14 Bright Restaurants To Put On Your Radar

A classic country pub meal in front of a crackling fireplace, tacos and cocktails in a sunny courtyard, or Neapolitan-style pizzas to die for; there’s a diverse range of Bright restaurants to choose from when you’re travelling through Victoria’s High Country.

A playground for outdoor adventurers, the mountainous terrain surrounding the picturesque, alpine town of Bright is the perfect place to work up an appetite. Whether you spend your stay rock climbing, bushwalking or just admiring the epic landscapes, be sure to put some of these Bright restaurants on your list.

Restaurants

One of the true joys of travelling is discovering a delicious dish you never knew existed before. Bright restaurants span a wide range of cuisines and styles, from fine dining in a heritage cottage to Tex-Mex in an open-air courtyard. The next time you visit Bright, keep these restaurants on your radar.

1. Sir Loin’s Bar & Grill

Book well in advance to nab a table at this basement bar and grill that’s renowned for serving some of the best steaks in the region. Choose from grass-fed scotch fillet, Bass Strait porterhouse, wagyu sirloin or a one-kilogram King Island tomahawk steak shared with a friend or two. Add a glass of local Feathertop shiraz and some sides (baked truffle mac and cheese is a winner) and you’ve got yourself the perfect dinner to celebrate the end of a long bushwalk or bike ride.

Address: 14 Barnard St, Bright, VIC

2. Elm Dining

Under the guidance of head chef Brendon Chadwick, Elm Dining brings an exceptional fine dining experience to the heart of Bright. Operating from a renovated, Victorian-era cottage that was once a doctor’s surgery and residence, this is a refined-yet-welcoming spot to celebrate a special occasion.

an elegant dining space at Elm Dining, Bright — Elm Dining exudes luxe and elegance. (Image: Danii Forde)

The menu changes with the seasons, but expect unfussy, elegant dishes that champion the region’s best produce. Can’t decide what to order? Opt for the Chef’s Selection to be taken on a curated culinary journey.

a table top view of meals with a hand holding a bottle of wine — Treat yourself to a fine dining experience. (Image: Danii Forde)

Address: 98 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

3. The Yard Bright

Tex-Mex share plates and Australian botanical cocktails are the name of the game at this vibey sister restaurant to Elm Dining. When it’s time to imbibe, simply kick back in the courtyard with a pisco sour or spicy margarita, order some tacos or loaded fries, and let the good times roll.

a table top view of meals at The Yard Bright — Feast on a sumptuous dinner. (Image: Danii Forde)

Address: 98 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

4. Pepperberry

This modern Australian diner located at boutique hotel Hara House is winning accolades for its menu that blends locally sourced produce with native Australian ingredients.

A meal at Pepperberry restaurant, housed within Hara House hotel in Bright — Pepperberry at Hara House is garnering attention for its modern Australian dining and standout cocktails.

Settle into its ambient surrounds – complete with original bluestone feature wall and a fireplace – for small dishes such as the Pepperberry Plate, with smoked duck, salami and smoked kangaroo and larger plates including baked eggplant with warrigal pesto, couscous and pinenuts and beef adobo with bush tomato, capsicum jam and flatbread.

A considered wine list is drawn from the local regions and bolstered by a stand-out cocktail list with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Address: 2 Ashwood Avenue, Bright, VIC

5. Hometown

With a reputation for making next-level pizzas, it’s unsurprising that Hometown has a cult following with locals. Made with cold-fermented, hand-stretched dough, Hometown’s wood-fired pizzas are topped with an array of exciting flavour combinations. In fact, the Local (pancetta, wandi apple, chestnut, mozzarella, Brussels, watercress) may just convince purists that sprouts do belong on a pizza.

a pizza on a plate at Hometown restaurant, Bright — Satisfy your pizza cravings.

Address: 5 Camp St, Bright, VIC

6. Don Mungo’s

Pizza, cocktails and music collide at this happening spot known for hosting a rotation of DJs and live music after dark. Forget pedestrian pizza flavours, Don Mungo ’s excels at incorporating ingredients (like miso cream cheese, bamboo shoot and chashu pork) you wouldn’t typically see on a pizza. On a warm summer night, make a beeline for the beer garden.

Address: 90 Gavan St, Bright, VIC 

7. Chop Chop Asian Kitchen + Bar

Housed in the former Dr Mauve Bar & Lounge space, Chop Chop Asian Kitchen + Bar serves up pan-Asian dishes ranging from steamed ginger prawn dumplings to green chicken curry and duck pancakes. Veggie options include wok-tossed greens and The Fun-Gi: mixed Asian mushrooms with mint, chilli and toasted rice. Save room for coconut ice cream with Vietnamese coffee and peanut praline for dessert.

Address: 100 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

Pubs, Breweries & Bars

Home to a longstanding microbrewery and surrounded by a number of cool-climate vineyards, Bright is the type of town where finding quality tipples to go with your meals isn’t a problem. Bottoms up!

8. Bright Brewery

This dog-friendly, local institution began back in 2005 and over the years it’s grown into a brewing juggernaut. On a clear day, there’s nowhere better to relax than on this brewery’s riverside Hop Terrace with a refreshing Bright Pale Ale.

a glass of cold beer alongside a meal at Bright Brewery — Pair your meal with an ice-cold beer.

If you’re after a meal, there’s pizza, burgers, salads and even a Hero Board which serves up to four people a selection of ribs, wings, sausages, slaw and fried potatoes.

a table top view of meals at Bright Brewery — Go on and grab something to eat.

Your visit might coincide with the Community Keg, an event Bright Brewery hosts each month with a local organisation. To join in, buy a pot of Bright Pale Ale from the Community Keg and instead of paying for your beer, make a donation of your choice to the local beneficiary instead. Cheers to that!

people drinking and dining under sun umbrellas outside Bright Brewery — Spend the labour day weekend chugging beer.

Address: 121 Great Alpine Rd, Bright, VIC

9. Porepunkah Pub

With outdoor dining areas and a games room complete with a pool table, the family-friendly Porepunkah Pub is a real find. Just a seven-minute drive from Bright, this welcoming spot is where to head when you feel like a hearty meal without the fuss. The menu features country pub classics like steaks and parmas (with spaghetti bolognaise and chicken nuggets for the kids). Soak up the sunshine at an outdoor table during the warmer months, or head indoors and make yourself at home by the fireplace with a glass of shiraz in winter – this is a pub for all seasons.

Address: 13 Nicholson St, Porepunkah VIC

10. Tomahawks

If you’re after a fun, boozy night out at a low-key spot that channels American dive bar culture, then head to Tomahawks . You may need to join a queue (this place doesn’t take bookings) but once you’re seated inside with a Tiki Sour cocktail in hand, you’ll be glad you lined up.

a bartender mixing up drinks at Tomahawks — Hit up Tomahawks for a quick buzz. (Image: Jesse Hisco Photography)

The greats of America’s south and south-west feature on the menu (fried chicken, ribs, burgers) but there’s some left-of-centre surprises too, such as tempura eggplant and Japanese ‘street corn’ with miso butter, yuzu kosho kewpie and togorashi.

an al fresco dining spot at Tomahawks — There’s plenty of space to dine al fresco. (Image: Jesse Hisco Photography)

Address: 15 Camp St, Bright, VIC

Casual dining & takeaway

Looking for a quick bite to eat without having to get dressed up? Pop into one of these casual eateries for a fast, fresh meal without the fanfare.

11. Lamb on Gavan

Greece may be more than 14,000 kilometres away from Bright, but you can still taste the flavours of the Aegean in this little mountain town by heading to Lamb on Gavan .

meat roasting over charcoal at Lamb on Gavan — Savour tender meat roasted over charcoal.

Using meats marinated in-house and slow-cooked on charcoal, the souvlaki brings the crowds in, day and night. There’s also cauliflower fritters and falafel for diners who follow plant-based diets.

a selection of vegan meals at Lamb on Gavan — They also offer vegan favourites.

Address: 103 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

12. Clean Bowled

If the fresh mountain air has inspired you to embrace healthy living, then head to Clean Bowled for a smoothie and nutritious lunch bowl. Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, the lunch bowls come in many different varieties, including poke for salmon lovers and a plant-based taco bowl for vegetarians. Add a berry smoothie and you’ll be set for an afternoon of trail running, mountain climbing or cycling.

a healthy meal at Clean Bowled — Consume healthy greens at Clean Bowled.

Address: 78 Gavan St, Bright, VIC

13. Gum Tree Pies

For sustenance on the go, drop into Gum Tree Pies . Freshly baked daily, choose from classics such as steak and pepper or lamb and mint, or go vego with a panang pumpkin.

Address: 2a Anderson St, Bright, VIC

14. Katsu

This busy Japanese eatery does a roaring trade in Karaage fried chicken, Teriyaki beef don, Katsu curry and gyoza. Getting takeaway from here is the ideal way to source a delicious, multicourse Japanese feast to enjoy in your motel room or Airbnb living room by night.

Exterior of Katsu in Bright — This Japanese restaurant is just what you need after a busy day exploring Bright.

Address: 9 Barnard St, Bright, VIC

15. Burgerville

Craving some junk food? With outlets in both Bright and the nearby village of Myrtleford, this family-owned burger joint will hit the spot. Keep it simple with an Easy Cheesy burger or go all-in and order The Hoff, a massive beef burger loaded with American cheddar, pickles, lettuce, onion, aioli, smoked chipotle ketchup and optional chicken nuggets. Yes, chicken nuggets. If you’re thirsty, there’s a range of local beer cans on the menu too.

a close-up shot of a hand holding a big burger at Burgerville, Bright — Their generous burgers will fill your big appetite.

Address: 87 Gavan St, Bright, VIC & 143 Myrtle St, Myrtleford VIC

Want more travel tips for Bright? We’ve got a round-up of top things to do, incredible cafes to try and wineries to visit during your stay.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.