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

Bright Autumn Festival

Bright Autumn Festival

The Bright Autumn Festival is a ten-day celebration of the wonderful autumn colours and autumn produce of the valleys of Victoria’s Alpine High Country. The highlight of the festival is Gala day on Saturday May 3, with a market, music in the streets and a grand parade. Other highlights of the festival include the Welcome…

Pepperberry Hara House

Pepperberry Hara House

Introducing Pepperberry, a culinary experience nestled within the captivating Hara House in Bright, Victoria. Pepperberry, the only restaurant in Bright listed in the The Age 2024 Good Food Guide, invites you on a gastronomic journey like no other. With a five-star menu showcasing local produce and native Australian ingredients, complemented by a curated selection of…

Tomahawks

Tomahawks

Think L.A food truck inspired share plates and quality cocktails in the beautiful township of Bright. Tomahawks is an American style bar/diner earns it’s place as the buzz of Bright.

PLACES TO EAT IN THE SURROUNDS

Gapsted Estate

Gapsted Estate

Gapsted Estate is a family-owned winery and prominent North East Victorian destination, renowned for award-winning emerging varietal wines and restaurant serving delicious cuisine produced from fresh local produce, all set against the backdrop of vineyards overlooking the striking Alpine Valleys. Embark on a journey of discovery with our portfolio of award-winning emerging and classic varieties…

Spring Spur

Spring Spur

Located in the heart of the Victorian High Country, Spring Spur Stay is your country home away from home. Visit the working property, home of Bogong Horseback Adventures, any season of the year. Ride the mountain bred horses in their spectacular backyard. Stay with the Bogong Baird’s and share the experiences of everyday life combined…

Porepunkah Pub

Porepunkah Pub

Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, the Porepunkah Pub has long stood as a cherished cornerstone of this small town. More than just a place to grab a drink or a meal, the pub embodies the heart and soul of Porepunkah, serving as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Its rustic…

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