abalina cottages - Bright accommodation for singles couples and families
Stay in our boutique development of two, near new, 4.5 star 3 bedroom/2 bathroom cottages which are only a level 660m walk to Bright's CBD restaurants.
Restaurants and Cafes
There are 13 cafes and 15 restaurants in Bright alone. We have listed those in easy walking distance from abalina cottages, your Bright accommodation. You do not need to dress up to go to dinner in Bright even to the white tablecloth restaurants (smart casula at a minimum). However, if you care to do so you won’t feel out of place either.
Fine dining and European style restaurants
Please break away from steak dishes only and try our restaurants' gourmet food using local trout, rabbit, goat, kangaroo, olives, walnuts, chestnuts etc. Try unusual dishes from our italian and french restaurants as well.
Simone’s Restaurant(Italian)
(book 4 weeks+ in advance)
white tablecloth, licensed, and BYO (wine only $16 corkage) Chefs Hat awards
Closed Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays bookings essential - book 4 weeks in advance by phone not email
98 Gavan St , Bright (Great Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 2266
A 2009 Chef’s Hat awarded restaurant – Age Good Food Guide two chef's hats
As this is an authentic Italian slow cooking restaurant, you must try the Italian rather than the Australian style meat dishes. Vegetable dishes are a speciality. A favourite with the locals for special occasions (it is the most expensive restaurant in town). Simone’s has been awarded the Melbourne Age Good Food Guide Chef’s Hats for a number of years now. Set in a lovely historic building. Try their warm winter antipasto plate to share between 2 - you won't be disappointed.
" the last few times I've been there the food has been superb. It is not pretty food, nor is it minimalist food: it is regional Italian food in the finest style, and I love it for it. It's also a gorgeous restaurant to relax in - and, for $12 (now $16) corkage, they allow BYO. It is my favourite restaurant in the world. " Cambell Mattinson (registered commenter June 2006.
Villa Gusto (Italian)
set 5 course degustation menu 7 nights (Not BYO) Bookings essential
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays but open for tapas lunch summer Sundays $35pp (booking needed) (10 minutes from Bright in the Buckland Valley)
Awarded a Chef Hat by The Age Good Food guide 2006 & 2007 and 14.5/20 2008
This is a 10 minute drive away in the Buckland Valley
Ph: (03) 5756 2000; 630 Buckland Valley Rd, Bright 3741 www.villagusto.com.au
Open: Dinner; Licensed; Seats inside 22; Private room Yes
Mietta's Review
"Tuscany comes to the Buckland Valley courtesy of Villa Gusto's owner, Colin McLaren and chef, Douglas Elder. It's what the Italian's call fantasia. It's a charming, and luxurious, place ..... to dine at. Log fires in the winter and mountain breezes in the summer. Italian inspired food that uses local ingredients where possible."
Bright taxi Service ph (03) 8667 3371 mobile 0447 030 600 and email alpinecarrental@hotmail.com
Sole e Luna (Italian)
(Great Alpine Rd ) diagonally opposite Bright Brewery Italian new Oct 2008
Ph: 5750 1861 Bookings essential Licenced (no BYO)
opening times: Mon - Sat 5:30-late (closed Sundays)
"Born and bought up in Myrtleford, Victoria, Frank has worked as chef for over 12 years. He spent 6 years in Melbourne and the last 7 years working for celebrity chef’s in London, names including Antonio Carluccio, where Jamie Oliver was trained and Aldo Zilli where he ran 3 restaurants for him in the heart of Soho.
Whilst traveling in Italy he found the name Sole e Luna meaning the sun and the moon and decided on it as a name for his restaurant. Frank comes from a Mediterranean background, his father being Spanish and his mum Italian and his culinary skills have been highly influenced throughout his travels in Europe and London. He creates modern Italian dishes with his own flare!
Frank met his partner Kate, who is a chef by trade too, whilst working together in London and they decided to return to Australia to follow their dreams and create Sole e Luna.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the culinary experience at Sole e Luna.
Buon appetitio"
Poplars Restaurant (French)
– French cuisine, white tablecloth, relaxed fine dining, licensed, BYO (wine only $10 corkage) Age Good Food Guide 2008 14/20 mentioned in 2009 also
Closed Sundays and Mondays bookings by phone (email not recommended) This is a French bistro so often french frioes are served particularly wiuth steak. Advise the wait staff if you'd prefer other side dishes.
Shop 2E Star Rd, Bright Ph: 5755 1655 phone only
“The menu offers classic bistro dishes including fillet steak with pommes frittes, roasted poussin, confit of duck, soufflés, brulee and lemon tart. The seasonal menu changes throughout the year and is enhanced by a blackboard menu that features the best products available each day. Poplars emulates the traditional, relaxed atmosphere of a French bistro, guests are welcome in the dining room, or in summer at the outdoor café tables under the grapevine. Dining can be as simple as a plate of terrine or rillettes and a glass of wine, a cappuccino and a lemon tart, or as elaborate as a four-course dinner paired with outstanding regional wines. We offer an extensive wine list showcasing premium wines from the valley. We offer an extensive wine list showcasing premium wines from the valley." Review by Campbell Mattinson - registered commenter June 2006.
Sasha’s Wine Bar
Closed due to ill health - reopening soon as a Greek Restaurant
old style European (Czech) cooking, relaxed dining, includes outside dining, licensed, BYO (wine only) closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
2D Anderson St, Bright Ph: 03 5750 1711 or 0409 161 368 email: mrsasha@netc.net.au. Sasha's serves very old-style European cuisine. Goulash soup and roast duckling are specialities, as is the chateaubriand.
The Historic Oriental Boutique Hotel
wine bar only at the moment, licensed (no BYO)
2 Ireland St, Bright Ph: 5755 1074 email histori@bigpond.net.au
closed Sundays and Mondays
Contemporary Style Restaurants
92 on Gavan(Australian including seafood)
relaxed dining in historic building, contemporary decor, licensed (no BYO) closed Mondays and Tuesdays
92 on Gavan has a contemporary fitout in a lovely period building with very high cilings. Bi foild doors open onto outside dining. The tables are well spaced and ambience relaxing and enjoyable. Food is very well priced and presented and includes sea food. Licensed, not BYO. Usually able to get in without booking except in popular times.Seafood a specialty.
92 Gavan St, Bright Ph: 5755 2333 Open Thurs to Sunday - phone for other nights
Liquid Am-Bar
casual inside and outside dining, contemporary decor, licensed (no BYO).
usually closed Tuesday and Wednesday. visit website for menus . Open for breakfast and lunch also some days closed Tuesdays
8 Anderson St, Bright Ph: 5755 2318 email: woody01@bigpond.net.au
Il Centro Pizza House
closed Mondays www.ilcentropizzahouse.com.au
Inexpensive pizza/pasta/ veal and chicken parma and schnitzel in new contemporary surroundsings. Efficient and friendly service. BYO only
Corner of Gavan St and Barnard St opposite 92 on Gavan.Very popular with the locals so phone to book.
(5750 1228 pizza and pasta dine in and take away). Check out their menu on the link below
Lawler's Restaurant (Australian)
Relaxed inside and outside dining, contemporary decor, licensed (Licenced - no BYO ) Often closed in winter due to school bus bookings. closed Sundays and Mondays
Children's menus included NOTE: Large screen TV in restaurant displays football during your meal (no sound)
100 Gavan St (Gr Alpine Rd) Ph: 5750 1304 emil: contact@coachhousebright.com.au
Boynton's Winery Live music and food January 2010 Friday nights
Great views from the terrace, family friendly. Live music from 6.30pm each Friday night in January 2010.
The Butter Factory Myrtleford
inside and outside dining , views of Mt Buffalo, licensed
5752 2300 email infor@thebutterfactory.com.au breakfast. lunch and dinner.
Tue-Wed 8am-6pm, Thu-Sun 8am-11pm
On the left hand side on the outskirts of Myrtleford coming from Bright (Great Alpine Rd)
The flavour-loving locals of Myrtleford can be found digesting their days away at this foodies' hangout, where Naomi Ingleton cooks up an ever-changing menu of dishes inspired by the local produce from which it is made.
The Myrtleford Butter Factory serves fresh and fine meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a different menu every day. Naomi Ingleton dubs her Mediterranean-inspired fare "regional cuisine" and has strong permaculture ethos, with many of the vegetables used coming from the factory's own garden.
Built in 1935, the historic butter factory building maintains some original features such as the tiled floor and outside facade, but within its walls, a modern renovation makes for a professional but relaxed atmosphere.
Family Restaurants
Boynton's Winery Cafe occasional dinners only
Set in the terraced garden of the winery with great views to Mt Buffalo/ Tapas menu
Breakfast (Big Breckie Sundays and Mondays - phone to check first)
January - live music, food, wine and beer on Friday nights.
Ph 5756 2368 Great Alpine Rd on RHS as going from Bright to Myrtlefgord - about 6 minutes.
Il Centro Pizza and Pasta closed Monday
Inexpensive pizza/pasta/ veal and chicken parma and schnitzel in new contemporary surroundsings. Efficient service. BYO only closed Mondays
Corner of Gavan St and Barnard St opposite 92 on Gavan.Very popular with the locals so phone to book.
(5750 1228 pizza and pasta dine in and take away). Check out their menu below.
http://www.ilcentropizzahouse.webs.com
The Cosy Kangaroo
family style restaurant. Inside and outside dining. open 7 days www.thecosykangaroo.com.au
Children’s playing area.
95 Gavan St Bright (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph: Ph: 5750 1838
Extensive and reasonably priced menu including fun children's menu and gluten free menu
2005 Victorian family restaurant of the year. Consistent Alpine Business award winner 2003. 2004. 2006. Open 7 days breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catch a trout at the Trout Farm near Harrietville and The Cosy Kangaroo will cook it for you.
Cafe Chiaro
8 Barnard St, BrightPizza. pasta and other meals
Back to Basics (mainly open as a cafe for lunch)
8 Barnard St, Bright
Gavan St/Great Alpine Rd Bright
Home style cooking. Lunch and some breakfasts only..Brewed coffee.
Asian Food
Bright Chinese Restaurant BYO only open 7 nights
108 Gavan St, Bright (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph 5750 1155. Popular with the locals.
Suganya Thai Restaurant
2/11 Ireland St Ph: 5755 2380 closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Licensed and BYO
Alpine and Star Hotels (see info below)
open 7 days
Hotels Alpine and Star
www.brightpubs.com.au (see menus on website)
Both hotels - The Star and The Alpine - have good menus and good chefs. The dining area of The Alpine is more upmarket with The Star more of a family hotel with a TAB. Try the Asian cuisine from the Sri Lankin chefs.
Every Saturday night the bar comes alive with a live band. Bands come from all over Victoria to play the hits of today and the classics of the past.
When there isn’t a band playing there is always the Juke box which has such a variety it would be hard not to find something you like.
With the expansion of the floor area there is now plenty of room to dance to the band or Juke b
Alpine Hotel 7-9 Anderson St 5755 1366
The Star Hotel 91 Gavan St (Gr Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 1277
Take-away
Rok Salt
Great grilled fish, tampura batter, hand cut potatoes and salads. Anderson St
Il Centro Pizza and Pasta
closed Mondays
Efficient with great priced meals. Dine in or take away. BYO only
Ph: 5750 1228
Bright Chinese Restaurant open 7 nights to 8pm
108 Gavan St, Bright (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph 5750 1155. Popular with the locals.
Suganya's Thai Restaurant
2/11 Ireland St Ph: 5755 2380 Licensed closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Bright Take Away - battered and crumbed fish etc
30 Ireland St Ph: 5750 1400. Also hire oyut DVD's
Park Inn Take Away & DVD/Video Hire – Fish and Chips etc
2 Delaney Ave (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 1309
head out along Great Alpine Rd towards Hotham – 400 m past the bridge in Bright on the RH side. Also hires DVD's.
Cafe Chiaro –Usually open on a Sunday as well.
opeing hours can vary (no longer run by Gordy)
8 Barnard St, Bright
pizza, pasta and other meals
Subway Bright
78 Gavan St (Gr. Alpine Rd) Ph: 5755 5177
Also see under restaurants Cafe Chiaro, Bright Chinese Restaurant, Get Spiced
Cafes
Boynton's Winery Cafe
Great Alpine Rd about 10 minutes from Bright (RHS) heading towards Myrtleford.
Cafe open for Japanese styled lunch (with or without matched wines. 1 November to 1st May.
Jackie’s Tea Room & Eatery Good value
breakfast, lunch to afternoon tea. Shop 1, 6 Ireland St Ph: 5750 1303 Licensed
Try their hot chocolate which is a thick chocolate sometimes needing a spoon. Cost is $4 but takes ages to consume so you can take a book or go for a chat without finishing too quickly. Great food and great ambience. Also try any of their soups and their ploughman’s lunch which is excellent value.
Kelly’s Humble Spud –well priced casual meals under new ownership from mid 2009
13 Ireland St, Bright Ph: 5755 2077
Great value for an inexpensive meal – our favourite is the curried sausages and large baked potato. Great for morning winter sun. There is also a fireplace in the back room. Average ambience but great food.
The Riverdeck Cafe – great view of the park and river
Great Alpine Rd, Bright – to the rear of the Information Centre overlooking the river
Modern cafe, with a deck overlooking the river and attached to the Visitors Information Centre. Try their pasta. foccaccias, big breakfast, pancakes etc from a wide menu. Great for kids as good distance between tables as well as an outside deck.
Food, Wine Friends – good ambience for coffee and light meals, popular with locals
2/6 Ireland St, Bright – Ph: 5750 1312
Beanz of Bright - trendy with great ambience (not always open)
103 Gavan St - Ph: 5750 1200
Back to Basics (mainly open as a cafe for lunch)
Gavan St/Great Alpine Rd Bright
Home style cooking. Lunch and some breakfasts..Brewed coffee. Huge sandwiches is their specialty. Best value sandwiches in town (may take two of you to eat just one).
The Sweet Retreat
Barnard St
Try their hot chocolate and tempt yourself with chocolates made on site.
Bakeries with attached cafes
Bright Bakery
80 Gavan St Bright Ph: 5750 1128
Edelweiss Bakery
5 Ireland St, Bright Ph: 5755 1428
. Good range for lunch.
Out of town but worth a visit
Red Stag Restaurant and Deer Farm (20 minutes away)
324 Hughes Lane, Eurobin Ph: 5756 2365 open 7 days
Lunch on the deck is always a favourite place for us. Well priced and generous servings. Try their special sausages. Then go and feed the deer, goats and emus.
The Butter Factory Myrtleford - inside and outside dining , views of Mt Buffalo, licensed
5752 2300 email infor@thebutterfactory.com.au breakfast. lunch and dinner.
Tue-Wed 8am-6pm, Thu-Sun 8am-11pm
On the left hand side on the outskirts of Myrtleford coming from Bright (Great Alpine Rd)
The flavour-loving locals of Myrtleford can be found digesting their days away at this foodies' hangout, where Naomi Ingleton cooks up an ever-changing menu of dishes inspired by the local produce from which it is made.
The Myrtleford Butter Factory serves fresh and fine meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a different menu every day. Naomi Ingleton dubs her Mediterranean-inspired fare "regional cuisine" and has strong permaculture ethos, with many of the vegetables used coming from the factory's own garden.
Built in 1935, the historic butter factory building maintains some original features such as the tiled floor and outside facade, but within its walls, a modern renovation makes for a professional but relaxed atmosphere.
Bellas’s of Harrietville - trendy cafe on left just before ascent to Hotham
231 Gr. Alpine Rd Ph 5759 2750
Phone first to see if they are open. Recent tourist award winner. Great soup on in winter.
Devonshire Tea at Lavender Hue, Harrietville (20 mins along Gr. Alpine Rd towards Hotham)
Great Alpine Rd, Harrietville Ph: 5759 2558
20 minutes from Bright on the Great Alpine Rd
Phone first as they are not always open particularly midweek and during winter,
The timber cafe is set in beautiful grounds on the river which are lovely in any season. Tell Verona that Ian and Lesley sent you. Lavendar products for sale.