14 top restaurants in Bright to have on your radar

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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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  Monica Melendez, 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 

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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 

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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. 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 

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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Inside Geelong’s glow-up from factory town to creative capital

    Chloe Cann Chloe Cann
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    Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated. 

    Just 15 years ago, Federal Mills was a very different place. Once among the most significant industrial sites in Victoria, the historic woollen mill was one of a dozen that operated in Geelong at the industry’s peak in the mid-20th century, helping the city earn its title as ‘wool centre of the world’. But by the 1960s global competition and the rise of synthetic fabrics led to the slow decline of the industry, and Federal Mills finally shuttered its doors in 2001. Within a few years, the abandoned North Geelong grounds had become makeshift pastoral land, with cows and goats grazing among the overgrown grass between the empty red-brick warehouses. It was a forgotten pocket of the city, all but two klicks from the bustle of the CBD.  

    Geelong cellar door wine bar
    Geelong has shed its industrial identity to become an innovative urban hub with reimagined heritage spaces. (Image: Ash Hughes)

    Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct 

    Today, the century-old complex stands reborn. The distinctive sawtooth-roof buildings have been sensitively restored. An old silo is splashed with a bright floral mural, landscapers have transformed the grounds, and the precinct is once again alive with activity. More than 1000 people work across 50-plus businesses here. It’s so busy, in fact, that on a sunny Thursday morning in the thick of winter, it’s hard to find a car park. The high ceilings, open-plan design, and large multi-paned windows – revolutionary features for factories of their time – have again become a drawcard.  

    Paddock Bakery andPatisserie
    Paddock Bakery and Patisserie is housed within the historic wool factory. (Image: Gallant Lee)

    At Paddock, one of the precinct’s newer tenants, weaving looms and dye vats have been replaced by a wood-fired brick oven and heavy-duty mixers. Open since April 2024, the bakery looks right at home here; the building’s industrial shell is softened by ivy climbing its steel frames, and sunlight streams through the tall windows. Outside, among the white cedar trees, families at picnic benches linger over dippy eggs and bagels, while white-collar workers pass in and out, single-origin coffee and crème brûlée doughnuts in hand. 

    Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design 

    Paddock Bakery
    Paddock Bakery can be found at Federal Mills. (Image: Gallant Lee)

    “A lot of people are now seeing the merit of investing in Geelong,” says Paul Traynor, the head of Hamilton Hospitality Group, which redeveloped Federal Mills. A city once shunned as Sleepy Hollow, and spurned for its industrial, working-class roots and ‘rust belt’ image, Geelong has long since reclaimed its ‘Pivot City’ title, having reinvented itself as an affordable, lifestyle-driven satellite city, and a post-COVID migration hotspot.  

    And the numbers stand testament to the change. In March 2025, and for the first time in its history, Greater Geelong became Australia’s most popular regional town for internal migration, overtaking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Current forecasts suggest Geelong will continue to outpace many other Australian cities and towns, with jobs growing at double the rate of the population.

    Tourism is booming, too. The 2023-24 financial year was Geelong and The Bellarine region’s busiest on record, with 6.4 million visitors making it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the country. It’s not hard to see why: beyond the city’s prime positioning at the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road, Geelong’s tenacity and cultural ambition stands out.  

    As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is swiftly shaking off its industrial past to become a model for urban renewal, innovation, sustainability and creative communities. The signs are everywhere, from the revitalisation of the city’s waterfront, and the landmark design of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre, to the growing network of local designers, architects and artists, and the burgeoning roster of festivals and events. That’s not even mentioning the adaptive reuse of storied old industrial buildings – from Federal Mills, to Little Creatures’ brewery ‘village’ housed within a 1920s textile mill – or the city’s flourishing food and wine scene.  

    The rise of a food and wine destination  

    boiler house
    Restaurant 1915 is housed within a restored former boiler house. (Image: Harry Pope/Two Palms)

    Traynor credits now-closed local restaurant Igni, which opened in 2016, as the turning point for Geelong’s hospo industry. “[Aaron Turner, Igni’s chef-patron] was probably the first guy, with all due respect, to raise the bar food-wise for Geelong,” he says. “People now treat it really seriously, and there’s clearly a market for it.” While Igni is gone, Turner now helms a string of other notable Geelong venues, including The Hot Chicken Project and Tacos y Liquor, all within the buzzy, street art-speckled laneways of the CBD’s Little Malop Street Precinct. Many others have also popped up in Igni’s wake, including Federal Mills’ own restaurant, 1915. Housed within the cavernous boiler house, 1915’s interior is dramatic: soaring, vaulted ceilings with timber beams, exposed brick, a huge arched window. The share plates echo the space’s bold character, playing with contrast and texture, with dishes such as a compressed watermelon tataki, the sweet, juicy squares tempered by salty strands of fried leeks, and charred, smoky snow peas dusted with saganaki on a nutty bed of romesco. 

    Woolstore
    The Woolstore is a new restaurant and bar housed within a century-old warehouse. (Image: Amy Carlon)

     The Woolstore, one of The Hamilton Group’s most recent hospo projects, opened in February. It occupies a century-old riverside warehouse and exudes a more sultry, fine dining ambience. Much like Federal Mills, the blueprint was to preserve the original brickwork, tallowwood flooring and nods to the building’s former life. That same careful consideration extends to the well-versed, affable waitstaff as well as the kitchen. Head chef Eli Grubb is turning out an eclectic mix of ambitious and indulgent mod Oz dishes that deliver: strikingly tender skewers of chicken tsukune, infused with hints of smoke from the parrilla grill, and glazed with a moreish, sweet gochujang ‘jam’; nduja arancini fragrant with hints of aniseed and the earthy lick of sunny saffron aioli; and golden squares of potato pavé, adorned with tiny turrets of crème fraîche, crisp-fried saltbush leaves, and Avruga caviar, to name but a few stand-out dishes.  

    Woolstore menu
    Woolstore’s menu is designed for sharing.

    Breathing new life into historic spaces  

    On the city’s fringe, hidden down a winding side road with little fanfare, lies a long-dormant site that’s being gently revived. Built from locally quarried bluestone and brick, and dating back to the 1870s, the complex of original tin-roofed mill buildings is lush with greenery and backs onto the Barwon River and Buckley Falls; the audible rush of water provides a soothing soundtrack. Fyansford Paper Mill is one of few complexes of its time to survive intact. It feels steeped in history and spellbindingly rustic.  

    “We were looking for an old industrial place that had some charm and romance to it,” explains Sam Vogel, the owner, director and winemaker at Provenance Wines which moved here in 2018. When he first viewed the building with his former co-owner, it was in such a state of disrepair that the tradie tenant occupying the space had built a shed within it to escape the leaking roof and freezing winter temperatures. “To say it was run down would be an understatement,” he notes. “There was ivy growing through the place; the windows were all smashed. It was a classic Grand Designs project.” 

    Provenance Wines
    Provenance Wines moved to Fyansford Paper Mill in 2018. (Image: Cameron Murray Photography)

    The team has since invested more than a million dollars into their new home. Where paper processing machinery once sat, wine barrels are now stacked. Vaulted cathedral ceilings are strung with festoon lights, and hidden in plain sight lies a shadowy mural by local street artist de rigueur Rone – one of only three permanent works by the artist.

    While the award-winning, cool-climate pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay naturally remain a key draw at Provenance, the winery’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Impressed already by whipsmart service, I devour one of the most cleverly curated and faultlessly executed degustations I’ve had in some time. It’s all prepared in a kitchen that is proudly zero-waste, and committed to providing seasonal, ethical and locally sourced meat and produce under head chef Nate McIver. Think free-range venison served rare with a syrupy red wine jus and a half-moon of neon-orange kosho, shokupan with a deeply savoury duck fat jus (a modern Japanese take on bread and drippings), and a golden potato cake adorned with a colourful confetti of dehydrated nasturtiums and tomato powder, and planted atop a sea urchin emulsion.  

    handcrafted pieces
    Bell’s handcrafted functional pieces on display.

    The complex is home to a coterie of independent businesses, including a gallery, a jeweller, and its latest tenant, ceramicist Elizabeth Bell, drawn here by the building’s “soul”. “There’s so much potential for these buildings to have new life breathed into them,” says Bell, whose studio is housed within the old pump room. “Even people in Geelong don’t know we’re here,” she says. “It’s definitely a destination, but I like that. It has a really calming atmosphere.”  

    A Melbourne transplant, Bell now feels at home in Geelong, which offers something Melbourne didn’t. “If this business was in Melbourne I don’t think it would’ve been as successful,” she notes. “It’s very collaborative in Geelong, and I don’t think you get that as much in Melbourne; you’re a bit more in it for yourself. Here it’s about community over competition.”  

    Elizabeth Bell
    Ceramicist Elizabeth Bell has a store in Fyansford Paper Mill.