The Woodhouse Bar & Grill

We had spent nearly 3 hours driving to Bendigo for a Saturday meeting. It was late by the time we finished and we were both hungry and in need of lunch. A quick Google search showed that this place was still open though it was just before 3:00pm. Too many places stop serving lunch by 2:00pm. We dropped by and were welcomed. We opted for the 2 course lunch menu with a glass of excellent Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot (included). The prawns and steak tartare were excellent and we shared it. The steak was divine and cooked to perfection. I enjoyed the home made béarnaise though the steak was so good that it wasn’t needed. My husband enjoyed his home made chimichurri sauce. We were too full to have dessert. We will definitely be back next time we visit Bendigo.

We had the most fabulous meal here. The menu is sensational and the food delicious. Everything was cooked to absolute perfection. The staff were attentive, friendly and fun. For the quality of the food and the cosy atmosphere, we found it very reasonably priced. Lucky you Bendigo, what a gem of a place you have!

Over the past two years in Bendigo, we’ve visited Woodhouse more than 10 times and often brought friends to experience what we considered the city’s top fine dining. Sadly, our latest visit was deeply disappointing. The female manager’s service was unprofessional. We ordered two medium-rare steaks, but one was overcooked. While she did agree to replace it, she said “It’s also the lighting here, I can’t really see” and the steak’s thickness hence why it’s overcooked. When paying, we found we’d been charged for a different, more expensive dish—about $100 more—than what we ordered. The manager implied it was on our end that did not noticing the size of the steak, the name when they served, and only after discussion, we both agreed to meet in the half way, $60 discount was applied, but leaving us confused and uncomfortable. On the positive side, the male staff member (pictured in our second photo) was very professional and saved part of our experience. Although the meat quality is excellent, two negative encounters with the manager have put us off returning or recommending Woodhouse to friends.

Steve the sommelier was incredible. He makes you feel at home . His knowledge in wine is unbelievable! Ask for him and he will blow your mind away. He cares so much that I thought that he was the owner. His personable approach to customers makes the experience exceptional that we will return just to dine here again. April was lovely. 5 stars is not nearly enough to rate our experience.

Absolutely fantastic experience! The steak was cooked to perfection and full of flavour. The sides complemented the meal beautifully, and the service was attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Highly recommend this place to any steak lover!

One of the best experiences I have in Australia! Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a amazing steak place.

I feel very comfortable at this restaurant. Atmosphere is professional and decor may be a bit blokey but that's ok by me. Staff are well trained and courteous. Head barman is interesting to chat to. Menu doesn't vary a lot - still rue the day they gave up on wood fired pizza (mushroom one in particular) but I guess life moves on. The food remains of top quality. Always recommended.

I had the pleasure of dining at The Woodhouse Bar & Grill and was thoroughly impressed by both the cuisine and the service. The steak, ordered medium rare, was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and precisely as requested. It was clear that great care had been taken in both preparation and presentation. The lobster was equally outstanding, delicately coated in a garlic batter that enhanced the natural sweetness of the meat without overwhelming it. Every bite reflected a thoughtful balance of texture and taste. Service throughout the evening was attentive, professional, and seamless, contributing to a truly enjoyable dining experience. The combination of expertly prepared dishes and warm, efficient service left me with a strong desire to return. The Woodhouse Bar & Grill more than deserves a five-star rating—highly recommended.