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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Their generous burgers will fill your big appetite.
Address: 87 Gavan St, Bright, VIC & 143 Myrtle St, Myrtleford VIC
