Bistro Lola

Top choice in Victoria


A contributing factor to the buzz about the reopened Theatre Royal, Bistro Lola features a menu of classy Italian mains rarely seen in this neck of the woods. Expect the likes of anchovy-and-herb slow-roasted lamb or leek-and-pumpkin tortellini with brown butter, sage and hazelnuts. Chef Carly Lauder has spent time at Trentham's well-respected du Fermier.

If you'd rather keep things casual, downstairs does authentic pizzas, charcuterie and Italian-style bar food you can enjoy on the street-side seating, as well as a good selection of aperitivos, wine and beer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Victoria attractions

1. Old Castlemaine Market

0.08 MILES

The magnificent old market occupies a building with a classical Roman-basilica facade, topped with a statue of Ceres, Roman goddess of the harvest. The…

2. Castlemaine Artists' Market

0.08 MILES

Held in conjunction with the farmers market, this art market on the footy oval has a convivial community atmosphere, with craft stalls, live bands and…

3. Castlemaine Farmers Market

0.13 MILES

Combined with the artists' market across the road, and with stalls selling fresh produce, food and coffee, this is the place to be if you're in town at…

4. Castlemaine Art Museum

0.24 MILES

Housed in a superb art deco building, this gallery (established in 1913) features colonial and contemporary Australian art, including works by such well…

5. Burke & Wills Monument

0.37 MILES

For a good view over town, head up to the Burke and Wills Monument on Wills St, completed in 1863. Robert O’Hara Burke was a police superintendent in…

6. Old Courthouse

0.46 MILES

The original courthouse is a simple brick structure dating to 1851. It's Castlemaine's oldest building and one of the earliest public buildings from the…

7. Old Castlemaine Gaol

0.54 MILES

Looming from its commanding hilltop location, the Old Castlemaine Gaol is the town's most notable historical landmark; dating from 1861, it closed its…

8. Buda

0.61 MILES

Home to a Hungarian silversmith and his family for 120 years, Buda has permanent displays of the family’s extensive art and craft collections, furnishings…