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

Alpine Hotel Bright

Alpine Hotel Bright

Set in the heart of the Alpine Shire in Bright, the Alpine Hotel has been established since 1852. This family-orientated pub serves great food from local producers, is locally owned and prides itself on its customer service. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and bistro, beer garden, children’s area and gourmet pizzas. Accommodation offers deluxe, family…

Hara House

Hara House

A classic re-imagined. A hotel experience like no other. Bright just became brighter as the team wait to welcome you at Hara House, Bright’s only boutique hotel. Picture the perfect stay behind your eyes, season with mid-century luxe finishings, add a massage before dinner, a sun-lounger by the pool and an icy cocktail in hand…

The Star Hotel

The Star Hotel

Welcome to the Star Hotel, located in central Bright, they offer a great place to enjoy a drink with friends, a good hearty pub meal with plenty of entertainment provided by Fox Sports on all televisions. As well as full TAB facilities, a gaming room and great background music provided by Nightlife. They offer family…

PLACES TO EAT IN THE SURROUNDS

Harrietville Hotel Motel

Harrietville Hotel Motel

Stay at the Harrietville Hotel Motel and enjoy their comfortable motel rooms and friendly pub atmosphere. With something for everyone, they have standard family rooms sleeping up to five guests as well as deluxe studios sleeping up to four guests. All their rooms consist of ensuite bathrooms, televisions, bar fridges, tea and coffee facilities 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…

Ringer Reef Winery

Ringer Reef Winery

A gold specimen found in the late 1800s by men ringbarking the property, led to the opening and naming of the mine, Ringer Reef. A century on, the Ringer Reef vineyard was established by Annie and Bruce Holm in 1998. It is now a vibrant and evolving family-run vineyard, winery and cellar door. On this…

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