I love this little cafe just outside the Bendigo CBD. It has a homey feel with different rooms, some with tables and chairs and some with comfy armchairs. We love the room that feels like you are in someone's lounge room, where you can exchange books and play with a toy or two. There is also shaded outdoor seating.

The sweets menu is delicious and extensive, while the lunch and breakfast menu are limited but equally divine. We love the pasta.

My sons love the giant pythons and the milkshakes. Blue heaven! The coffee is good if not great and the service is always with a smile.

A hidden gem slightly off the beaten track.

Approximate cost: $15

The groove train is in a convenient location in central Bendigo near the market place, and is clean and nicely air conditioned. It also has an small outdoor area on the veranda. There is good parking available nearby.

The food is tasty and there are a good variety of options including pizza, pasta and salads.

On the downside I find it a little bland and overpriced. I have also found the service to be very slow at times, particularly at lunch time when we might have time constraints. Both meals and service can be slow.

Approximate cost: $25

This laneway is so cute and full of character that I just love walking along it and being part of it.

The Dispensary serves high quality food with prices to match, and has an incredible wine list and a massive selection of craft beers from all over the world. It's quite a small restaurant and menu, with quirky decorating that almost makes you feel like you are in someone's house. Sometimes the music can be a bit too loud for comfort.

Sometimes they also have beer appreciation type courses and special themed evenings which are fun.

The breakfast menu is a winner.

Approximate cost: $40

Best ice cream! The kids and I love going to cold rock for a treat. It's cool and air conditioned inside, and there are seats on the footpath.

They have a huge range of flavours - I recommend the old english toffee and caramel mud cake. They also do a kids size, and of course the kids love the mix-ins where they mash up lollies or chocolate with the ice cream. It can get a bit expensive, but it's great for a treat, and the loyalty gives you a freebie every now and then.

Approximate cost: $6

Great place to go for some home cooked Italian food. Excellent pasta in cozy and homey surroundings. There are a few tables out the front to sit at and enjoy the happenings of View street.

This restaurant is close to the Art Gallery and The Capital Theatre so it's great for dinner before a show or a coffee afterwards. The coffee is excellent too.

If you want somewhere small, friendly and service with a smile, give this restaurant a try.

Approximate cost: $25

The Woodhouse do lovely pizzas and a range of steaks. I have always had the pizzas and they are delicious. The meals are expensive but all the best quality local ingredients are used. Friend's at my table raved about the burgers they ordered and devoured.

It has a warm atmosphere and an outdoor area which is great during summer. The service is always friendly and prompt.

They also have a great selection of drinks, and you can sit at the bar for a drink as well as having a meal.

A great place to go for a special occasion.

Approximate cost: $35

Bunja Thai is a good place to get tasty Thai food, but I do find it a bit pricey. The green curry is lovely, as is the Thai fried rice, but the pad Thai is a little too bland for me. The flavours in the dishes don't seem to be consistent over time, so sometimes it is great and other times just ok.

It's housed in a beautiful old building, and has lots of space making it a good place for group bookings. Sometimes the service can be a little rude and slow. We asked for a small change for our children once but this was flatly refused.

Overall I would go back again because I love Thai food.

Approximate cost: $25

Fantastic place to eat in Bendigo. Great place for groups and families.

The food is delicious and the menu extensive. The hardest part is choosing something. The staff are friendly and happy and the service is punctual.

The cocktails are also delicious and reasonably priced.

It's a big bustling place so it can be a little noisy, so perhaps not the place to go for a quiet evening, but one of the best value places in Bendigo

Approximate cost: $20

I love the beer garden, with live music on weekends. A great place to see the local musicians in a relaxed environment. This pub also has good food, although I wouldn't recommend the fish and chips which was very dry. All other food I've had there has been lovely.

They also have a great kids room to keep your little ones entertained.

Beautiful location and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon listening to music.

Approximate cost: $25

What a cute and quirky little bar. I loved the robot decor, smiling barman and comfortable chairs. It is situated at the end of a lane way in Melbourne's CBD.

This bar has a good selection of unusual but very tasty cocktails, a huge range of saki, and a good selection of expensive and rare Japanese craft beers.

They also have a range of Japanese food, including some very odd sounding pizzas, but we were only there for a drink.

The staff were happy to explain anything to you and looked very happy to be there.

Approximate cost: $30