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

Hometown

Hometown

A locals favourite, Hometown is a New York inspired neighbourhood wood-fired pizza spot. Here you will find proper pizza, share plates and an extensive drinks list. Hometown is the sister restaurant of Tomahawks.

Beechworth Bakery Bright

Beechworth Bakery Bright

Surrounded by mountains and located on the Ovens River, beautiful Bright offers a huge selection of experiences all year round: adventure, cycling, food and wine, fishing, swimming, camping, you name it. There is always a good excuse to visit, no matter what your interest. Bright is a starting point for the Murray to Mountains Rail…

Bright Twilight Markets

Bright Twilight Markets

Enjoy a perfect summer evening on the banks of the Ovens River at the Bright Twilight Markets. Held in the grounds of Bright Brewery, the Bright Twilight Markets will be held on three festive evenings. Come and discover locally-made products from producers and crafts-people from Bright, Mt Beauty and Myrtleford, offering a unique array of…

PLACES TO EAT IN THE SURROUNDS

Coffee Chakra

Coffee Chakra

Coffee Chakra are micro coffee roasters located in the picturesque town of Myrtleford in the Alpine Valley. The owners and staff pride themselves on offering quick efficient service, delicious house made sweets, chai and specialty coffee roasted for the espresso bar. They supply their specialty coffee to numerous other cafes and food stores around Northeast…

Razorback Run - Hells Cauldron

Razorback Run

This classic Alpine run offers four challenging distances in some of the most spectacular country in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. For those wanting a challenge, there is the 64 kilometre Razorback Ridge run, which takes in the entire length of the Razorback as well as heading across to the Bogong High Plains to take some…

Village

Bogong Village Accommodation

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