The Bunyip Hotel, Cavendish

It's a curious thing that a town in the Grampians with a population of 454 could have such a place to call its own. Unassuming from the outside, and (until such time as the food actually hits your table) the inside as well, the Bunyip Hotel provides not only the classic atmosphere of a standard Australian pub (locals were rowdily enjoying the footy in the front bar), but the food is exquisite. I was lucky enough to sample close to a dozen of the meals on their board of fare (its an experience best shared with multiple people), with each dish seemingly out-impressing the last. There were croquettes - incredible. Taramasalata - astonishing. Smoked salmon - amazing. Mussels - phenomenal. Cabbage. For the love of Pete ... the cabbage. Who would have thought you could make cabbage a high-end gourmet item? So much extraordinary food to enjoy. And then we were served the lemon tart for dessert, which was of a quality that quite frankly made me depressed - how one who occasionally enjoys making such things could ever return to it knowing that the Bunyip can make it so beautifully, so subtly, with such delicacy. Each new course made me swear (softly), as each one had such an astonishing depth of flavour. I don't know if there's reasons to go to Cavendish other than this pub and its extraordinary restaurant, but the food at the Bunyip makes it not only the best thing about the town, but something truly remarkable to seek out in the entire Grampians region. If not Victoria. Or the nation. The food was the finest I think I have ever tasted anywhere in the world, and it's not hyperbole to say that James Campbell sits among the finest chefs in Australia.

First time patron, we were having a long weekend trip around the Grampians and decided to try this place after reading all the raving reviews. We were blown away!

The service was great, very warm and friendly. The ambience was interesting - quaint little bar, looks like a normal bar from the outside but when you enter, the place has a charm that just draws you in. We were seated indoor on the long wooden table overlooking the green outdoors - just breathtaking.
Last but not least, the food was spectacular! We had the Sunday Chef's Menu. Really good food, cooked well, not overly pretentious and tasted yummy! We weren't expecting such great time at this place. Will definitely be back again.

Been here a couple of times and each time the food was excellent. Today we had the sardines and olive tapenade, croquettes. slow cooked beef brisket to perfection, onion rings where the batter was light and crispy and for desert we had the tiramisu and basque burnt cheese cake that was equally delicious. This time round they even Galivanter gin and tonic on tap that was the best G&T I've had in a while!

One of the best pub meals I've ever had.
The slow cooked brisket was so tender and flavoursome it literally melted in yr mouth.
Great job guys.

Though you might not expect it, Cavendish's unassuming Bunyip is easily the best dining experience in Victoria.

All the produce is fresh, the food thoughtful, simple and constantly-changing to best make use of what is in-season and locally available.

This time around we had croquettes, tempura-battered stuffed zucchini flowers, duck galentine with plum sauce, cold tomato soup, slow roasted pork shoulder with a pavlova and nougat parfait for desert. All were stellar.

It's made even better by the atmosphere. Easily the least pretentious place you can experience food of this quality at. Your might be between an insufferable marketing executive and a local bowls club. Between an artist and four guys on their way back from a rabbit shoot.

It's all helped along by the lovely wait staff (Hetty and Olivia, in this case).

I couldn't recommend it enough and will be back in another few months.

What a little gem. Amazingly friendly fun locals and staff. Roaring fire lovely flowers very clean and comfortable. Great grassy beer garden looking over a little river. Mel and the rest of the staff just lovely. Great local wine list. Food was spectacular . They put up with our bad singing and dancing. Rooms very cosy. Hope to be back soon

This place is legendary and for good reason. We booked the chefs table lunch on Sunday and were so impressed with the quality of the food and service. Every meal was utterly divine. The exquisite mushroom and cheese croquettes, hand cured salmon, pork belly and brisket cooked to absolute perfection. And to top it off a sublime lemon tart that was really more a citrus creme brulee in tart form. The chefs table changes week to week so I can't wait to go back and try it again!