Bendigo’s dining scene heats up with fresh openings and winter specials

Bendigo’s food scene is buzzing with new openings and seasonal specials. This week, the city’s dining calendar includes everything from Italian-inspired degustations to family-friendly pub grub, with several venues extending hours to accommodate the winter trade.

New spots to try

On Mitchell Street, a former furniture warehouse has been transformed into Osteria Centrale, a 60-seat Italian restaurant that opened its doors on July 1. The menu, crafted by chef Matteo Rossi (formerly of Sydney’s Aria), features handmade pasta and wood-fired dishes, with mains averaging $34. Reserve ahead; weekend tables are already booked through August.

Down the road in Epsom, the Bendigo Farmers’ Market (held every Saturday at the Epsom Recreation Reserve) has added a winter series of pop-up food stalls. On July 18, for instance, vendors will serve hot spiced wine, truffle arancini and slow-cooked lamb ragu. Entry is free, but arrive by 9am for the best selection.

Not to be outdone, the hatted restaurant Masons of Bendigo (on View Street) is offering a $90 three-course winter menu through August 31. The deal includes a choice of roasted beetroot salad, braised beef cheek or dark chocolate tart, and a glass of local shiraz. It’s a steal for fine dining on a budget, but call ahead (5443 7777) to confirm availability; the offer has been popular with couples and small groups.

Winter specials and family deals

For families, the Bendigo Hotel on Chapel Street is running its "winter warmer" promotion every Wednesday through September. Kids eat free with each paying adult, and the kitchen is serving a rotating menu of $15 pies, $12 parmas and $8 pots of craft beer. The hotel’s fireplaces have been lit since June, making it a cozy spot for a midweek meal.

Meanwhile, the Goldfields Centre farmers’ market (held Sundays at the Bendigo Racecourse) has reported a 20% increase in foot traffic this winter compared to last year, according to manager Sarah Jones. Vendors are offering heavy discounts on root vegetables and aged cheeses, with some stalls selling 5kg bags of potatoes for $6. The market runs from 8am to 1pm; parking costs $2.

For those seeking a late-night fix, the newly opened Bar Merlot on Hargreaves Street is serving tapas and cocktails until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Owner David Chen says the venue has already been booked for six private events this month, including a birthday party and a work function. Share plates cost $12 to $18, and the wine list leans heavily on Bendigo’s Heathcote region.

Looking ahead, local foodies will gather at the Bendigo Town Hall on July 25 for the inaugural Winter Wine and Dine Festival. Organizers are expecting 1,200 attendees and have confirmed 15 wineries and 10 food vendors. Tickets are $35, available through the Bendigo Visitors Centre. The festival aims to showcase both Bendigo’s culinary talent and the region’s cooler-climate wines, a growing drawcard for tourists.

Practical advice: Book early for any dinner service on weekends, as many venues report table shortages. Check individual restaurant social media pages for real-time updates on menu changes or event cancellations. For a walk-in option, the Bridge Hotel on Bridge Street offers a reliable counter meal from $18, with no reservation needed.