14 Bright Restaurants To Put On Your Radar

A classic country pub meal in front of a crackling fireplace, tacos and cocktails in a sunny courtyard, or Neapolitan-style pizzas to die for; there’s a diverse range of Bright restaurants to choose from when you’re travelling through Victoria’s High Country.

A playground for outdoor adventurers, the mountainous terrain surrounding the picturesque, alpine town of Bright is the perfect place to work up an appetite. Whether you spend your stay rock climbing, bushwalking or just admiring the epic landscapes, be sure to put some of these Bright restaurants on your list.

Restaurants

One of the true joys of travelling is discovering a delicious dish you never knew existed before. Bright restaurants span a wide range of cuisines and styles, from fine dining in a heritage cottage to Tex-Mex in an open-air courtyard. The next time you visit Bright, keep these restaurants on your radar.

1. Sir Loin’s Bar & Grill

Book well in advance to nab a table at this basement bar and grill that’s renowned for serving some of the best steaks in the region. Choose from grass-fed scotch fillet, Bass Strait porterhouse, wagyu sirloin or a one-kilogram King Island tomahawk steak shared with a friend or two. Add a glass of local Feathertop shiraz and some sides (baked truffle mac and cheese is a winner) and you’ve got yourself the perfect dinner to celebrate the end of a long bushwalk or bike ride.

Address: 14 Barnard St, Bright, VIC

2. Elm Dining

Under the guidance of head chef Brendon Chadwick, Elm Dining brings an exceptional fine dining experience to the heart of Bright. Operating from a renovated, Victorian-era cottage that was once a doctor’s surgery and residence, this is a refined-yet-welcoming spot to celebrate a special occasion.

an elegant dining space at Elm Dining, Bright

Elm Dining exudes luxe and elegance. (Image: Danii Forde)

The menu changes with the seasons, but expect unfussy, elegant dishes that champion the region’s best produce. Can’t decide what to order? Opt for the Chef’s Selection to be taken on a curated culinary journey.

a table top view of meals with a hand holding a bottle of wine

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience. (Image: Danii Forde)

Address: 98 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

3. The Yard Bright

Tex-Mex share plates and Australian botanical cocktails are the name of the game at this vibey sister restaurant to Elm Dining. When it’s time to imbibe, simply kick back in the courtyard with a pisco sour or spicy margarita, order some tacos or loaded fries, and let the good times roll.

a table top view of meals at The Yard Bright

Feast on a sumptuous dinner. (Image: Danii Forde)

Address: 98 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

4. Pepperberry

This modern Australian diner located at boutique hotel Hara House is winning accolades for its menu that blends locally sourced produce with native Australian ingredients.

A meal at Pepperberry restaurant, housed within Hara House hotel in Bright

Pepperberry at Hara House is garnering attention for its modern Australian dining and standout cocktails.

Settle into its ambient surrounds – complete with original bluestone feature wall and a fireplace – for small dishes such as the Pepperberry Plate, with smoked duck, salami and smoked kangaroo and larger plates including baked eggplant with warrigal pesto, couscous and pinenuts and beef adobo with bush tomato, capsicum jam and flatbread.

A considered wine list is drawn from the local regions and bolstered by a stand-out cocktail list with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Address: 2 Ashwood Avenue, Bright, VIC

5. Hometown

With a reputation for making next-level pizzas, it’s unsurprising that Hometown has a cult following with locals. Made with cold-fermented, hand-stretched dough, Hometown’s wood-fired pizzas are topped with an array of exciting flavour combinations. In fact, the Local (pancetta, wandi apple, chestnut, mozzarella, Brussels, watercress) may just convince purists that sprouts do belong on a pizza.

a pizza on a plate at Hometown restaurant, Bright

Satisfy your pizza cravings.

Address: 5 Camp St, Bright, VIC

6. Don Mungo’s

Pizza, cocktails and music collide at this happening spot known for hosting a rotation of DJs and live music after dark. Forget pedestrian pizza flavours, Don Mungo’s excels at incorporating ingredients (like miso cream cheese, bamboo shoot and chashu pork) you wouldn’t typically see on a pizza. On a warm summer night, make a beeline for the beer garden.

Address: 90 Gavan St, Bright, VIC 

7. Chop Chop Asian Kitchen + Bar

Housed in the former Dr Mauve Bar & Lounge space, Chop Chop Asian Kitchen + Bar serves up pan-Asian dishes ranging from steamed ginger prawn dumplings to green chicken curry and duck pancakes. Veggie options include wok-tossed greens and The Fun-Gi: mixed Asian mushrooms with mint, chilli and toasted rice. Save room for coconut ice cream with Vietnamese coffee and peanut praline for dessert.

Address: 100 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

Pubs, Breweries & Bars

Home to a longstanding microbrewery and surrounded by a number of cool-climate vineyards, Bright is the type of town where finding quality tipples to go with your meals isn’t a problem. Bottoms up!

8. Bright Brewery

This dog-friendly, local institution began back in 2005 and over the years it’s grown into a brewing juggernaut. On a clear day, there’s nowhere better to relax than on this brewery’s riverside Hop Terrace with a refreshing Bright Pale Ale.

a glass of cold beer alongside a meal at Bright Brewery

Pair your meal with an ice-cold beer.

If you’re after a meal, there’s pizza, burgers, salads and even a Hero Board which serves up to four people a selection of ribs, wings, sausages, slaw and fried potatoes.

a table top view of meals at Bright Brewery

Go on and grab something to eat.

Your visit might coincide with the Community Keg, an event Bright Brewery hosts each month with a local organisation. To join in, buy a pot of Bright Pale Ale from the Community Keg and instead of paying for your beer, make a donation of your choice to the local beneficiary instead. Cheers to that!

people drinking and dining under sun umbrellas outside Bright Brewery

Spend the labour day weekend chugging beer.

Address: 121 Great Alpine Rd, Bright, VIC

9. Porepunkah Pub

With outdoor dining areas and a games room complete with a pool table, the family-friendly Porepunkah Pub is a real find. Just a seven-minute drive from Bright, this welcoming spot is where to head when you feel like a hearty meal without the fuss. The menu features country pub classics like steaks and parmas (with spaghetti bolognaise and chicken nuggets for the kids). Soak up the sunshine at an outdoor table during the warmer months, or head indoors and make yourself at home by the fireplace with a glass of shiraz in winter – this is a pub for all seasons.

Address: 13 Nicholson St, Porepunkah VIC

10. Tomahawks

If you’re after a fun, boozy night out at a low-key spot that channels American dive bar culture, then head to Tomahawks. You may need to join a queue (this place doesn’t take bookings) but once you’re seated inside with a Tiki Sour cocktail in hand, you’ll be glad you lined up.

a bartender mixing up drinks at Tomahawks

Hit up Tomahawks for a quick buzz. (Image: Jesse Hisco Photography)

The greats of America’s south and south-west feature on the menu (fried chicken, ribs, burgers) but there’s some left-of-centre surprises too, such as tempura eggplant and Japanese ‘street corn’ with miso butter, yuzu kosho kewpie and togorashi.

There’s plenty of space to dine al fresco. (Image: Jesse Hisco Photography)

Address: 15 Camp St, Bright, VIC

Casual dining & takeaway

Looking for a quick bite to eat without having to get dressed up? Pop into one of these casual eateries for a fast, fresh meal without the fanfare.

11. Lamb on Gavan

Greece may be more than 14,000 kilometres away from Bright, but you can still taste the flavours of the Aegean in this little mountain town by heading to Lamb on Gavan.

meat roasting over charcoal at Lamb on Gavan

Savour tender meat roasted over charcoal.

Using meats marinated in-house and slow-cooked on charcoal, the souvlaki brings the crowds in, day and night. There’s also cauliflower fritters and falafel for diners who follow plant-based diets.

a selection of vegan meals at Lamb on Gavan

They also offer vegan favourites.

Address: 103 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

12. Clean Bowled

If the fresh mountain air has inspired you to embrace healthy living, then head to Clean Bowled for a smoothie and nutritious lunch bowl. Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, the lunch bowls come in many different varieties, including poke for salmon lovers and a plant-based taco bowl for vegetarians. Add a berry smoothie and you’ll be set for an afternoon of trail running, mountain climbing or cycling.

Consume healthy greens at Clean Bowled.

Address: 78 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

13. Gum Tree Pies

For sustenance on the go, drop into Gum Tree Pies. Freshly baked daily, choose from classics such as steak and pepper or lamb and mint, or go vego with a panang pumpkin.

Address: 2a Anderson St, Bright, VIC

14. Katsu

This busy Japanese eatery does a roaring trade in Karaage fried chicken, Teriyaki beef don, Katsu curry and gyoza. Getting takeaway from here is the ideal way to source a delicious, multicourse Japanese feast to enjoy in your motel room or Airbnb living room by night.

This Japanese restaurant is just what you need after a busy day exploring Bright.

Address: 9 Barnard St, Bright, VIC

15. Burgerville

Craving some junk food? With outlets in both Bright and the nearby village of Myrtleford, this family-owned burger joint will hit the spot. Keep it simple with an Easy Cheesy burger or go all-in and order The Hoff, a massive beef burger loaded with American cheddar, pickles, lettuce, onion, aioli, smoked chipotle ketchup and optional chicken nuggets. Yes, chicken nuggets. If you’re thirsty, there’s a range of local beer cans on the menu too.

a close-up shot of a hand holding a big burger at Burgerville, Bright

Their generous burgers will fill your big appetite.

Address: 87 Gavan St, Bright, VIC & 143 Myrtle St, Myrtleford VIC

Want more travel tips for Bright? We’ve got a round-up of top things to do, incredible cafes to try and wineries to visit during your stay.

When travelling through Victoria’s High Country, be sure to put these Bright wineries on your list.

Alpine adventures are a big reason people flock to this mountainous corner of Victoria, but Bright is also a top spot to relax on a porch with a glass of crisp white wine or by a log fire with a drop of shiraz. The pristine Alpine Valley wine region’s small clutch of vineyards produces complex, cool climate wines that punch above their weight. Head to these Bright wineries (along with a few from neighbouring towns and villages) to meet the talented winemakers, learn about fermentation and source a bottle (or two) to take home.

1. Ringer Reef Winery

Located on the Great Alpine Road in Porepunkah, this family-owned winery is just an eight-minute drive from Bright.

the Ringer Reef Winery vineyard is sprawling across Alpine Valley in Bright

Ringer Reef Winery is a vibrant, family-run vineyard. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Love to cycle? Ringer Reef is on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, so you can peddle there from Bright too (the staff will even deliver any bottles of wine you buy to your local accommodation at the end of the day).

a couple hanging out over wine at Ringer Reef Winery, Bright

Plan a day out with your partner. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Book a guided wine-tasting experience or relax on the landing with a glass of merlot or montepulciano (an underrated grape from Central Italy) while taking in sublime Mt Buffalo vistas. Come for the wines, stay for the views.

Taste Ringer Reef’s finest wines. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Billy Button Wines Cellar Door

Like the idea of heading to a wine hotspot that pours more than 30 different drops? Head to this busy cellar door right in the heart of Bright. Named after the bright-yellow native flowers that dot the surrounding alpine landscapes in summer, this popular cellar door offers so much more than wine.

the outside view of Billy Button winery in Bright

Come over for some drinks.

By all means, try a refreshing glass of prosecco or chardonnay, but be sure to order some artisan cheese or a toasted sandwich to keep you warm on a brisk autumn afternoon. This is also a top place to source locally-made gourmet bites to take home or enjoy on the road. Coffee beans, smallgoods, cooking oil, preserves, nuts and truffles can all be yours. If you find yourself in the nearby town of Myrtleford, there’s a Billy Button Wines outpost there also.

two women talking while drinking wine at Billy Button

Drink wine with a friend to pass the time.

3. Feathertop Winery

This picturesque private estate in Porepunkah overlooking Mount Buffalo opens its doors to visitors regularly for a range of special ticketed events.

a cellar gate with empty barrels of wine at Feathertop Winery

You’ll see empty barrels of wine at the entrance. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Movie nights, games championships, acoustic music sets, themed tastings, al fresco long lunches and paint and sip classes are on rotation throughout the year, so keep an eye on the winery’s social media pages to see what’s on before you plan your trip.

guests drinking and dining al fresco at Feathertop Winery

Drink and dine al fresco. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Looking for somewhere to stay in Bright? There’s also luxe accommodation on site if you’re keen on a getaway (the Vineyard Residence’s magnificent infinity pool will take your stay to the next level).

a parking area for bicycles at Feathertop Winery

Feathertop Winery welcomes two-wheeled guests. (Image: Visit Victoria)

4. Gapsted Wines

You’ll find Gapsted Wines in the beautiful, bucolic town of Myrtleford, a half-hour scenic drive along the Great Alpine Road from Bright. At this award-winning cellar door and restaurant you’ll be able to taste under-the-radar varietals you might not have heard before.

a picnic table with umbrella set on a vineyard in Gapsted, Bright

Verdant grape-bearing vines surround the famed winery.

Why not try a drop of durif, manseng or saperavi after you’ve sampled more well-known wines like cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir? Stop by for a tasting or make a booking for a decadent, multi-course lunch (with matching wines, of course). The vineyard views from the restaurant provide the perfect backdrop for a long, lazy lunch.

a multi-course lunch with wine at Gapsted, Bright

Indulge in a satisfying lunch with a glass of wine on the side.

5. Annapurna Estate

Drive half an hour east from Bright and you’ll find Annapurna Estate – one of the highest vineyards in Victoria. With a restaurant and cellar door open from September to the end of April, this low-key winery tucked away in the Mount Beauty area is ideal for a quiet lunch accompanied by some cracking good wines followed by a stroll in the fresh, alpine air. Rustic, hearty fare features on the simple menu that draws inspiration from the Mediterranean region (think: focaccia, lasagne and moussaka). Whether you’re into fortified merlot or light-bodied rosé, Annapurna Estate has got you covered.

an expansive vineyard at Annapurna Estate, Bright

Annapurna Estate is beautifully situated at Victoria’s Kiewa Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

6. Michelini Wines

Italian varietals are in the spotlight at this family-owned cellar door in Myrtleford that’s reminiscent of Tuscany. Have fun getting to know the greats of the Italian winemaking scene by tasting sangiovese, nebbiolo, barbera, vermentino and beyond.

the cellar door at Michelini Wines, Bright

Discover what’s behind the cellar door.

On a warm day, there’s no better place to relax in the region than on the patio under a canopy of vines with a glass of prosecco and a charcuterie plate. Close your eyes and think of Tuscany.

a bottle of La Fiera Marzemino wine at Michelini, Bright

Try Michelini’s signature delicate wine.

7. Eaglerange Estate Wines

An easy 15-minute drive from Bright, this down-to-earth winery sits in the hills of the cheerfully named Happy Valley. Stop by for a tasting of cool climate drops and you’ll likely be welcomed by the winemaker himself, Frank Ivone. A serene spot to taste riesling, tempranillo, merlot and more, this winery also produces several vegan-friendly wines. If you’re looking for an easy-going, unpretentious wine experience, be sure to stop by Eaglerange Estate.

15 top restaurants in Bright to have on your radar