Our region is known for its great food, but wowzers, not even we can believe the foodie explosion that erupted this summer. Have you had a bite of it? So many hot new venues have opened it’s driving our taste buds wild.
A little tip before you dive in—these venues are buzzing—so make it mid-week in March for easier table bookings, walk-ins (and better accommodation deals!).
Tongues were set wagging last year when the secret slipped that actor Shane Jacobson (think Kenny and Top Gear Australia…) had bought The Dederang Hotel with local writer/director Dean Murphy and was giving it a refurb. The old 1870s pub, affectionately known as The Ranga, unveiled its new look and menu in December and has been one of the hottest destinations since.
“We tried not to change anything, but improve everything,” says Jacobson, who said it was important to keep the pub’s original feel while adding improvements like a new kitchen, beer garden stage, woodfire pizza oven and seating with mountain views.
“We wanted to up the stakes,” says Jacobson. “We did! Pardon the pun.’
And sure enough, steak is still on the menu, as are other pub favourites like Parma, Cheeseburgers and Salt & Pepper Calamari. Broadening its appeal though, acclaimed chef Ali McKillop, who took over the kitchen in November, has added some mouthwatering variety like Penang Chicken Peanut Curry and a cured meats Farmer’s Plate, with locally sourced produce wherever possible.
“Make no bones about it, Ali is an incredible chef,” says Jacobson. And reviewers certainly agree.
Find it at: 4326 Kiewa Valley Highway, Dederang,
Only a fortnight in and this Asian hawker-style venue has already taken Bright by storm. Run by the same people who brought you Bright’s American retro diner Pit Stop (famous for its greasy burgers and loaded shakes), Mimi’s is like being transported straight to a side ally in Hanoi. The menu is plump with favourites like pork belly, laksa, pho and Singapore noodles, culminating in a ‘Happy Ending’ of fried vanilla custard ice cream floating in silky ganache chocolate sauce. The resounding verdict: “yum”. And also, “Get there early.” In true street-style, Mimi’s is walk-in only, so get in early or come mid-week to snare a table.
Find it at: 103 Gavan Street, Bright
It’s no news that Bastoni Pizzeria in Myrtleford holds legendary status for its Italian woodfired pizzas and signature pastas. You can barely get in the door! What is news is that ‘the family’ has expanded to bring you an exciting new pasta bar—Rigatone—serving fresh homemade pasta, antipasti and desserts, with a wine list to match. And unlike its pizza equivalent, they’re open for lunch!
Find it at: 146 Myrtle Street, Myrtleford
A long-time Myrtleford favourite, this modern fusion café (with flavours of Nepal and India) has just opened a second venue in Bright! Its arrival is exciting, not only for its delicious offerings, but also for its introduction of Myrtleford’s local roast, Coffee Chakra, to Bright’s coffee scene. Dominated by the town’s own (amazing) roaster, Sixpence, and with Mount Beauty’s Hummingbird Coffee served at
venues like Coral Lee, the addition of a third local roast gives coffee aficionados a well-rounded circuit to sip.
Find it at: 106A Gavan Street, Bright
There’s something celebratory about Mexican food that brings the holiday vibes, which is why we love Bright’s new Mexican addition, Casa Amigos. Delicious share plates of chimichurri steak, tacos, prawn tostada, tinga chicken and casa guacamole, washed down with tequila, make this casa a fun night out with friends.
Find it at: 100 Gavan St, Bright
Also In Bright…
Marking an exciting return of Indian cuisine to Bright, Bombay Velvet. Already a staple in the Kiewa Valley, the Mount Beauty restaurant now has
a twin, 3A Ireland St, Bright, which is a wonderful venue with indoor or street-side seating.
If you’re riding at Mystic MTB Park, you’ll love Flos Café Coffee Van at Camp Crusty. Oh so convenient!
And an old favourite, Ginger Baker, has got a bit of a spruce and a new name: Riff Raff Bright, with the same chilled riverside dining experience. Make sure to drop in!
March 2026