Top 10 Best Restaurants and Eateries near Bendigo Centre (Newest for 2025)
Bendigo’s city centre is known for its culinary variety, from upscale grills to local cafes. We have rounded up the best restaurants in Bendigo Centre, each conveniently located. Check out this Bendigo foodie guide for addresses, hours, specialties and eateries that locals and visitors love.
1. The Woodhouse Bar & Grill
● Address: 101 Williamson Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: Just a short stroll (about 3 minutes) from Pall Mall (city centre)
● Opening Hours: Tue & Wed: 5:00 pm–10:30 pm; Thur–Sat: 11:45 am–3:00 pm & 4:30 pm–11:30 pm; Closed Sun-Mon.
● Price Range: $40–$100 per person
● Signature Dishes: Sher Wagyu beef tartare, dry-aged porterhouse, charcuterie board
● Review: (4.7/5 on Google, 1,000+ reviews)
● Highlights: Bendigo’s dedicated steakhouse, with roaring open fireplaces in winter and shaded alfresco in summer.
This must-try spot is known for its premium grass-fed steaks (smoky Wagyu porterhouse and eye fillet) cooked on a redgum charcoal grill. With hearty portions and an extensive wine list, it is one of the must-try restaurants in Bendigo for meat lovers.
2. Alium Dining
● Address: 17 View Point, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: About a 5-minute walk from Bendigo Centre.
● Opening Hours: Wed-Sat Lunch 12:00–3:00 pm, Dinner from 5:00 pm (closed Mon–Tue)
● Price Range: $80 per person
● Signature Dishes: Otway’s Pork Belly, Wagyu Carpaccio
● Review: (4.8/5 on Google, 350+ reviews)
● Highlights: Elegant fine dining in a former bank building with green velvet seating. Chef Luke Hard’s chef-driven menu focuses on local produce and won a 2024 Chef Hat.
Delicate seafood starters and a succulent lamb backstrap are standout features. This venue won the 2024 Good Food Guide Hat Award and is among the top-rated food spots in Bendigo.
3. The Dispensary Bar & Diner
● Address: 9 Chancery Lane, Bendigo VIC 3550
● Distance: About a 2-minute walk from the Visitor Centre
● Opening Hours: Wed–Thu: 12:00–3:00 pm & 6:00 pm–late; Fri–Sat: noon–late; Sun: 12:00–4:00 pm
● Price Range: $12–$25 per person
● Signature Dishes: Bao buns, charcuterie, craft beer pairings.
● Review: (4.7/5 on Google, 1000+ reviews)
● Highlights: Warm laneway bar-diner set in gold-rush brick walls, focusing on local produce and craft beer.
The menu features creative small plates to share—think crispy chicken bao and grilled scallops—plus an excellent beer and cocktail list.
4. El Gordo Bendigo
● Address: Chancery Lane, Bendigo VIC 3550
● Distance: Right next to The Dispensary, steps from Pall Mall (about 2 min walk)
● Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:00 am–4:00 pm; Sun: 9:00 am–2:00 pm
● Price Range: $20 – $40 per person
● Signature Dishes: Paella, chorizo tapas, Spanish omelette.
● Review: (4.6/5 on Google, 430+ reviews)
● Highlights: Cozy laneway cafe with Mediterranean flair. Known for great coffee and freshly baked sourdough bread.
This is one of the go-to casual dining spots in Bendigo CBD for breakfast and lunch. The friendly vibe and reasonable prices make it perfect for casual meals.
5. Ghosty’s Diner
● Address: 35 View Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: About a 5-minute walk north of the centre (near Hargreaves)
● Opening Hours: Tue–Thu: 11:30 am–9:00 pm; Fri–Sat: 11:30 am–late
● Price Range: $20–$40 per person
● Signature Dishes: Fried chicken burger, classic milkshakes, club sandwiches.
● Review: (4.7/5 on Google, 300+ reviews)
● Highlights: Retro American diner style; neon signs, vinyl seating. Casual, walk-in-only service.
Ghosty’s Diner brings an American diner vibe to Bendigo. It is one of the best places to eat in Bendigo, popular for hearty all-day breakfasts and burger classics. The interior decor and diner music make it feel straight out of the 1950s.
6. Crooked Kitchenette
● Address: 287 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: About a 10-minute walk or 3-minute drive east of the CBD
● Opening Hours: Mon–Thurs 11:00 am–3:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am–4:30 pm (closed Sat & Sun)
● Price Range: $10–$20 per person
● Signature Dishes: Vegan salads, gluten-free baked goods, smoothie bowls.
● Review: (4.9/5 on Google, 98+ reviews)
● Highlights: One of Bendigo’s dedicated gluten-free cafes. Emphasis on fresh, local produce (seasonal veggies and organic ingredients).
Because everything at the Crooked Kitchenette is homemade and adjustable (vegan, nut-free, etc.), it is a hit with families and those with dietary needs. On a crisp morning, locals grab chia pudding and coffee here, appreciating the wholesome fare.
7. Jun & Nov
● Address: 10 Pall Mall, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: On Pall Mall in the centre of town.
● Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00 am–3:00 pm (breakfast/lunch), 5:00 pm–9:00 pm (dinner)
● Price Range: $15–$30 per person
● Signature Dishes: Paella, curry specials, fusion pasta dishes.
● Review: (4.9/5 on Google, 100+ reviews)
● Highlights: Friendly vibe and a long drinks list (beer, wine, cocktails).
The menu here spans global dishes, from Italian pasta and risotto to Asian curries. Portion sizes are large, and the pricing is reasonable for the CBD location. With daily lunch and dinner service, this is a good choice for families and friends looking for lots of options in one place.
8. Nem Viet on Mitchell
● Address: 79 Mitchell Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: A couple of blocks (3-minute walk) south of the city’s main mall
● Opening Hours: Tue–Sat: 10:00 am–8:00 pm; Sun: 11:00 am–3:00 pm (Mon closed)
● Price Range: $20–$40 per person
● Signature Dishes: Crispy pork belly vermicelli, spicy beef soup, rice paper rolls.
● Review: (4.6/5 on Google, 230+ reviews)
● Highlights: Family-friendly Vietnamese eatery. Casual decor (marble-top tables, globe lights) with an extensive menu.
This is a good spot for dining in Bendigo Centre, which delivers the flavours of Northern and Central Vietnam. The menu emphasises freshness and balance. With friendly service and modest prices, Nem Viet has become a local favourite for healthy, flavorful Asian comfort food.
9. Signature Dhaba
● Address: Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo VIC 3550
● Distance: About a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk east of the CBD
● Opening Hours: Mon/Wed-Sun: 11:00 am–3:00 pm & 5:00 pm–9:30 pm; Closed Tue
● Price Range: $15–$40 per person
● Signature Dishes: Chilli chicken, goat curry, paneer dishes.
● Review: (4.9/5 on Google, 500+ reviews)
● Highlights: Family-run Indian restaurant known for generous portions. Halal-certified meats and plenty of vegetarian dishes.
Here, all dishes are freshly prepared and spiced to order. The unpretentious atmosphere means it is excellent for families seeking a bit outside the CBD. Do not miss the mango lassi or Gulab jamun to finish.
10. Khao Thai Street Food Bendigo
● Address: 283 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo, VIC 3550
● Distance: On Lyttleton Terrace near Quarry Hill, ~5 min drive (or 20 min walk) from the city centre
● Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:00 am–3:00 pm & 4:30 pm–8:30 pm; Sat: 11:30 am–3:00 pm & 4:30 pm–8:30 pm (Sun closed)
● Price Range: $20 to $40 per person
● Signature Dishes: Pad Thai, satay skewers, green curry.
● Review: (4.7/5 on Google, 80+ reviews)
● Highlights: Takeaway-focused but offers some seating. Casual, family-friendly and spiced right.
This eatery is perfect for a quick, flavour-packed bite. Many locals pick up dinner here after work, thanks to the subtle spice balance that recalls Thailand’s street markets.
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