Kelowna may be best known for its abundance of wineries and vineyards and, of course, its location on the shores of sparkling Okanagan Lake, but its foodie scene is worth a visit in its own right.
With a strong focus on locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, as well as what's fresh and in season, you can't go wrong with any restaurants in Kelowna. Best of all, The Royal Kelowna is located within easy walking distance of many of them, allowing you to get a very literal taste of the city.
The Galley Lakeside Cafe
5-minute walk/2-minute drive
For a quick pick-me-up right along the waterfront, The Galley is one of the best restaurants in Kelowna. It's a fast-casual spot where you order at the walk-up counter and then find a seat on the dog-friendly, heated outdoor patio. Not only is it heated year-round, but there are also cozy fire pits for the chillier months.
Beyond coffee staples, the cafe offers a pleasantly surprising number of gluten-free and vegan choices, plus its legendary rotating gelato flavours.
Bouchon's Bistro
6-minute walk/2-minute drive
If you're the type of foodie who sees food as an experience, head to Bouchon's. The authentic French bistro in the heart of the city's Cultural District delivers in every aspect: excellent environs with superb service, traditional French cuisine, and a location that somehow feels hidden away yet is within walking distance of many top Kelowna attractions. If you can't decide on something, go for the chef's tasting menu, which changes weekly.
Skinny Duke's Glorious Emporium
10-minute walk/3-minute drive
With its retro 70s vibe and one-of-a-kind Italian-Asian fusion menu, Skinny Duke's is one of the restaurants in Kelowna you simply have to experience for yourself. The interior is filled with mismatched vintage sofas, old-school TVs, and plenty of cozy nooks to hang out. Settle in, order some dim sum and pizza, and grab a deck of cards for some friendly competition.
Salt & Brick
11-minute walk/3-minute drive
One of the most unique things to do around Kelowna, at least from a foodie perspective, is dine at Salt & Brick. The menu changes every day, making the experience extra special, even for locals. Keep an eye on the restaurant's social channels, as it frequently hosts live music, special winemaker dinners, and other special events.
Sunny's A Modern Diner
11-minute walk/3-minute drive
We're not the only ones who think Sunny's is one of the best restaurants in Kelowna—Food Network Canada's Big Food Bucket List TV show visited in 2021. Host and expert foodie John Catucci tried two dishes, Chicks on a Raft and Chicken Meets Waffle. Chicks on a Raft is especially memorable, combining peanut butter and savory ingredients, but the whole menu is equally fresh. The patio is also dog-friendly.
Antico Pizza Napoletana
11-minute walk/3-minute drive
Just a few doors down from Sunny's, locals will almost universally tell you that this is the best pizza spot in Kelowna. The thin crust, Naples-style pizza, plus a selection of authentic Italian pastas and desserts, are truly to die for. Even the house Caesar salad has a stellar reputation, and one local reviewer recently said he would "swim across the lake for an order."
OEB Breakfast Co.
14-minute walk/4-minute drive
On the southern edge of downtown and just a couple of blocks from Kelowna City Park, OEB is a brunch staple. The colourful interior is cheery and bright, but the food is the star here. OEB is best known for its variety of out-of-the-box egg "bennys," served on all-butter croissants and with unexpected toppings (Moroccan Waterfowl and Korean Bulgogi, for example). The banana cream pie French toast is also worth a look—and the calories.
Bohemian Cafe
14-minute walk/4-minute drive
Known affectionately as "The Boh" (pronounced like "Bow"), this cafe is a staple among restaurants in Kelowna. It's been around for over 30 years! Almost everything is locally sourced, and you'll find everything from breads to jams and meats are homemade. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but any dish featuring Oma & Opa's original breakfast sausage is a winner. It's scratch-made and the recipe hasn't changed in decades (it's that good!).
Just Peachy
14-minute walk/4-minute drive
The overall experience at Just Peachy is like an instant mood booster. The colourful, Instagrammable interior perfectly matches the bright acai bowls and smoothie bowls, featuring many ingredients sourced locally. It's the perfect light breakfast or snack to fuel all your fun Kelowna activities.
Okanagan Street Food
21-minute walk/4-minute drive
As the restaurant itself puts it, this is "simply elevated comfort food." But while it may be simple, it's executed expertly, with every dish loaded with layers of complex flavour. The menu changes constantly, and you can choose between dining in or getting take-and-bake. Extra perks really do elevate this casual experience, including a dog-friendly patio and the city's biggest hot sauce bar.
Frankie We Salute You!
8-minute drive
Even devoted carnivores adore this vegetarian restaurant (really!). Alongside menu staples like salads and soups, you'll find plenty of creative and unexpected options—think carrot cake waffles and Baja celery root tacos. In addition to the food items, Frankie serves a nicely curated selection of local wine, beer, and seasonal cocktails. The restaurant even makes its own vegan version of Bailey's! Don't miss the daily happy hour from 3-5:00 pm, when you can score an appetizer and classic Aperol Spritz at a steep discount.
Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery
22-minute drive
For its winning combination of incredible views, chic ambiance, and impeccable service, Home Block is one of the best restaurants in Kelowna. Both the restaurant and adjacent tasting room overlook the lake and have outdoor patio seating, and you can choose from an array of "wine-forward" prix fixe 3-5-course dinners or a 2-course paired lunch. On the winery side, you can enjoy several tasting experiences and nosh on sharing plates.
