Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Criterion Hotel Rochester

49 MacKay St, Rochester VIC 3561, Australia

Recommended by 72 people

Updated

Find Criterion Hotel Rochester

49 MacKay St, Rochester VIC 3561, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5484 3145
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Plan your visit

About Criterion Hotel Rochester

Locals know this Rochester standby as “the Cri”—a relaxed stop where coeliac-safe chicken parmas share space with counter-spun shakes. Kitchen staff take cross-contamination seriously, running a separate prep area and dedicated fryer so dietary restrictions never get in the way of a proper pub dinner. The attached Milkshake Lane sorts out quick road-trip bites like egg and bacon rolls, while out back, the sheltered beer garden leaves plenty of room for kids and dogs.

  • Dedicated Coeliac-Safe Station: Coeliacs dine with total confidence thanks to a segregated kitchen preparation station and dedicated fryer turning out gluten-free parmas and chips.
  • Milkshake Lane Pitstop: An attached takeaway counter turns out fresh thickshakes, ice cream, and quick hot rolls for travellers passing through town.
  • Dog-Friendly Sheltered Garden: The heated and protected rear courtyard accommodates dogs and gives families ample room to stretch out.
RestaurantGluten-freeIce CreamPubRestaurantDessert

What's On at Criterion Hotel Rochester

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Criterion Hotel Rochester

Discover why travellers, families, and coeliac diners count on Rochester's Criterion Hotel.

  • Dedicated Coeliac-Safe Kitchen Setup

    A segregated preparation zone and dedicated fryer allow diners with coeliac disease to enjoy pub classics like chicken parma without cross-contamination anxiety.

    They have a dedicated gluten free preparation area in their kitchen.

    Leigh Montigue

  • Full-Flavoured Gluten-Free Pub Staples

    Extensive gluten-free adaptations are offered across numerous classic pub dishes, including hot chips and multiple parmigiana styles, without upcharging.

    Heaps of gluten-free options (Coeliac safe), with a separate prep area and fryer (yay hot chips!).

    Eva Besser

  • Quick Transit Refreshment at Milkshake Lane

    An integrated counter service space serves fresh rolls, coffee, milkshakes, and ice cream for travellers looking to dine swiftly on country transit.

    We came across Milkshake Lane which is part of the Criterion Hotel and it turned out to be just what we needed.

    Greg H

  • Convenient Country Road Detour

    Situated just off the regional highway, the venue offers a peaceful, convenient stopover for drivers heading through Rochester and Echuca.

    And just far enough off the main road to be quiet but not a huge detour.

    Bernard Cunningham

  • Dog-Friendly Heated Beer Garden

    The spacious back outdoor area offers shelter and heating while welcoming family pets alongside diners.

    heated / sheltered beer garden in the back that is doggo friendly

    Mr Jumbarrawa

  • Roomy Layout for Large Family Groups

    Expansive indoor and outdoor dining spaces comfortably accommodate multi-generational family groups and reunions.

    awesome outdoor area with lots of space for the kids.. we also had a big family group of 18 outside and it was great..

    Joanne Male

Hearty pub classics and convenient road trip staples prepared with care

  • Chicken Parma

    My wife was able to have her first chicken parma at a pub in her lifetime, it was delicious and no more expensive than a normal one.

    Leigh Montigue

  • Rissoles

    I had home made rissoles ,best I have had !!

    Ian Bennett

  • Scotch Steak

    Hubby had scoth steak and he loves his steak

    Ian Bennett

  • Egg and Bacon Roll

    I was after something simple and quick, so I ordered the egg and bacon roll with a coffee. Both were excellent, fresh, well-cooked, and exactly the kind of honest, basic meal that hits the spot.

    Greg H

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality, safe dietary care, and welcoming family spaces in Rochester

  • Dedicated Coeliac-Safe Prep & Fryer

    The kitchen maintains a dedicated gluten-free preparation area and separate fryer, allowing coeliac diners to enjoy hot chips and chicken parmigiana without cross-contamination.

  • Integrated Milkshake Lane Counter

    Part of the Criterion Hotel, Milkshake Lane serves milkshakes, ice creams, and quick meals like egg and bacon rolls with coffee for fast, no-fuss road trip stops.

  • Heated, Sheltered Dog & Kid-Friendly Garden

    The beer garden is both heated and sheltered, welcoming dogs and offering a dedicated play area with space for kids and family gatherings.

  • Private Openings for Large Family Celebrations

    Hosts Craig and Therese specially opened their top room on an off-night to host a private Christmas gathering for an extended family of 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there coeliac-safe gluten-free options available?

The pub features a dedicated gluten-free preparation area and fryer, making items like gluten-free chicken parmigianas and hot chips safe for coeliacs at standard prices.

Is the outdoor beer garden dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden, which also includes heated and sheltered seating along with space for kids.

Can you book a table in advance?

Reservations are accepted and can be booked in advance by calling ahead.

What are the parking options nearby?

Street parking is available directly along the road outside the pub.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Discover more in Melbourne

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Melbourne venues