Restaurant Guide

Bright Fine Dinning

While in Bright be tempted to try some of our restaurants noteworthy signature dishes all using quality local produce such as local trout, rabbit, goat, kangaroo, olives, walnuts, chestnuts etc. Try unusual dishes from our Italian and French restaurants as well.

 Simone’s Restaurant (book 4 weeks+ in advance)

White tablecloth, licensed, and BYO (wine only $16 corkage)
Chefs Hat awards Age Good Food Guide

Closed Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays bookings essential - book 4 weeks in advance by phone not email

98 Gavan St , Bright (Great Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 2266
A 2009 Chef’s Hat awarded restaurant – Age Good Food Guide two chef's hats

As this is an authentic Italian slow cooking restaurant, you must try the Italian rather than the Australian style meat dishes. Vegetable dishes are a speciality. A favourite with the locals for special occasions (it is the most expensive restaurant in town). Simone’s has been awarded the Melbourne Age Good Food Guide Chef’s Hats for a number of years now. Set in a lovely historic building. Try their warm winter antipasto plate to share between 2 - you won't be disappointed.

" the last few times I've been there the food has been superb. It is not pretty food, nor is it minimalist food: it is regional Italian food in the finest style, and I love it for it. It's also a gorgeous restaurant to relax in - and, for $12 (now $16) corkage, they allow BYO. It is my favourite restaurant in the world. " Cambell Mattinson (registered commenter June 2006).

 Villa Gusto

set 5 course degustation menu 7 nights (Not BYO) Bookings essential Chefs Hat awards

Usually open 7 days from 7pm bookings essential (10 minutes from Bright in the Buckland Valley)

Awarded a Chef Hat by The Age Good Food guide 2006 & 2007 and 14.5/20 2008

This is a 10 minute drive away in the Buckland Valley

Ph: (03) 5756 2000; 630 Buckland Valley Rd, Bright 3741 www.villagusto.com.au
Open: Dinner; Licensed; Seats inside 22; Private room Yes

Mietta's Review

"Tuscany comes to the Buckland Valley courtesy of Villa Gusto's owner, Colin McLaren and chef, Douglas Elder. It's what the Italian's call fantasia. It's a charming, and luxurious, place to dine at. Log fires in the winter and mountain breezes in the summer. Italian inspired food that uses local ingredients where possible."

Sole e Luna

(Great Alpine Rd ) diagonally opposite Bright Brewery  Italian new Oct 2008

Ph: 5750 1861 Bookings essential Licensed (no BYO) 

Opening times:  Mon – Sat - 5:30pm-late

"Born and bought up in Myrtleford, Victoria, Frank has worked as chef for over 12 years.  He spent 6 years in Melbourne and the last 7 years working for celebrity chef’s in London, names including Antonio Carluccio, where Jamie Oliver was trained and Aldo Zilli where he ran 3 restaurants for him in the heart of Soho.

Whilst travelling in Italy he found the name Sole e Luna meaning the sun and the moon and decided on it as a name for his restaurant.  Frank comes from a Mediterranean background, his father being Spanish and his mum Italian and his culinary skills have been highly influenced throughout his travels in Europe and London.  He creates modern Italian dishes with his own flare!

Frank whilst working in London and they decided to return to Australia to follow his dreams and create Sole e Luna.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the culinary experience at Sole e Luna.

Buon appetitio"
 

Poplars Restaurant

– French cuisine, white tablecloth, relaxed fine dining, licensed, BYO (wine only $10 corkage) Age Good Food Guide 2008 14/20 mentioned in 2009 also

Closed Sundays and Mondays bookings by phone (email not recommended) This is a French bistro so often french frioes are served particularly with steak. Advise the wait staff if you'd prefer other side dishes.

Shop 2E Star Rd, Bright Ph: 5755 1655  phone only

“The menu offers classic bistro dishes including fillet steak with pommes frittes, roasted poussin, confit of duck, soufflés, brulee and lemon tart. The seasonal menu changes throughout the year and is enhanced by a blackboard menu that features the best products available each day. Poplars emulates the traditional, relaxed atmosphere of a French bistro, guests are welcome in the dining room, or in summer at the outdoor café tables under the grapevine. Dining can be as simple as a plate of terrine or rillettes and a glass of wine, a cappuccino and a lemon tart, or as elaborate as a four-course dinner paired with outstanding regional wines. We offer an extensive wine list showcasing premium wines from the valley. We offer an extensive wine list showcasing premium wines from the valley." Review by Campbell Mattinson - registered commenter June 2006

Sasha’s Wine Bar

Old style European cooking, relaxed dining, includes outside dining, licensed, BYO (wine only)

2D Anderson St, Bright Ph: 03 5750 1711 or 0409 161 368 email: mrsasha@netc.net.au. Sasha's serves very old-style European cuisine. Goulash soup and roast duckling are specialities, as is the chateaubriand.

The Historic Oriental Boutique Hotel 

White table cloth, relaxed dining, licensed (no BYO) Note: For specials nights, bookings must be made in advance as full price charged for walk ins.

2 Ireland St, Bright  Ph: 5755 1074 email histori@bigpond.net.au

CONTEMPORARY STYLE RESTAURANTS

92 on Gavan – relaxed dining in historic building, contemporary decor, licensed (no BYO)

92 on Gavan has a contemporary fitout in a lovely period building with very high cilings. Bi foild doors open onto outside dining. The tables are well spaced and ambience relaxing and enjoyable. Food is very well priced and presented and includes sea food. Licensed, not BYO. Usually able to get in without booking except in popular times.Seafood a specialty.

92 Gavan St, Bright Ph: 5755 2333  Open Thurs to Sunday - phone for other nights

Liquid Am-Bar – casual inside and outside dining, contemporary decor, licensed (no BYO).

usually closed Tuesday and Wednesday. visit website for menus

www.liquidambarbright.com.au 

8 Anderson St, Bright Ph: 5755 2318  email: woody01@bigpond.net.au

Lawler's Restaurant – relaxed inside and outside dining, contemporary decor, licensed (Licenced - no BYO ) usually also open on a Sunday. Often closed in winter due to school bus bookings.

Children's menus included NOTE: Large screen TV in restaurant displays football during your meal

100 Gavan St (Gr Alpine Rd) Ph: 5750 1304 email: contact@coachhousebright.com.au

The Butter Factory Myrtleford - inside and outside dining , views of Mt Buffalo, licensed

5752 2300  email infor@thebutterfactory.com.au  breakfast. lunch and dinner.

Tue-Wed 8am-6pm, Thu-Sun 8am-11pm 

On the left hand side on the outskirts of Myrtleford coming from Bright (Great Alpine Rd)

The flavour-loving locals of Myrtleford can be found digesting their days away at this foodies' hangout, where Naomi Ingleton cooks up an ever-changing menu of dishes inspired by the local produce from which it is made.

The Myrtleford Butter Factory serves fresh and fine meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a different menu every day. Naomi Ingleton dubs her Mediterranean-inspired fare "regional cuisine" and has strong permaculture ethos, with many of the vegetables used coming from the factory's own garden.

Built in 1935, the historic butter factory building maintains some original features such as the tiled floor and outside facade, but within its walls, a modern renovation makes for a professional but relaxed atmosphere.

FAMILY & CASUAL RESTAURANTS

Boynton's Winery Cafe  occasional dinners only - see What's On closed from end May throughout winter

Set in the terraced garden of the winery with great views to Mt Buffalo/ Tapas menu

Breakfast (Big Breckie Sundays and Mondays - phone to check first)

Feb & March Beer and Tapas Friday nights

Ph 5756 2368 Great Alpine Rd on RHS as going from Bright to Myrtlefgord - about 6 minutes.

Il Centro Pizza and Pasta closed Sunday and Monday
(5750 1228 pizza and pasta dine in and take away) 

Inexpensive pizza/pasta/ veal and chicken parma in new contemporary surroundings. Efficient service. BYO only

Corner of Gavan St and Anderson St opposite 92 on Gavan.Very popular with the locals so phone to book.

The Cosy Kangaroo – family style restaurant. Inside and outside dining.  open 7 days

Children’s playing area.
95 Gavan St Bright (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph: Ph: 5750 1838
Extensive and reasonably priced menu including fun children's menu and gluten free menu
2005 Victorian family restaurant of the year. Consistent Alpine Business award winner 2003. 2004. 2006. Open 7 days breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catch a trout at the Trout Farm near Harrietville and The Cosy Kangaroo will cook it for you.

Cafe Chiaro –Usually open on a Sunday as well. New ownership from 1st July 2009. Breakfast and lunch for weekends also.

Half price pizza and pasta Wednesdays nights

8 Barnard St, Bright Ph: 5750 1999
Great for a Sunday night or midweek for very well priced pasta and pizza

Back to Basics (mainly open as a cafe for lunch)

Gavan St/Great Alpine Rd Bright

Home style cooking. Lunch and some breakfasts only..Brewed coffee.

ASIAN CASUAL RESTAURANTS & TAKE AWAYS

Bright Chinese Restaurant  BYO only  open 7 nights

108 Gavan St, Bright (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph 5750 1155. Popular with the locals.

New Asian Restaurant to Open in August – More details to follow when available

HOTELS in Bright and surrounds

Both hotels - The Star and The Alpine - have good menus and good chefs. The dining area of The Alpine is more upmarket with The Star more of a family hotel.

Alpine Hotel 7-9 Anderson St 5755 1366

The Star Hotel 91 Gavan St (Gr Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 1277

Porepunkah Hotel/ Motel – 13 Nicholson St, Porepunkah ph: 5756 2391

Harrietville - Snowline Hotel 237 Great Alpine Road, Ph: 57592524

Harrietville – Harrietville Hotel/ Motel 169 Great Alpine Road, Ph: 57592525

TAKE AWAYS

Roksalt Gourmet Fish and Chippery

Great grilled fish, tampura batter, hand cut potatoes and salads.  
 Shop 4 Camp St, Bright Ph: 57551515

  Il Centro Pizza and Pasta

closed Sundays and Mondays
Efficient with great priced meals. Dine in or take away. BYO only
94 Gavan St, Bright Ph: 5750 1228

 Bright Chinese Restaurant   open 7 nights to 8pm

108 Gavan St, Bright (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph 5750 1155. Popular with the locals.

Bright Take Away - battered and crumbed fish etc

30 Ireland St Ph: 5750 1400. Also hire out DVD's

 Park Inn Take Away & Video Hire – Fish and Chips, etc

2 Delaney Ave (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 1309
head out along Great Alpine Rd towards Hotham – just past the bridge in Bright on the RH side. Also hires DVD's.

Cafe Chiaro –Usually open on a Sunday as well.

8 Barnard St, Bright Ph: 5750 1999
Great for a Sunday night or midweek for very well priced pasta and pizza

Subway Bright

78 Gavan St (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 5177

Also see under restaurants Il Centro, Cafe Chiaro, Bright Chinese Restaurant

CAFES

The Wine and Cheese Bar (great local produce) closed Thursdays

Shop 3/104 Gavan St Bright - opposite the Visitor Centre and Bright Brewery

Breakfast and lunch daily (tapas  Friday & Saturday nights to 8pm).

 A very trendy setting opposite the Visitor Information Centre and Bright Brewery, it is also a shop front for 5 Star Adventure Tours. Tracy has a small menu using locally produced products. Very reasonably priced. Great breakfast if you want something out of the ordinary as well as bacon and eggs. Also serves Great Devonshire teas and muffins too.
Gourmet platter to share between 2 for $24 is excellent value.

Boynton's Winery Cafe

Great Alpine Rd about 10 minutes from Bright (RHS) heading towards Myrtleford.

I suggest a tapas lunch at Boynton’s Winery (great views and a beautiful setting to unwind) Café open Sat – Mon (9.30am – 3pm), Thurs & Fri (11am – 3pm), closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. . Breakfast Sat, Sun and Mon with Big Brekkie $12pp (closed from May throughout winter)

Jackie’s Tea Room & Eatery Good value

Shop 1, 6 Ireland St Ph: 5750 1303 Licensed

Serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Try their hot chocolate which is a thick chocolate sometimes needing a spoon. Cost is $4 but takes ages to consume so you can take a book or go for a chat without finishing too quickly. Great food and great ambience. Also try any of their soups and their ploughman’s lunch which is excellent value.

Kelly’s Humble Spud –well priced casual meals under new ownership from mid 2009

13 Ireland St, Bright Ph: 5755 2077

Great value for an inexpensive meal – our favourite is the curried sausages and large baked potato. Great for morning winter sun. There is also a fireplace in the back room. Average ambience but great food.

The Riverdeck Cafe – great view of the park and river

Front of Alpine Information Centre Great Alpine Rd, Bright – to the rear of the Information Centre overlooking the river

Modern cafe, with a deck overlooking the river and attached to the Visitors Information Centre. Try their pasta. Foccacia’s, big breakfast, pancakes etc from a wide menu. Great for kids as good distance between tables as well as an outside deck.

Food, Wine Friends – good ambience for coffee and light meals, popular with locals

2/6 Ireland St, Bright – Ph: 5750 1312

Beanz of Bright - trendy with great ambience (not always open)

103 Gavan St - Ph: 5750 1200

Back to Basics (mainly open as a cafe for lunch)

93 Gavan St/Great Alpine Rd Bright

Home style cooking, Lunch and some breakfasts. Brewed coffee.  Huge sandwiches are their specialty.

The Sweet Retreat  4 Barnard St, Bright

Try their hot chocolate and tempt yourself with chocolates made on site.

BAKERIES WITH ATTACHED CAFES

Bright Bakery  80 Gavan St Bright Ph: 5750 1128

Edelweiss Bakery  5 Ireland St, Bright Ph: 5755 1428

OUT OF TOWN BUT WORTH THE VISIT

Red Stag Restaurant and Deer Farm (15-20 minutes away)

324 Hughes Lane, Eurobin Ph: 5756 2365 open 7 days
Lunch on the deck is always a favourite place for us. Well priced and generous servings. Try their special sausages. Then go and feed the deer, goats and emus.

Annapurna Estate Cafe & Cellar Door (Mt Beauty)

217  Simmonds Creek Rd, Towonga South Ph: 57541356

Join us - for lunch or a special occasion and enjoy excellent food, entertainment and of course Annapurna Estate wines to compliment. Come and relax, enjoy and revive. Our delicious gourmet meals range from platters or gourmet barbeques to formal dinners. Check out the Chef’s-Own Recipes.

The Butter Factory Myrtleford - inside and outside dining, views of Mt Buffalo, licensed

Ph: 5752 2300 email infor@thebutterfactory.com.au breakfast. lunch and dinner.

Tue-Wed 8am-6pm, Thu-Sun 8am-11pm 

On the left hand side on the outskirts of Myrtleford coming from Bright (Great Alpine Rd)
The flavour-loving locals of Myrtleford can be found digesting their days away at this foodies' hangout, where Naomi Ingleton cooks up an ever-changing menu of dishes inspired by the local produce from which it is made.

The Myrtleford Butter Factory serves fresh and fine meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a different menu every day. Naomi Ingleton dubs her Mediterranean-inspired fare "regional cuisine" and has strong permaculture ethos, with many of the vegetables used coming from the factory's own garden.

Built in 1935, the historic butter factory building maintains some original features such as the tiled floor and outside facade, but within its walls, a modern renovation makes for a professional but relaxed atmosphere.

Bellas’s of Harrietville - trendy  cafe on left just before ascent to Hotham

231 Gr. Alpine Rd Ph 5759 2750
Phone first to see if they are open. Recent tourist award winner. Great soup on in winter.

Vienna Patisserie Chalet

Allan’s Flat Half way between Yackandandah and Baranduda approx 45 min from Bright.
Ph: 02 60271477

Call in and taste some of the finest Austrian Tortes, Cakes and Strudels whilst relaxing in an authentic hand crafted log cabin. – Enjoy a serve of fresh fruit or seasonal berry sundaes.