Eat & Drink
The Best Restaurants in Bright?
Well, Here’s Our Take On It
Regional Victorian towns are known for offering some of the best local produce around. And the Alpine Shire is no exception.
We don’t pretend to be experts, but here are a handful of favourite eating places that really float our boat and are all within walking distance from our accommodation. No ‘nominated driver’ necessary!
1. Restaurant
If you are looking for somewhere special to blow your socks off, Elm Dining ticks all the boxes. We went all out with the Chef’s tasting menu with matched wine from their extensive wine list. It was exquisite and the friendly staff made our experience even more memorable. Elm is located on the main drag in the heritage listed ‘Doctors Surgery’, which was originally built in 1857.
So, as you dine on modern day fare, you also soak up the history of colonial Bright.
And if you are looking for something less fancy schmancy, their adjacent venue, The Yard Bar and Grill – a Mexican-inspired al freso cantina – is the perfect place to lounge on a bean bag on the front lawn or under-cover in the outdoor dining area. Their slogan, ‘work hard, play hard, eat tacos’, says it all!
2. Eat and Walk, Walk and Eat
You can sit down and relax, too. But for those famous Aussie staples, whether savoury or sweet, you can’t go past one of Victoria’s most famous bakeries, Beechworth Bakery Bright. Hot pies, sweet treats and a great country atmosphere is on offer here. Really friendly staff, too!
And same goes for Gumtree Pies: all manner of savoury flavours of pie, bought hot for immediate enjoyment or in cold packs for cookin’ up ‘back at the house’.
3. Pub grub
There are no pubs without beer here and you have three to choose from.
You can stick with the classic pub, of which there are two: the Alpine Hotel or the Star Hotel, where you will no doubt grab a good parma and a pot. But our favourite go-to is the Bright Brewery ‘born from a passion for well-made beer’. The craft beer is the bomb, the vibe is the best and the food is the business! Many good ‘meetings’ have been held there.
Cheers!
4. Take it Away
If you just want to relax and eat at your accommodation – or by the river – Bright’s town centre features a large range of takeaway options, from Chinese to Italian, Thai to Japanese to good old fish and chips. A simple Google search of ‘takeaway food Bright’ shall reveal all.
5. Fusion/Bites — Dr Mauve (revisited) and Tomahawks
Aside from great cocktails, Dr Mauve offers fantastic shareable (or non-shareable) bites for eating at ‘afternoon tea’ time or dinner. Asian fusion is the name of the game here, and for drinks, Dr Mauve prides itself in having the most adventurous cocktail menu in town. And beer and spirits, for those who just want a more conventional quality drink.
Tomahawks, on the other hand can fill up your belly with burgers or share plates. Every single thing on the menu is delicious (yes, we’ve tried them all)!) You can also take your burger away and enjoy it by the river. No bookings and always busy, but the wait will be worth it.
Treat Yourself to a Quality Sip — Bars in Bright
So, you’ve had a big day on the mountains, taking in the Alpine Shire’s beauty or hiking? Or are you simply here as a connoisseur of fine (or basic!) beverages?
There a many great bars in Bright for a quiet one or a party. Whether you’re looking for trusted standard frosty brews, local squashed grapes (wine) or something in the more boutique beer of spirits category, Bright has it all.
Here are just a few places where you can put your feet up, all within stumbling, errr, walking distance from some of Bright’s best holiday home-style accommodation.
1. Beer Glorious Beer
Our first choice for a good brew is of course, Bright Brewery – if you’re up to being adventurous. From its humble beginnings in 2012, they are now an all-weather venue and can seat up to 250 beer drinkers (or wine or cider). They have been brewing handcrafted beer for more than 15 years, so they’ve got it nailed – with a long list of both ‘mountain crafted’ and ‘backcountry’ brews to choose from.
But if you are more the traditional type, try these other bars in central Bright:
The Alpine Hotel for a great range of beers on tap, or The Star Hotel complete with sports bar. Both are great locals, with all the tasty basics you would expect in a real country drinking hole, served frosty as.
If you are up to a 10 minute drive, venture out to Wandiligong to the Wandi Pub. Throw back a coldie or two in the stunning beer garden that often doubles as an outdoor live music venue.
2. Bars — Reed & Co. Distillery, Dr Mauve Bar And Lounge.
Looking for quaint and quirky cocktails? There are some great options for the cocktail connoisseur in the heart of Bright.
Reed & Co. Distillery is a family-owned and operated gin distillery and a great place for gourmet snacks to accompany your chosen drop. But that’s not all! Our lovely coffee bean suppliers, Sixpence Coffee, have a retail store sharing the space with Reed & Co. The best of both worlds!
Dr Mauve, on the other hand, is a funky bar and lounge with signature cocktails, craft beers, a unique cocktail list and Asian fusion share dishes.
Both are an easy walk from BlueMill. Handy, eh?
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