As a local and major foodie, here are all my restaurant recommendations for Kelowna, BC!
Kelowna has such a vibrant food and wine scene, and I am grateful to have so many great eateries in my backyard. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite places to eat at (I will make sure to keep adding to the list!), with a little something for everybody. Enjoy!
Where to Eat in Kelowna
Roma Nord
My favourite little eatery is Roma Nord. Italian owners Danilo and Angela (she does the cooking) are hard-working, kind, and the very best hosts. Danilo takes the extra time to get to know you and is always there greeting customers, pouring drinks… this place is good for the soul, and the Italian food is just incredible. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but the Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli is to die for, and we always start the meal with the Burrata appetizer. Ask Danilo for his favourite Italian wine – so good! Tip: I recommend making a reservation and if it’s warm out, the patio is wonderful.
The Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery
I love visiting The Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery for an elevated dining experience. In my opinion, enjoying a meal at a winery is the best way to truly enjoy the wine! The menu is exceptional – this is a place Charles and I love to sneak away to for a date night! Like most winery restaurants, they source from local farms and suppliers and highlight what is in season.
The Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Winery
It doesn’t get more quintessential Okanagan wine country, than a stop at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Their Terrace Restaurant, open in the warmer months, is nothing short of stunning, with panoramic lake views.
Home Block Restaurant at Cedar Creek Winery
A Kelowna wine experience wouldn’t be complete with a stop at Cedar Creek and a meal at their restaurant Home Block. Trust me, it’s a world class experience. Consider arranging a ride (taxi or uber), enjoy the wine paired dinner menu, and end the night with the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert! You’re welcome. The rock work and landscaping always makes me feel like I’ve escaped to Europe!
Cantina Del Centro
In the heart of downtown you’ll find this Mexican spot, Cantina Del Centro. I love any of their street tacos, and a good margarita (the Coconut Habanero Margarita is A+)! This is a great casual spot, good vibes, and 70+ types of tequila and mezcal.
Bernie’s
Bernie’s is such a fun spot to try! Their Supper Club has the coolest atmosphere, excellent bar, and the yummiest Pesto Fries. For something even more unique, book a show in their Cinema, where you can also enjoy eats and drinks! Such a unique experience.
King Taps
King Taps is a true ‘there’s something for everyone‘ type of restaurant. Waterfront views, a casual atmosphere, and a killer patio in the summertime. This is a spot I love to go with the whole family! Try the pizza…. so good!
Frankie We Salut You
Frankie We Salut You is an incredible vegan restaurant (which you by no means need to be to dine there) that is bursting with flavourful plant-based food, regional wine, craft beer, and seasonally inspired cocktails. Plus, it’s pretty darn cute inside! Home to exciting dishes like Cauliflower Wings, Vegan Sushi, Chickpea Fries, and the Frankie Cheeseburger (which I LOVED), to name a few. Oh and their mocktail lemonades are amazing, and so refreshing!
OEB
Craving brunch? OEB is where it’s at! Located in downtown, this is a family-friendly breakfast joint that has something for your sweet or savoury tooth. Tip: I don’t recommend trying to walk-in on a weekend. You can check the wait times & put your name placed on a virtual waitlist, or make a reservation by using the Yelp App. It’s a well-loved spot and is busy for good reason! The menu is large so if you don’t know where to start, their breakfast bowls are iconic, and you might as well wash it down with a mimosa flight!
Hotel Eldorado
The Hotel Eldorado is a charming hotel with some seriously unobstructed water views, with a few great dining options. They have an award-winning Lakeside Dining Room, Eldorado Lounge, Whisky Room (you can book private whiskey tastings!) and a sun-drenched Boardwalk overlooking Okanagan Lake and the mountains. If you’re visiting in the summer and looking for something casual, try to get a spot on the boardwalk right beside the marina! Their cocktail menu is also legendary, with the yummiest boozy slushies!
Sprout
My favourite coffee shop in Kelowna! Sprout is more than just coffee, it is baked goods and casual breakfast and lunch options. Try to grab a seat outside, and do NOT leave without some freshly baked bread or a croissant (or two).
Diner Deluxe
Diner Deluxe is a trendy and popular brunch spot, a stone throw from Gyro beach. The menu is full of comfort food for breakfast, brunch & lunch. Don’t be surprised if there is a line-up to get in – especially for weekend brunch. The wait is worth it, and you can always relax at the beach across the street while you wait!
Cactus Club Kelowna
I just love Cactus Club. No matter what city I am in, I feel like we end up at a Cactus. It is delicious, reliable and kid-friendly. The downtown Kelowna location can’t be beat! It’s right along the water, with a big indoor/outdoor patio, perfect for watching boats on the lake, and people on the boardwalk. The menu gets new features seasonally, but some tried-and-true favourite’s I always love are the Poke Bowl, Raincoast Greens Salad, Szechuan Lettuce Wraps, and anything on their fun cocktail list…
Moxie’s Kelowna
Moxie’s Kelowna is newly-renovated, with a super cute and bright interior. This is a great family-friendly lunch, happy hour, dinner or late-night, spot. I recently ordered the Avocado & Bacon Cobb Salad and left one happy camper!!
BNA Brewing
BNA Brewing is a Kelowna local watering hole. Nestled in the walls of a century old building, you will find a craft brewery, an eatery with eclectic comfort food, and a bowling alley. Kids can be there until 10pm, at which point the brewery becomes a super fun evening hangout hot spot. Next door in their tasting room you can grab an insanely tasty BNA Burger and try some of their craft beer.
OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar
It really doesn’t get more waterfront than OAK + CRU. If you are from out of town and staying at the Delta Hotel, then this restaurant is in the lobby – woohoo! The views are memorable, with a fantastic patio right beside a lagoon, and a menu with something for everyone. This is a super family-friendly spot!
Gather
Gather is a Korean & Italian restaurant (isn’t that an awesome combo?), located at the base of the Innovation Center in downtown Kelowna. I love going there for a casual lunch, but they also have a dinner menu, great wine list and atmosphere. They have an open kitchen (which I love) so you can enjoy seeing the kitchen action! I am going to make a couple menu recommendations: you MUST try the fried tofu, and fried gnocchi.
Humo Izakay
Humo Izakaya is a contemporary Asian and Latin dining experience with a range of globally inspired tapas & larger sharing plates. This is a great spot to get some seafood! Their cocktail list is so thoughtfully curated and featuring world-renowned & artisanal Mezcals, Japanese Whiskies, Tequilas, Sake & more.
Ships-A-Hoy Fish & Chips
Ships A-Hoy is a little family-owned fish and chips restaurant just outside of West Kelowna in Peachland, approximately a 20-minute drive. They’re located right across from the beach and two local parks (Heritage Park and Cenotaph Park), making it the perfect takeout location. Their batter, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and fresh-cut chips are all made in-house, and bonus—the batter is gluten-free!
Leave a Reply