What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
El Gordo
Review
About
Fully licensed Spanish cafe, Tapas, Light lunches, Boutique coffee, Sweet treats, extensive Gin List, Spanish Beer wine & cocktails, Unique laneway Culture.
Features
CUISINES
Cafe, Spanish
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Gift Cards Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Is this restaurant appropriate for Kids?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 7:00 AM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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4.6
(153)
Excellent
105
Good
38
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Barb C
Melbourne496 contributions
July 2022 • none
We enjoyed a light late lunch here after seeing the Elvis exhibition. El Gordo is set in a quirky laneway (Chancery Lane) of a wide double street across from the Tourist Information Centre. Popular with locals and visitors, with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff that makes choosing what to eat and drink an absolute delight! Coffee was great & food is sourced locally where possible.Indoor and covered outdoor lane dining options available. We’ll visit again when the weather warms up to experience dinner. Highly recommended.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula B
4 contributions
July 2024 • couples
We just stopped in for a quick coffee, but then watching the chef creating the crullers and the amazing cinnamon aromas we just had to try some. One of the best things ive eaten. Light and buttery, still hot from the fryer and then dredged in cinnamon sugar. We wanted to buy more.
What a gem. Lovely staff and a wonderful atmosphere. 😋😋
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon13741 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
In Spanish, "El Gordo" means "The Fat One." This delightful cafe serves delicious meals, made with authentic ingredients. We are sure to return when next we are in Bendigo, By the way, "El Gordo " is a giant lottery held every year in Spain, in which the whole nation participates
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Thank you for great review,
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
I will be sure to pass the wonderful feedback on to the team
Written 15 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pam D
58 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We were just passing through Bendigo and it's such a beautiful city, we decided to stop for a look around and have lunch. The restaurant/cafe is in such a cool location, we were seated quickly and the staff were friendly so we were off to a good start. From there it was all downhill. My partner ordered the spiced octopus, I ordered the chorizo and we decided on a jug of sangria. The servings were tiny - chorizo was OK and served with sourdough. We were quite shocked when the octopus came in a tin with a tiny salad thing and some sourdough on the side. The sangria was nothing special but left a very sour taste when we went to pay for the meal and discovered it was $60 for the jug! Our tiny lunch came to $115....... I guess we should have gotten a quote first! Terrible value for our $ and were it not for the friendly service this would have been a zero.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ADebra
Lockington4 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
My partner and self (keep in mind i’m a very experienced waiter and he is a chef of 10+ years) were cruising through bendigo trying to find a place to eat when we stumbled upping this gem, and WOW is an understatement. The service was some of the best service i have ever received, before we’d even decided to eat here we had the menu explained to us, from always checking on us to making jokes and having an actual conversation. The food was absolutely incredible and my partner (chef) whom is very picky has named this our favourite place to go and eat now. If you’re ever in bendigo i STRONGLY recommend you come and eat here 😻
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Thank you for the lovely review.
I am so glad the team were able to make your evening memorable. We look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Thank you
Chad
Written 14 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
keith_roam
Australia370 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
The best meal of our two week W.Vic trip was El Gordo Bendigo, Shop 3/70 Chancery Lane, Pall Mall. $75 tapas for two people; 5 courses with wine or Spanish cocktail. I, at first, walked on by El Gordo, thinking $75 was too much for lunch, 'not us' - wrong. Each course was amazing. Coffee was good as well.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad Aldred
Thank you
I am glad the team gave you a memorable experience. We look forward to seeing you again.
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kay C
Melbourne298 contributions
June 2022 • couples
We like this place and the food offerings and coffee that we have come a few times.
The decor is simple, somewhat Latin American inspired.
We feel that the “back room” whilst it is a light filled space and lovely, our clothes do smell a bit of cooking because the kitchen is open and next to this dining area. There are two other dining sections - outdoor seating/dining and the “front bar”.
The food quality and variety are very good; Tex Mex style. Meal portions are good. We’re happy with the flavours and taste of everything we’ve had on the menu.
It’s a little challenging to find because it’s in a laneway.
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karamarr
Melbourne66 contributions
June 2022 • none
We decided to drop in here for lunch prior to going to the art gallery. It was easy to find and while we were sitting outside in winter the heaters provided plenty of warmth. We shared a mixture of tapas and sandwhiches, all of which was of great quality. Particularly loved the sourdough, olive oil and tomato/garlic sauce combination. The table olives were of great quality too. Service was prompt and very helpful
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl F
Portland178 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
Excellent choice for a special lunch. Staff coping really well with restrictions, our friendly waiter offering suggestions. Partner ate lomo, cured pork on artichoke puree, I opted for roasted cauliflower, washed down with a nice gentle red. We could almost think we were in Spain watching the world go by. Finished a delightful meal with churros, of course!! absolutely delicious
Written 8 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Thank you for your great review. We are glad you enjoyed our little laneway venue, we look forward to having you dine with us on your next visit
Written 30 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
caretaker21
24 contributions
May 2022 • none
Easygoing location with very friendly staff. Food is prepared within you view and the love and care put in is easy to see. Food was fantastic and portions were excellent. Inside and and outside seating in an eclectic alleyway. All in all a great place for a quick breakfast.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin W
Brisbane576 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Stopped here on a Wednesday afternoon and couldn’t have asked for a friendlier welcome. Nestled down an alleyway, you can chill and enjoy some lovely Spanish food, whilst people watching.
The food is really good and cones from an uncomplicated menu.
We sat here with our two Retriever pups (yes, they’re dog friendly) and had an enjoyable and relaxing meal.
Would definitely come back.
Written 15 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Thank you
It’s always a pleasure to serve lovely customers and their furry friends. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Chad
Written 20 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sandilong1511
Bendigo149 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
This terrific little busy eatery in Chancery Lane is one of the best kept secrets in the Bendigo goody landscape. A narrow lane off Pall Mall creates a great atmosphere with lots of local promotional events. But it's worth the visit and if you read some of the reviews who pump up the service, they are spot on, great staff, quick service and the food is great. They have a terrific menu with lots of variety and we will definitely be back and reasonable prices.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Thank you
We are glad you enjoyed your experience with us.
Written 7 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimmerbellum
Port Macquarie140 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
We were passing by and spotted this cafe, down a funky little laneway off the Main Street. Decided to come back for lunch and so glad we did. Lovely staff who gave great recommendations. The food was amazingly good, and I really enjoyed a light and lively Spanish beer (a bit like champagne) with my meal. Highly recommend.
Written 6 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Thank you
We are so glad you enjoyed your experience.
Chad
Written 24 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bert66
484 contributions
July 2020 • couples
A must visit on a trip the Bendigo for coffee, brekky or lunch. Set in Bendigo’s funky Melbourne style laneway, this Spanish style eatery is a great spot for brekky or light lunch. Tapas, sandwiches and other delights and lover rated the coffee as one of the best in Bendigo - high praise indeed. Large range of beers and Gin. Might be worth trying to book in these discombobulating times as seats are limited.
Give The ‘Go a Go!
Written 3 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Wow
Thank you for the great review.
We look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Written 7 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
iMax327
Melbourne49 contributions
Dec 2020 • friends
There’s a reason why it’s worth checking the review. Didn’t disappoint! Let me start with the vibes and mood, before the pleasant meal. It’s a bright, fun funky place. The guy who seated and served us was awesome! awesome! He’s sooo vibrant and welcoming, really enjoyable experience. The food. Wasn’t expecting this in Bendigo, those quaint Melb food laneways will make run for their money in my opinion to this. That Baked beans, egg choriso is a must try. Jamon serrano breakfast with fresh croissant, so fresh! Margaritas in the morning, doesn’t matter, they are all so deliciosos. And on your way out, you can pick some of those Spanish sardines! Highly recommend. Definitely worthy of “a tell all” to friends, workmates and people on out of towners that not to miss this place when in Bendigo. El Gordo es el nombre! Muchas gracias!
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazz_riovista
Wow
Thank you for the great review, we look forward to seeing you again on you next visit
Chad
Written 9 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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