Vegan and Vegetarian Dining in Bendigo: Plant-Based Options in the Goldfields

Bendigo's plant-based dining scene has grown with the city's population and the increasing visibility of the La Trobe University community. The Hargreaves Street Mall area and CBD have the highest concentration of cafes with vegetarian and vegan options. Several newer cafes in the city's laneways and heritage buildings have opened with dedicated plant-based menus, reflecting the Melbourne-influenced tastes of new residents. Several of Bendigo's Indian restaurants have extensive vegetarian sections that are among the best plant-based dining in the city. A small number of dedicated vegan operations have opened in the CBD. The Bendigo Farmers Market on the fourth Saturday of the month has fresh produce and artisan food vendors. Daylesford, 60 minutes southeast, has one of Victoria's strongest plant-based dining scenes and is a worthwhile day trip. Checking current menus before visiting is worthwhile as the plant-based category in a regional city changes more rapidly than in the capital.