RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Look closely and there's always something tasty being served in Mount Beauty and its surrounds. The cafes and restaurants of this chilled-out valley are tucked into the nooks and crannies of Mount Beauty, Tawonga South, Tawonga and Dederang. You'll find them in places you least expect, like at the day spa or bike store. So don't go hungry – here's where to go for a great bite to eat.

FINE DINING

Dining in the Kiewa Valley is all about fresh, locally grown produce, and it's little wonder given the rich soils and renowned dairy farming of the region. Open year-round, Templar Lodge in Tawonga embodies this spirit, with a modern menu prepared by acclaimed chef Emma Handley, who grows many of her own ingredients. Another mouthwatering restaurant with a paddock-to-plate mentality is the AnnaPurna Estate Cellar Door in Mount Beauty with its Italian inspired menu. Open Fridays to Sundays between September and April each year, it's a gastronomical delight with a range of cool-climate wines to match.

PUBS, BARS & BREWERY

Sample the small-batch brews of the Crank Handle Brewery, which crafts traditional beers such as larger, ale, APA, porter and bitter made with the purest of alpine water. The brewery, located on the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South, also serves lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday.

For a traditional pub experience, drop into the Dederang Hotel in Dederang, the Settlers Tavern in Tawonga South or the West Peak Hotel in Mount Beauty. And for a nightcap, head to Zak's Wine Bar at the Allamar Motel, Tawonga South.

CAFES & TAKEAWAY

There are a number of cafes and takeaway places to grab a bite at in the Kiewa Valley. In Mount Beauty, try the Mount Beauty Bakery for pastries, breads, cakes and coffee, Seasons Cafe serving cooked breakfasts, fresh pasta and salads and cakes, TakeOut for great traditional fast food, Rocky Valley Cafe in the garden at the Rocky Valley Bikes & Snow Sports Store, and the community Rose Garden Cafe at the Neighbourhood Centre by the pondage.

Up the street in Tawonga South, you'll find the Lilli Pilli Day Spa + Larder Cafe serving wholesome food and locally roasted coffee, Treats Cafe with its delicious cakes, Swiss + Chips for hamburgers, pizza and salads, and the drive-thru cafe at the Settlers Tavern.

Outside the main centre, the The General Store in Dederang serves takeaway food, home-baked treats and coffee, and you can sit down to coffee and pastries at the Old Tawonga Store in Tawonga.

RESTAURANTS

Come evening, the restaurant doors of the Kiewa Valley swing open to heartwarming favourites. Head to Roi's Restaurant in Tawonga for modern Italian recommended by the Good Food Guide, or over to Stockpot in Tawonga South for a great steak.

Bombay Velvet Bar and Restaurant in Mount Beauty is a must for mouthwatering Indian cuisine, and the Mountain Creek Motel Bar & Restaurant serves a fusion of Australian, Japanese & Indian meals.

Of course, don't forget Templar Lodge, the pubs and the brewery, which all serve dinner as well.