Places to Eat in Bright
Welcome to Bright, the home of the Billy Button Cellar Door in the foothills of the Australian Alps. Not only have we been blessed with an abundance of natural splendour, we are also spoilt for choice when it comes to local dining options. Looking for the best places to eat in Bright? Here are a few of our all-time favourite local venues to discover.
For fantastic locally made gin and out-of-this-world bar snacks, the number one destination on our list has to be Reed & Co Distillery. Co-owner Rachel slings a mean cocktail while her husband Hamish creates exquisite flavour combinations in the kitchen. Their snack menu is always evolving, so repeat visits are a must. Prior to opening Reed & Co, Hamish and Rachel ran Tani Eat & Drink – awarded one hat and the Good Food Guide’s Best New Regional Restaurant. It’s always a fun place to gather with friends, and some of their gins are made with Billy Button wines!
Early riser? In the mornings, pop in and try some of their Sixpence coffee – it’s the perfect way to start your day.
Located right next to our Bright cellar door, you don’t want to miss this popular venue. Tomahawks offer a range of moreish share plates to enjoy with one of their three burger options. We highly recommend their wagyu cheeseburger – it is simply the best burger you will ever eat – and pair it with one of the many refreshments available on their extensive bar list. Like Reed & Co, Tomahawks change their menu frequently, so be sure to visit them again.
After lunch, pop into our Cellar Door to say hello and sample some of our wines – you can even pick up some of our delicious cheeses for later!
Sixpence is the place to get your coffee fix in Bright. The team at Sixpence are passionate about all things coffee – from bean selection to roasting, each cup is brewed to perfection. Their specialty beans are available for purchase – as are a range of sweet treats to complement your morning pick-me-up.
In prime position right in the middle of the main street, no trip to Bright is complete without a visit to our local Bright Brewery. There’s always something new to try! Their menu has all the classic hits of a great bistro pub, which is designed to complement their rotation of fresh and season craft beers. With live music and large indoor and outdoor dining areas, this is the perfect spot for larger groups.
Adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre, find a table in the outdoor seating at the Riverdeck Kitchen for primo views of the park and river. A beautiful spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, Riverdeck offers an enticing modern Australian menu also focusing on local produce. This is also a great spot to take the kids, featuring a dedicated children’s menu and a stone’s throw from a fantastic playground in the park.
This little hidden gem on Barnard street offers simple and authentic Japanese flavours in a warm and intimate setting. Katsu specialise in donburi, flavour filled Japanese rice bowls featuring a mouth-watering main – such as chicken karaage or miso salmon – served with vegetables over rice. Their menu changes seasonally, but they always have some classic snacks on offer – think gyoza, edamame, and eggplant – along with options to suit a range of dietary requirements. Limited seating but takeaway available.
This steak joint is situated in a fantastic location just below street level on Barnard St. Sir Loins serves a range of cuts like the incredible Yarra Glen ribeye, grilled to perfection with a side of creamy truffle mash. Their à la carte menu is equally as impressive, featuring mains of pan-seared barramundi served with salsa verde, white bean puree and greens to chicken scallopini served with creamy garlic, mushroom sauce, and truffle mash.
For a fine dining experience, look no further than Elm. Set in a historical house on the main street, Elm offer a specially curated degustation menu alongside their beautiful à la carte dining options. Like many of our local dining institutions, Elm focus on local produce and their menus change seasonally. The Elm staff can also recommend a range of wine pairings from their equally thoughtful wine list, which features many of our fellow local wineries – including yours truly.
Venturing a little further afield? Here are some other local dining venues worth exploring:
This is a well frequented local café for breakfast, – and great for lunch too – the Rail Trail café is run by husband-and-wife team Jesse and Lucy. The menu has a strong authentic Mexican influence, thanks to Jesse’s Mexican heritage. Located on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail – a 95km cycling and walking trail from Wangaratta to Bright via Beechworth – we recommend taking a pit stop to try their jalapeño and chorizo breaky burrito.
The Punkah Pub offers a classic pub experience with unparalleled views of the spectacular Australian Alps. Recently renovated, their large air hanger style windows open up over the summer months, bringing the stunning landscape to your dining experience. With wide-ranging menu offerings – including a dedicated children’s menu – extensive beer list and cocktails on tap, this is the place to be on warm afternoon.
The quintessential Aussie pub for the 21st century. Publicans Tim and Paddy have opted for a small menu done well, featuring the classic hits of chicken parmigiana, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a beef burger alongside bibimbap and banh mi. Their drink lists feature local favourites, including yours truly. A long Sunday lunch in the beer garden with live music is definitely a winner.
While you’re exploring our fantastic region, don’t forget to add a trip to our Billy Button Bright Cellar Door. Our Cellar Door is located in the heart of Bright and is the perfect spot to pick up your favourite wines and artisan regional produce – including our fine selection of cheeses. We hope to see you soon.
