As a local and a big foodie, here are all my restaurant recommendations for Kelowna, BC!
Kelowna has such a vibrant food and wine scene, and I’m grateful to have so many great restaurants in my backyard. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite places to eat (I’ll make sure to keep adding to the list!), with something for everyone. Enjoy!
Where to eat in Kelowna
Roma Nord
My favorite little restaurant is Roma Nord. The Italian owners Danilo and Angela (she does the cooking) are hard working, kind and the best hosts. Danilo takes the extra time to get to know you and is always there to greet customers, pour 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 favorite Italian wine – so good! Tip: I recommend making a reservation and if it’s warm, the patio is great.
The Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery
I like to visit 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 wine! The menu is excellent – this is a place where Charles and I like to sneak away for a night out! Like most winery restaurants, they source from local farms and suppliers and highlight the season.
The Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Winery
It doesn’t get more Okanagan wine country essential than a stop at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Theirs Restaurant on the terraceopen in the warmer months, it is nothing short of stunning, with panoramic views of the lake.
Home Block Restaurant at Cedar Creek Winery
A Kelowna wine experience would not be complete with a stop at Cedar Creek and a meal at their restaurant House block. Trust me, it’s a world class experience. Consider arranging a ride (taxi or uber), enjoy the dinner menu paired with wine, and cap off the evening with the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert! You are welcome. Rock work and landscaping always make me feel like I’ve escaped to Europe!
Cantina Del Centro
In the heart of downtown you will find this Mexican spot, Cantina Del Centro. I love any of the street tacos and a good margarita (the Coconut Habanero Margarita is A+)! This is a great laid back place, good vibes and 70+ types of tequila and mezcal.
Bernie’s
Bernie’s it’s such a fun place to try! Their Supper Club has the coolest atmosphere, great bar and the most delicious Pesto Fries. For something even more unique, book a show at theirs Movie theater, where you can also enjoy food and drink! Such a unique experience.
King Taps
King Taps it is a truth There’s something for everyonetype of restaurant. Waterfront view, relaxed atmosphere and patio in summer. This is a place I love to go with the whole family! Try the pizza…. so well!
Frankie We salute you
Frankie We salute you is an incredible vegan restaurant (that you absolutely do not have to be to dine there) that is filled with delicious plant-based food, local wine, craft beer and seasonally inspired cocktails. Plus, it’s super 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 lemonade mocktails are amazing and so refreshing!
OEB
Craving brunch? OEB it’s where it’s at! Located in the heart of the city, this is a family breakfast that has something for your sweet or savory tooth. Tip: I don’t recommend trying to get in on the weekend. You can check waiting times and put your name on a virtual waiting list or make a reservation using Yelp app. It’s a very popular place and it’s busy for good reason! The menu is extensive, so if you don’t know where to start, their breakfast bowls are iconic and you can also wash it down with a flight of mimosas!
Hotel Eldorado
The Eldorado Hotel it’s a charming hotel with some serious unobstructed water views, with some great dining options. They have an award-winning lakeside dining room, the Eldorado Lounge, the Whiskey Room (you can book private whiskey tastings!) and a sunny Boardwalk overlooking Okanagan Lake and the mountains. If you’re visiting in the summer and looking for something laid back, try to find a spot on the boardwalk right next to the marina! Their cocktail menu is also legendary, with the most delicious drinks!
Sprout
My favorite cafe in Kelowna! Sprout it’s more than just coffee, it’s pastries and casual options for breakfast and lunch. 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, just a stone’s throw from Gyros beach. The menu is full of comfort food for breakfast, brunch & lunch. Don’t be surprised if there’s a line-up to get in – especially for weekend brunch. The wait is worth it and you can always relax on the beach across the street while you wait!
Cactus Club Kelowna
i just love Cactus Club. No matter what city I’m in, I feel like we end up in a Cactus. It’s delicious, reliable and kid-friendly. The downtown Kelowna location can’t be beat! It’s right on the water, with a large indoor/outdoor patio, perfect for watching boats on the lake and people watching on the boardwalk. The menu gets new features seasonally, but some tried and true favorites that I always enjoy are the Poke Bowl, Raincoast Greens Salad, Szechuan Lettuce Wraps, and anything on their fun cocktail list…
Moxie’s Kelowna
Moxie’s Kelowna it is newly renovated, with a super cute and bright interior. This is a great lunch for families, happy hour, dinner, or late night. I recently ordered the Avocado & Bacon Cobb Salad and left a happy camper!!
BNA Brewing
BNA Brewing is a local Kelowna irrigator. Nestled within the walls of a century-old building, you’ll find a craft brewery, an eclectic comfort food restaurant and a bowling alley. The kids can be there until 10pm, so the brewery becomes a super fun evening hangout. Next to their tasting room you can get an insanely delicious one 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’re from out of town and staying at the Delta Hotel, then this restaurant is in the lobby – woohoo! The view is unforgettable, with a fantastic patio right next to a lagoon and a menu with something for everyone. This is a super family place!
Gather
Gather is a Korean and Italian restaurant (isn’t that an awesome combination?), located at its base 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 the kitchen action! I’ll make a few menu suggestions: You MUST try the fried tofu and the fried gnocchi.
Humo Izakay
Humo Izakaya is a modern Asian and Latin dining experience with a range of globally inspired tapas and larger sharing plates. This is a great place to get some seafood! Their cocktail list is so carefully curated and includes world-renowned and handcrafted Mezcal, Japanese whiskeys, tequilas, Sake and more.
Ships-A-Hoy Fish & Chips
A-Hoy ships is a small family run fish and chip restaurant just outside West Kelowna in Peachland, about a 20 minute drive. It’s right across the street from the beach and two local parks (Heritage Park and Cenotaph Park), making it the perfect takeout location. The batter, tartar sauce, coleslaw and fresh chips are all made in house, and bonus – the batter is gluten free!
