RESTAURANTS & CAFES

THE BEST ITALIAN WOODFIRED PIZZA

Your mouth is watering in anticipation of toasty woodfired pizza topped with San Marzano tomato, delicately sliced prosciutto, hard-torn gobs of buffalo mozzarella and fragrant fresh basil. But as you walk down Myrtleford’s main street toward Bastoni Pizzeria, your pizza dreams are suddenly interrupted by... what’s that? The air becomes thick with the spiced aroma of the Middle East. The others have already found it, captivated by the allure of Café Fez and its Moroccan Bazaar.

“Do you dare enter?” says an old man as he sips his thick, black Turkish coffee with a knowing sparkle in his eye. “Once you go in, you may never come out.”

You hurry on because never coming out could be risky when you’re late for dinner.

You swing open the door to Bastoni’s, the air warm with conversations only heard among good friends with happy bellies and fine wine, and an Italian nonna beckoning you to ‘eat, eat, eat’. Pete-The-Local waves. He’s saved you all seats.

An insalata later, and you've annihilated a table of the most divine woodfired pizza. Pete was right, but he never warned you about this Bombolone – an Italian-doughnut ice-cream sandwich filled with Nutella. Oh mumma!

“Have you eaten at Reed & Co Distillery in Bright yet?” he asks. You look confused.

“Isn’t that a gin bar?”

“Ahhh, yes! But most people don’t know it also serves the most amazing food. The owners used to run a chef’s hatted restaurant before they decided to play around with gin. Speaking of award-winning chefs, you should also try Templar Lodge in Mount Beauty if you can get a table.

This is gold, you pry for more local eating tips.

“It’s hard to set a foot wrong really,” he says. “Our region prides itself on using fresh local ingredients. Myrtleford is a melting pot of homely cuisines, while Bright has a vibrant scene that always has something new; Mount Beauty is deliciously relaxing; and sitting outside at a pub in Harrietville as the trees gently sway in the fresh mountain air is soul soothing.”

“Oh, which reminds me... a Masterchef judge once said Harrietville has the best vanilla slices! You can grab one with a coffee and head to the Dredge Hole, and maybe take a dip in the water too.”

Your head is now spinning and you’re pretty sure it's to do with the impending decision on what to do tomorrow and not the delicious bottle of Gapsted Tempranillo you’ve just polished off.

What will you choose?

Choose your next adventure, or scroll down for more restaurants and cafes

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

PLACES TO EAT IN BRIGHT

The Riverdeck Kitchen

The Riverdeck Kitchen

The Riverdeck Kitchen is the perfect place to relax in Bright. Great coffee, fabulous food, local and regional wines and friendly service, all in one of Bright’s most picturesque locations. Located by the Ovens River and overlooking beautiful Howitt Park, the Riverdeck is fully licensed and has free Wi-Fi. Open for breakfast (all day) and…

Open Mic Night at Bright Brewery

Open Mic Night at Bright Brewery

Open Mic Nights at Bright Brewery are making a comeback with local legend Rudi Katterl leading the show! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a rookie, go for it – grab that mic, seize the spotlight and share your talent! To make things sweeter, all performers will get a little something as a thank-you. So,…

Don Mungo's

Don Mungo’s

Fun and delicious, Don Mungo’s serves up good times and good pizza. A trendy pizza and cocktail bar in the heart of Bright. They have live music every Friday afternoon from 6:00pm, and a dancefloor from 10:00pm to late on Saturdays. There is also a casual darts competition every Tuesday from 9:00pm.

PLACES TO EAT IN THE SURROUNDS

Punkah Pantry

Punkah Pantry

Punkah Pantry doubles as a licenced café and provedore in the heart of Porepunkah – across the road from the Ovens River and Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Experience the newly renovated store, with a vibrant storefront that opens up to a light-filled space with plenty of seating for the whole family. After a swim…

Michelini Wines

Michelini Wines

Michelini Wines on the Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford is your ideal destination to spend long Spring and Summer days enjoying relaxed alfresco outdoor seating with a glass of highly awarded Pinot Grigio, Arneis or Vermentino under the vine-covered pergola, enjoying an antipasto platter with traditional Italian fare. In cooler weather stay for espresso coffee and…

West Peak Hotel

West Peak Hotel

West Peak Hotel serves Award Winning pub food that includes locally sourced produce, and meals are made fresh daily. Live music every Saturday from 3:00pm, community raffles each Friday and Texas Hold’em Poker nights can be enjoyed Thursdays year-round. There is a function room available for any event, big or small. Boasting the best beer…

OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE

FarmGate_Nightingales_Bright

FARM GATES

PRODUCE RIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

Out here, we know where our food comes from. Want to know where the locals source the best fresh produce?

CELLAR DOORS

TRY OUR AWARD-WINNING WINES

Crisp cool nights and warm summer days make the Alpine Valley one of the country's most delightful boutique wine regions.

Winery
Farmers market

MARKETS

FRESH PRODUCE & ARTISAN WARES

Scott Hartvigsen Photography-6