Whether you are visiting Kelowna, or lucky to be a local, there is no shortage of amazing Kelowna Restaurants to keep your taste buds entertained. What makes the Kelowna Foodie scene so spectacular?
Is it the fact that dedicated farmers have been working with rich volcanic and glacial soils here for over a century to harness the ultimate in tastes and terroirs?
Or perhaps it’s the fact that talent attracts talent in an artistic city famed for vibrant cuisine and unbeatable vineyard restaurants, set against some of the most stunning backdrops you’ll find?
We would like to hazard a guess that it’s a combination of the above. No matter what, one thing’s for sure, Kelowna is among the best foodie destinations in BC.
Best Kelowna Restaurants
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Best Kelowna Patios
There are plenty of incredible restaurants in Kelowna, which we will cover below, but you can’t visit the city without enjoying some delicious food and drinks while gazing at the beautiful Okanagan Lake.
If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to patio dining in Kelowna, here are the best spots we frequent during the warmer months.
Hotel Eldorado
Hotel Eldorado (Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Wines of British Columbia)
“The El”, as it is lovingly referred to by locals, has one of the Best Ever patios in Kelowna. The luxurious and charming restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach and incredible wine selection (remember, you’re right in the middle of the Okanagan Valley Wine Region here!).
The folks at Eldorado Resort are opening a new restaurant in the Spring of 2022 to replace Smack Dab at Manteo Resort. If you’ve not heard of Smack Dab, then all you need to know is that it was once home to an amazing patio, too. Think shading umbrellas, plush furniture, and unspoiled views of the Okanagan Lake.
(This was the old patio at Smack Dab, photo courtesy of tourismkelowna.com)
Although we can’t predict what the exact menu will be at this new lakeside restaurant, expecting organic ingredients, fresh seafood, and brunch classics is our best guess.
If you’d like to get the latest on this new restaurant as it’s announced, keep an eye on Eldorado’s social media channels!
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 500 Cook Road, Kelowna
Earls
If you’re looking for the best patios in Kelowna that offer views of Okanagan Lake, then you’ll want to book in at Earls pronto. This restaurant’s mission statement revolves around authentic connections and excellent food. So, expect service with a smile and top-quality dishes while you’re here!
Although you can dine inside at Earls, we’d say you were missing out if you didn’t take a seat on the sprawling patio. Offering unrivaled views of the Okanagan Lake, and the marina, it’s unsurprising that this restaurant has one of the longest waiting lists in town in the summer.
If you do manage to snag a booking, we love the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake or Garlic Prawn Spaghettini. Seafood not your jam? Go for the Sirloin with Peppercorn Sauce or the ridiculously fresh Mother Earth Bowl!
If you want a cocktail but don’t fancy the calories or sugar that comes with it, opt for something from the “Better for You Booze” Menu. With each drink boasting low sugar, low calories, and low alcohol, you can enjoy these lighter summer cocktails.
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 211 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna
Cactus Club
Cactus Club Cafe (Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Michelle Appleton)
Located in the downtown area, Cactus Club is an excellent place to stop for an afternoon of people-watching at the marina. If you’re here during the summer, you’ll be pleased to know that the Cactus Club has water misters to keep you cool, calm, and collected when things heat up!
The menu is quite extensive, and you can expect several seasonal dishes to come and go throughout the year. If you’re a grill fanatic, then you need to try the Jack Daniel’s Ribs. Slow-cooked and smothered with Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, it’s one of those indulgent dishes that feels utterly sinful. For lunch, Rob’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich with spicy panko breadcrumbs is always a winner!
The savory eats at the Cactus Club are incredible, but you don’t want to sleep on the desserts either. With everything from a classic Apple Tart to an indulgent White Chocolate Cheesecake available, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had to roll your way home from this restaurant! Oh, and just a heads up – if you’re here between 2 pm and 5 pm each day, you’ll be able to catch the very reasonable Happy Hour drinks deal.
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 1370 Water Street, Kelowna
Oak + Cru
Oak + Cru (Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Oak + Cru)
Perfectly melding beautiful Okanagan views with upscale artisan dishes, Oak + Cru is the place to be for a high-end meal in Kelowna. If you want to stop by for breakfast, order Oak + Cru’s signature Challah French Toast with candied orange cream. For savory fans, stick with the classic Eggs Benedict or bursting Breakfast Sandwich (look out for the cheeky addition of asparagus here!).
Those staying for dinner will appreciate the burgers and pizzas, and we recommend extending your stay on the luscious patio with a cocktail or two! Happy Hour runs each day from 2 pm to 5 pm, so you can easily stay by the lakeside for 3 hours without being moved along. Whether you’re here to bask in the afternoon sun or want to watch the beautiful Okanagan sunset with a locally brewed beer, you’ll be perfectly placed to do both!
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 1310 Water Street, Kelowna
Craft Kelowna
With its laidback atmosphere and gorgeous wooden décor, Craft Kelowna is one of our favorite patio restaurants in Kelowna. When compared to other patio restaurants in Kelowna, you may have better luck grabbing a reservation for Craft. This is because the patio has over 200 seats! However, we wouldn’t suggest trying to dine here as a walk-in, as Craft’s prime location makes a reservation akin to gold dust in the summer.
If you’re not here for food, enjoy one of the many draft beers available from the bar. With over 60 choices brewed right in BC, you may just find a new local favorite! For those fueling up for a day of sightseeing, you can choose from wonderful sharing plates, salads, pizzas, tacos, and juicy burgers. Whatever you order, you’ll want to try and extend your reservation for as long as possible to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 257 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna
Best Kelowna Pizza
Antico Pizza Napoletana
Not only is Antico Pizza Napoletana British Columbia’s number-one-ranked pizzeria, but it also placed in Canada’s ‘Top 3 Pizzerias You Must Try Before You Die’ list. Persuasive stuff.
And honestly, we can see why. Any pizzeria employing a Naples-trained pizzaiolo and flying their tomatoes in from Mt. Vesuvius is clearly pouring passion into their pies. You can taste it in the results too, with each wood-fired slice delicately balancing airy lightness and Neapolitan char.
Their Tartufino Pizza with decadent black summer truffle, cremini mushroom, and arugula blew us away. Or you might opt for a classic Margherita finished with imported Italian mozzarella di bufala, or perhaps you’ll fall for the irresistible taste of prosciutto with the Primavera. They offer authentic pasta dishes too.
Whatever you choose, make sure you wrap it up with a gorgeous house-made tiramisu.
All of this is accompanied by an extensive list of local wines and beers, to bring the Okanagan back into this little slice of Italy.
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 374 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna
DunnEnzies Pizza & Parlour
The fact that local pizza heroes DunnEnzies have three locations across the city is a testament to how highly residents rate their slice. With a notoriously extensive menu, DunnEnzies pride themselves on catering to even the most out-there tastes.
Are you adventurous enough to try their curried Butter Chicken specialty pizza? If not, you could play it safe with the still-unique Tony Beets, featuring roasted garlic, beets, spinach, onion, mozzarella, and goats’ cheese in a balsamic reduction. Diego’s Inferno caters to spice-lovers with a gorgeous chipotle aioli. They also do a full range of traditional pizzas, white pizzas, and customizable gluten-free bases.
Whichever you select, these fan favourites will ensure it comes to you fresh and fantastic. By the time you finish, you’ll be wondering what to try next time round.
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Bellissimo! Pizza Take-Out & Delivery
While they only offer food to-go, we had to include Bellissimo. They have imbued the techniques of Italy with tastes and farm-to-table ethics true to Kelowna.
Relying on local ingredients throughout the year, these delicious pizzas are healthy, farmer-friendly, and environmentally conscious. The world should take note of this principled approach to take-out.
Top your pie with gouda from Triple Island Farm, garlic grown in Vernon, or a variety of veggies fresh from soils just a stone’s throw away. Even the walnuts on their distinctive G for Goat pizza come from Kelowna – if you’re into that sort of thing. Choose from truly original recipes, clever gourmet combos, heaped indulgences, or design your own.
In the summer months, we recommend making up for the lack of dining-in by taking your slices to a local park for a guilty pleasure picnic.
Visit this Kelowna Restaurant:
Address: 4125 Spiers Road, Kelowna