Swap the hustle of the big city for the lakeside beauty of Kelowna, an Okanagan city that’s perfect for relaxing, recharging, and soaking up some local culture. And if you didn’t already know, it has an unparalleled food and drink scene.
Whether you’re fancying a locally brewed cider, small bites in the sun, freshly roasted coffee, a glass of crisp wine, farm-to-table food, or craft cocktails, you’ll find them all at some of the city’s best venues.
Here are some must-try places for food and drinks in Kelowna:
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01
KRAFTY Kitchen + Bar
281 Lawrence Avenue
Visit websiteThis Kelowna farm to table eatery focuses on using the best in Okanagan ingredients. A must-visit for any foodie, the restaurant offers up snazzy brunch, lunch, and dinner options, in a casual ambience. Did we mention the bartenders mix up a seriously good Caesar? Splurge for something extra special and garnish it with a burger, fried chicken, or a pancake and egg.
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02
Sandhill Wines
1125 Richter Street
Visit websiteThis Okanagan gem regularly releases new wines, so it’s worth stopping by to taste the latest creations even if you’ve been before. Each year, they release a few distinctive barrels that they craft to perfection as part of their Small Lots program. The result? Flavours and characteristics that set these wines apart from anything you’ve tasted before. The choice is yours, and it’s anything but limited.
Sample some wines at the tasting room, or shop at their onsite store afterwards.
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03
Bright Jenny Coffee
984 Laurel Avenue
Visit websiteStart your day off right with a cup of joe from the small-batch roasters at Bright Jenny. Local brewery Kettle River Brewing even has a stout made with Bright Jenny’s coffee. It’s that good.
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04
Urban Distillery & Winery
402-1979 Old Okanagan Hwy
Visit websiteUrban Distillery & Winery is a true craft whiskey distillery located in West Kelowna.
Each batch of natural craft spirits made here is distilled in German-made, artisan copper stills using premium BC grains, fruits, and water. For those who prefer a glass of wine, be pleasantly surprised when you sample some mead-sweet honey wine, made with Canadian honey and crisp mountain water.
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05
Sunset Organic Bistro at Summerhill Pyramid Winery
4870 Chute Lake Road
Visit websiteSummerhill Pyramid Winery is certified organic and biodynamic and offers unique experiences and tours of their great pyramid replica. Experience the stunning views and delicious culinary treats at their Organic Bistro where much of what you will see on your plate comes from their on-site gardens and the lake and mountain sunsets can't be beat
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06
BNA Brewing Co. and Eatery
1250 Ellis Street
Visit websiteBNA Brewing Co. offers everything you could want when dining in downtown Kelowna: an independent craft brewery, an onsite Tasting Room, and an attached full-service restaurant. The beer is brewed on site and served straight to guests, both in the Tasting Room and the Eatery. Ask the bartender to pour you a glass of fun labels like ‘Tipsy Canoe’ and ‘Don’t Lose Your Dinosaur IPA’. The chef designed the menu to cater to groups, with a diverse assortment of small and share plates like 'Kung Pao Street Fries’ and fish tacos.
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07
Karat Chocolate
1526 Ellis Street
Visit websiteIf you have a sweet tooth, visit purveyors of high-end chocolate and good vibes in Kelowna, Karat Chocolate. This trendy chocolate boutique will undoubtedly wow you with its colourfully decorated, handcrafted, and quirky treats.
Chocolatiers at Karat create edible artworks like you’ve never seen before. With an emphasis on shape, colour, and texture, each piece of artisan chocolate looks even more delicate and delectable than the next.
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08
Scenic Road Cider
770 Packinghouse Road
Visit websiteLocated among the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley, Scenic Road Cider has the perfect home. And it’s aptly named after one of the cidery’s orchard locations. Upon entering the craft cidery, you’ll pass by one of the orchards paramount to the production of the beverages. Make the most of your time and enjoy some samples of dry, razz, and nearly dry cider styles in the cool tasting room.
There are so many reasons to explore Kelowna, and its ever-expanding food and wine scene is certainly one of them. Couple this list with all the city has to offer and you have a weekend itinerary ready for your next trip.
Stay in the loop with everything Kelowna by checking out Tourism Kelowna's #exploreKelowna Blog online. And to see more photos that will make you want to visit even sooner, visit us on Facebook and Instagram.
This story has been adapted from an original article available at: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/blog/post/must-try-places-to-eat-and-drink-in-kelowna/.
