Here is your 48 Hour Guide to Bendigo, Victoria from your local Callum Rowe. You can follow Callum by clicking on his name or any names of his recommendations below.
Cafés
Edwards Providore
An absolute staple cafe for many in Bendigo, including myself. The team at Edwards has grown over the years, but have never lost sight of their pride for great food and even better coffee. Their store has expanded to become a greengrocer and delicatessen stocking lots of local produce. And if you’re looking for a present, their homewares section has got you covered.
Aside from their fantastic baristas, it is the pulled pork, eggs benedict that keeps me going back. It is the perfect way to start any day of the week, but particularly a Sunday.
Recommendation: Eggs Benedict, add avocado.
Harvest
If you are a pastry lover, there is simply no better place to go than harvest on a Saturday morning. Their store baked almond croissants are an absolute must, you will not find any better in Bendigo. Actually, you won’t go wrong with any pastry you choose. And you’ll probably love them so much that you’ll want to try their pastry masterclass where they show you all their secrets and fill you with wine at the same time.
The store has recently expanded into the space next door to bring you Harvest Deli, their display case and take-home meals, simply won’t disappoint.
Recommendation: Harvest Continental Breakfast.
Adam & Eve
“Plant Pushers, not meat shamers” is Adam & eves moto. Their entire menu is vegan, not that you would ever pick it, with offerings of burgers and loaded fries. They thrive on offering top quality vegan food, that you would normally only find in big cities. You definitely need to treat yourself to one of their many, delicious smoothies.
The environmentally friendly nature runs through to their décor as well, with their industrial design created by repurposing old and free materials.
Recommendation: Rosti Stack and a Açai High Smoothie.
Restaurants
Harpoon Social Club
I was blown away the first time I ate at Harpoon Social Club. Its menu is bursting with plates to share and ramens bowls that are packed to the brim. I would recommend ordering as many share plates as you can, allowing your taste buds to get across as much of the menu as you can. Even their most simple dish, a cabbage and edamame salad is incredible, and do not get me started on their chips, or maybe it’s their Bao Buns. I don’t know. I just know that it is all incredible.
Recommendation: Literally everything.
Ms Batterhams
Recommendation: Chickpea Battered Cauliflower and Swordfish Pastrami.
Located at the recently renovated Mackenzie Quarters, Ms Batterhams is a new establishment that you definitely need to spend time getting acquainted with. The speakeasy décor is beautiful and ties in seamlessly with the building and the ‘to share’ style menu. There is even the option to rent out The Residence, leaving you situated right in the heart of the Bendigo Arts Precinct for the weekend. Mackenzie Quarters has undergone a fantastic, no expense spared, renovation and will become a truly incredible establishment over the coming years.
The Woodhouse
The woodhouse is one of the cities more prestigious restaurants. Their specialty? Steak. Redgum, woodfired steak. And it is incredible. Their menu is thoughtfully crafted to allow locally sourced, dry aged meat to be paired with fresh Central Victorian produce.
But, steak is not the only delicious item on their diverse menu, also offering woodfire pizza, charcuteries and delectable deserts.
The woodhouse provides an intimate warmth, evident from the moment you step foot in the redbrick lined building and are met with their gorgeous double-sided open wood fire. Be sure to go in with empty stomachs, prepared to come out full and content.
Recommendation: Sher Wagyu rostbiff Full Blood.
Bars
Handle Bar
Tucked away in the courtyard of Get Naked Espresso (fantastic coffee) you will find this bustling gem that overflowing with craft beers and live entertainment. On entry you can’t help but notice the beautiful aesthetic, created by nestling seating amongst garden beds and trees. Handle Bar offers a diverse range of entertainment, including comedy nights, live music and DJ’s that make it impossible to sit still. Their selection of craft beers is fantastic and every week you can guarantee that you will find a new favourite pint on tap, for extremely reasonable prices.
Recommendation: Espresso Martini made using Get Naked Espresso, espresso.
Nimbus
Having only just opened, Nimbus has a very bright future ahead of it. As Bendigo’s only roof top bar, it offers unrivalled picturesque views of the city’s skyline. You can relax on their inviting lounges and treat yourself to some of their savoury or sweet treats from their menu. It really is a perfect place to unwind on a Friday night with a glass of red.
Recommendation: Grazing board and a drink of your choice.
flight
Forget the colonels 11 herbs and spices, the guys behind Flight Bar have well and truly got him covered. The guys cooking your chicken know their beer too, so be sure to look at their ‘Flight 5’ if you need inspiration in choosing a beverage to go with your burger. If you dare you can even try their M.I.L.D (Man It’s Like Death) spiced wings. And if chicken burgers and wings aren’t quite your thing, head to their sister store Hustler just over the road for a range of burgers and selection of beers on tap.
Recommendation: Bok Bok with a Mac and Cheese Spring Roll.
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