Dining in Bendigo

If you are keen to eat the local produce then get your hands on a copy of Food Fossicking Pocket Guide to Bendigo and the Region. This booklet showcases restaurants and cafes that feature local produce on their menus. You can get a copy at the Visitor Centre or view it online.

Bendigo has a number of fine dining restaurants. The very popular Masons of Bendigo is located on Queen Street, but dinner requires a booking and some patrons have reported having to book a couple of weeks in advance. They describe themselves as an all day eatery, Wine Bar and Pantry store. Using a number of local producers this restaurant is considered Modern Australian with Overseas influences. A large menu with lots of options they suggest you order plates to share. Small bites range from $7 - $14, with larger dishes to share ranging from $8-$49. There are a number of desserts, including a tasting plate to share and a range of Victorian cheeses.

For something special and different, take a ride on the original W Class Tram, NineSevenSix. Travel through the historic streets of Bendigo while you dine on a variety of innovative dishes from local produce. Operating on Saturday nights the price for dinner is $75 with drinks paid on consumption. With a seating capacity of only 28, bookings are essential. Dinner includes a canapé and drink on arrival, followed by charcuterie, main course (there are three selections to choose from), dessert (three selections to choose from) and cheeseboard. All the wines on offer are locally produced.

For a foodies breakfast and lunch straight from a European Delicatessen you have to check out the Epicurean Delicatessen. An authentic Italian ‘tavola calda’ or ‘hot table’ and gourmet delicatessen, on Mitchell Street and open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Saturday. Mouthwatering pastas and salads for lunch. Delights such as Italian style French toast with prosciutto, basil, tomato, bocconcini and poached eggs, fluffy ricotta pancakes or Italian Omelets for breakfast. While you are there you can grab a take-home lunch or dinner, along with a range of fine cheeses and meats. They also hold cooking classes, so there is no wonder that this cafe was a 2011 finalist in the Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

For a quirky breakfast, or just a coffee and cake you can’t go past Percy and Percy. Dubbed as Fitzroy has gone to Bendigo, this groovy little cafe and old fashioned grocer has great coffee and local foods. Order the porridge and you get an old fashioned glass jar of milk on the side. Located on the corner of Hargreaves and Baxter Streets, Percy and Percy are open every day except Tuesdays.

For a classy wine bar and wine merchant head down to the heritage listed bank building in central Bendigo to Wine Bank on View. A great selection of fine wines, many of which are local, coupled with great food in an historic building from 1876. Open 7 days a week.