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

Reed & Co. Distillery

Reed & Co. Distillery

Bright craft distillery, Reed & Co Distillery was established in 2016 by chefs turned distillers Hamish Nugent and Rachel Reed. It all began at the helm of their former hatted restaurant Tani. Reed & Co was founded as a result of inspiration from the botanicals of the natural landscape in Victoria’s high country, and seeking…

Wild Thyme Café

Wild Thyme Café

Wild Thyme Café is a vegetarian and vegan wholefoods café located in beautiful Bright, North-East Victoria. Serving a range of breakfast, lunch and takeaway options.

The Yard Bright

The Yard Bright

The Yard Bright is your go-to spot for fun and flavour in the heart of Bright, Victoria. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the vibrant energy. The menu features a playful mix of Southern American inspired share plates and quick bites, perfect for any occasion. Pair your meal with one of the many…

PLACES TO EAT IN THE SURROUNDS

Club Wyndham Dinner Plain

Club Wyndham Dinner Plain

Club Wyndham Dinner Plain boasts alpine charm and rustic elegance and provides the perfect alpine base to combine wilderness adventures with impeccable hospitality and superb food and wine. Snuggle up in the beautifully appointed classic guest rooms, sit back and enjoy the ambience of the lounge bar by the open fire. Indulge in local delicacies…

Rocky Valley Cafe

Rocky Valley Cafe

Enjoy a coffee, breakfast or lunch in the unique garden setting. There is no better place to relax after a long ride or while having your bike serviced. They offer a full cooked breakfast and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, with a shorter menu on Monday and Tuesday. They are open seven days a week.…

Road Cycling at Mt Hotham

Road Cycling at Mt Hotham

The Great Alpine Road connecting Harrietville – Mt Hotham – Dinner Plain – Omeo provides a great challenge for road cyclists. Starting in the beautiful valley town of Harrietville, this ride takes you up one of the most stunning roads in Australia. The road winds through lush green areas, tall forests and majestic snowgums, then traverses…

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