top of page
Search

Where to eat in Bright: Why Koji Bird Restaurant should be on your shortlist

Koji Bird Restaurant by Reed & Co. Distillery in Bright is a Japanese Izakaya-style eatery.
Koji Bird Restaurant by Reed & Co. Distillery in Bright is a Japanese Izakaya-style eatery.

The small town of Bright, Vic, has long been known for punching above its weight when it comes to cafe culture and dining options.


If you’re searching Google (or even your new friend ChatGPT!) for 'restaurants in Bright', 'bright restaurants' or 'where to eat in Bright', you're going to be overwhelmed with choice.


But take a stroll just one block from Bright's main drag, on to Wills Street, and you'll discover one of Bright's brightest stars - Koji Bird Restaurant by Reed & Co. Distillery.


Koji Bird Restaurant is the answer to the eternal question of “Where should we eat tonight?” in Bright, Victoria. Think Japanese Izakaya vibes with a local flavour, the warmth of an open-fire grill, and cocktails built on spirits we distil ourselves—right here in town.

“The fusion of Western and Asian flavours was impressive, and having such a high-quality restaurant in this small town completely exceeded my expectations.” - Nick, September 2025

Why Koji Bird belongs on every “Bright restaurants” list

We set out to be the kind of neighbourhood restaurant you plan a trip around: relaxed, delicious, and serious about flavour. Koji Bird pairs the spirit of a Japanese izakaya (casual eatery) with local High Country produce and flavour. We incorporate our house-made Koji into many of our dishes (Koji is the same fermentation culture we use in our Japanese Koji Spirits).

The result is food with depth, matched to cocktails made with our own award-winning spirits.


The food: open fire, izakaya heart

Our menu changes with the season and the flames, but our current signature dishes include:


  • Koji Chicken (wood-fire grilled)

  • Venison tataki

  • Prawn toast

  • Koji Cow (steak)


It’s food designed to be eaten with a drink in hand and good company across the table.


“Food was flavourful and tasty, best potato in my life (sorry mum). Chicken, steak, vegetables, all great” - Ilia, June 2025
The food and drinks at Koji Bird Restaurant are designed to be enjoyed together.
The food and drinks at Koji Bird Restaurant are designed to be enjoyed together.

The drinks: distillery-made, glass by glass

Being part of Reed & Co. means your cocktail might feature our Australian first Rice or Barley Shochu, Victoria's Champion NEO Yuzu New World Gin, or Australia's Best Yuzu Chūhai.

All our meals pair beautifully with our cocktails and our incredible staff will be very happy to make a recommendation for you.

(Yes, we’re that restaurant in Bright VIC with its own distillery.)


Could Koji Bird be Bright's best restaurant?

There are many amazing dining options in Bright - but our customers certainly think so...

“After eating at all the other restaurants that were recommended to us, after a week stay, Koji Bird took the honours of being the best. I'd give it more stars if I could” - Steve, May 2025
“We sat at the kitchen bench watching the chefs work their magic and it was a lovely experience, all the staff were great, friendly and fun. Really great drinks, food and service.” - Pat, May 2025
“Best food in the region easy!!” - Sam, February 2025
“Best restaurant in Bright. The staff here are wonderful, accomodating and always welcome us and our extended family with open arms. The food is delicious” - Devin, February 2025
“The best we had in a week of great food !!!!” - Peter, June 2025
“Fantastic food and cocktails in the centre of Bright. Eat and drink here if you want to experience the best Bright has to offer.” - Ben, January 2025
“We can’t believe Bright is lucky enough to have this quality of food.” - Joel, October 2024

But it's not just locals and foodies who love Koji Bird. Food Media have noticed, too. Regional guides regularly position Koji Bird among the best restaurants in Bright - and we are thrilled to be in such good company!


You can take a seat at the bar and enjoy watching our chefs prepare your meals right in front of you at Koji Bird Restaurant.
You can take a seat at the bar and enjoy watching our chefs prepare your meals right in front of you at Koji Bird Restaurant.

What sets Koji Bird apart from other restaurants in Bright?

  • Producer-led: We’re producers, not just sellers - our spirits and ferments start a few metres from your seat, and the flavours and techniques of our spirits are featured through our meals.

  • Izakaya energy: We blend Japanese technique with local flavour

  • Open-fire cooking: Our custom wood-fire grill gives everything a lick of smoke and a flavour that can't be imitated.

  • Open-kitchen experience: Take a seat at the bar and experience the magic of watching our award-winning chefs prepare your meal in front of your eyes.

“Seated at the bar, I was mesmerized by the chef’s culinary skills - the dishes were incredibly flavourful. Watching the chef prepare each dish right in front of us was like a 5-star cooking show.” - Gizem, September 2024

Practical details for planning your night in Bright

  • Koji Bird Restaurant by Reed & Co. Distillery

  • Location: 15 Wills Street, Bright VIC

  • When we’re open: Wed-Sat. Snacks & cocktails from 1pm, dinner from 5pm

  • Bookings: Online, instant booking; we open booking dates about 2 months ahead. Waitlist is available if a seatings are full.


Book Koji Bird


bottom of page