Explore the natural and historic attractions of Victoria’s diverse Goldfields region and discover not only heritage sites, natural attractions and charming townships, but also fabulous food and wine.
A fantastic destination for all ages, Ballarat is an adventure playground along with a hotbed of restaurants just waiting to serve you; while Bendigo offers a vintage talking tram ride, Central Deborah Gold Mine and Golden Dragon Museum.
Continuing on our delicious drive around Australia of 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants, here are five locations that will satisfy any hunger growl:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Steak:
Follow the aroma of delicious smokiness to The Woodhouse on Williamson Street in Bendigo. This steakhouse and red gum grill is a local favourite presenting a rustic dining experience, where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in front of the fire, or dine in the temperature-controlled alfresco area. Wagyu lovers will salivate over a menu championing dry-aged beef, along with housemade charcuterie and deliciously indulgent desserts, all sourced from fresh local produce.
Kickstart a culinary journey with hiramasa kingfish, finger lime, lemon, chive, whey and seeds, following on with choices like Wagyu eye fillet, with potato rosti, shallots, chives and bone marrow jus; for a decadent finish opt for textures of chocolate – mousse, fondant, chocolate soil, nib tuille, gold chocolate delice and white chocolate ice cream.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Café:
A love of food, coffee, friends and family come together to create Fox & Giraffe on Bridge Street in Bendigo. This happy little café, situated just a short stroll from the lake, is an ideal spot for a morning coffee, delicious breaky or lunch with friends in rustic surrounds of recycled timber and shelves groaning with produce such as housemade relish and chutney.
On balmy days, join the buzz of conversation under market umbrellas and delve into the likes of the F & G cheeseburger with housemade patty, bread and butter pickles, cheddar cheese, housemade chutney and fries; or a grilled Reuben sandwich on sourdough with corned beef, sauerkraut and cheese.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Pub Food:
Rejoice with good food, good beer and lots of good cheer at Hop Temple, located at the rear of Armstrong Street North. Rally family and friends to venture down Ballarat’s iconic Hop laneway and revel alongside likeminded people, either inside the unpretentious, cavernous warehouse restaurant styled with concrete floors, wooden benches and tables; or outside whether the sun shines or not, with warming fires and umbrellas gearing towards casual dining.
Sedate a ravenous appetite with modern pub food designed to complement a lengthy beverage menu; perhaps start with Southern spiced chicken bites and chipotle aioli, before smoked goodness from the pit such as brisket, Texas sausage, cornbread, slaw and pickles.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Vietnamese:
For the best pho in Bendigo head to Nem Vietnamese Street Food on Condon Street in Kennington. This authentic restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming vibe ideal for family gatherings or catchups with friends, in surrounds of potted greenery, statement pendent lights and tantalising aromas of North Vietnamese fare wafting from the kitchen.
Set sail on a culinary adventure with prawn spring rolls and dipping sauce, then wrap your hands around a crusty banh mi, filled with pâté, mayo, pickled carrot, daikon, spring onion cucumber, coriander and roasted crispy skin pork belly; perhaps dip your spoon into a steaming bowl of beef pho in aromatic broth, with bean sprouts, Thai basil and lemon.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Indian:
Experience the spice of life at Sargun Indian Tandoori restaurant on Pall Mall in Bendigo. This upstairs establishment presents a vibrant vibe with red-clothed tables set with white napkins, traditional artwork and figurines welcoming diners into a warm space, where groups can choose to dine in the banquet hall, while couples settle for an intimate table.
Housed in a century-old building with a balcony overlooking the park, the menu delivers North Indian flavours in entrées like chicken tikka cooked in the tandoor; salivate as the aroma of hot and spicy Goan lamb vindaloo reaches the table, best enjoyed with basmati rice, garlic naan and crunchy papadums.
