one of Bendigo’s favourite corner cafes. Grab a coffee and a baguette to go, or pull up a coveted seat at the sunny corner bench and dive into Percy and Percy’s globe-trotting menu, featuring Spanish eggs, pumpkin pancakes and chicken Waldorf rolls.

5. Alium Dining

Alium Dining is all about forging connection through food with a focus on surprising diner's palates with an interesting approach to herbs and spices. Nestled in a historic building which has been transformed into a contemporary dining space, visitors can delight in the sweet dessert options or savour fresh dishes that look and taste like works of art.

6. Bendigo Community Farmers' Market

Whether you’re doing the groceries or enjoying a roving meal among the stalls, you can buy straight from Bendigo’s best producers at the community farmers' market. The weekend market takes place every second Saturday of the month, with a weekly market every Thursday.

7. El Gordo

Follow the fairy lights down Chancery Lane to discover a colourful slice of Spain at El Gordo. The laneway is regularly pumping with live music and art exhibits, with Bendigo locals tucking into plates of authentic tapas, including Jamón Serrano bocadillo and sardines in olive oil. Check ahead for their everchanging dinner events.

8. The Dispensary

Delve deeper into Chancery Lane and you’ll also find The Dispensary, a bar and diner that borrows from Melbourne's speakeasy culture. The contemporary menu is crowd-pleasingly snackable, and the ‘Lucky Seven’ sharing option is ideal for the indecisive. The drink list is eclectic, however, gin and whisky nerds will froth over the monthly flight tasting classes.

9. The Woodhouse Bar and Grill

Expertly grilled meat is the name of the game at The Woodhouse Bar and Grill. Bendigo’s only dedicated steakhouse is also ranked one of the best in Australia. Let the smoky aromas of redgum and applewood wash over you as you peruse a menu featuring the likes of wagyu brisket skewers, pork belly and scotch fillet.

10. Gold Mines Hotel

The charming exterior of the Gold Mines Hotel (which dates back to 1861) will draw you into its modern dining space that oozes history and country charm. Whether you dine inside or in the garden, you will feel as though you're wandering through the forest, with lush plants filling the warmly-lit space. Take your seat and rejoice as the wine keeps flowing and the kitchen keeps serving everything from oysters and soft shell crab to charcuterie boards and grass-fed Australian beef.