When it comes to dining in Kelowna, there’s a delightful surprise waiting for lovers of Italian cuisine. Kelowna boasts a selection of charming Italian restaurants that are sure to satisfy your cravings for classic pasta, delectable pizza, and mouthwatering desserts.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of Kelowna’s best Italian restaurants, each offering a unique experience that blends traditional flavours with a modern twist. We’ll also cover some local grocery stores and markets where you can get the ingredients to make your own delicious Italian meals from the comfort of your suite.
Going Out
La Bussola Restaurant
If you’re looking for an elegant evening out, La Bussola offers classic Italian dishes and seafood cuisine. This romantic restaurant provides a fine dining experience with its extensive wine list and impeccable service. It’s the perfect spot for a special date night or celebratory dinner. Their Linguine Pescatora, a flavorful seafood pasta, is a must-try dish.
1451 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
11 min drive (4 km) from The Shore
Mamma Rosa Restaurant
Mamma Rosa Restaurant exudes a cozy, homey ambiance. Their menu of homestyle Italian cooking makes you feel like you’re enjoying a meal at an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Generous portions and rich, hearty flavors make you feel like part of the family. Be sure to try Nonna’s Lasagna, a timeless favorite.
561 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna, BC
11 min drive (4 km) from The Shore
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Spaghetti Factory is a tried and true Italian restaurant, perfect for the whole family to get together for dinner. Though their menu is often jokingly compared to a novel, they do make it easy to order with their “it’s all included” mentality. You get a complete meal of bread, soup or salad, a main meal, dessert, and hot tea or coffee, all at one low price.
1755 Capri St, Kelowna, BC
8 min drive (4.6 km) from The Shore
Gather
This Italian-Korean fusion restaurant is not to be missed. The atmosphere in Gather is warm and contemporary, and the food and tables are created for a more personal, shared eating experience.
The menu draws inspiration from the conventional and less-than-traditional cuisine that enriched owner and Chef Sung Ji Park’s family meals growing up. This meticulously crafted dining experience is further influenced by the heritage and travels of co-owner Luigi Coccaro.
We love their extensive wine list and unique cocktail menu. When it comes to their food, it’s hard to decide on just one dish, so bring some friends and order a few different options to share.
1755 Capri St, Kelowna, BC
9 min drive (4.1 km) from The Shore
Famoso
This casual and unpretentious neighborhood spot is a great place to go for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner thanks to their authentic woodfire oven. Famoso is known for its Neopolitan-style pizzas and delicious sides. Enjoy a taste of authentic ingredients and generations-old processes that they use to build them, no matter what you order.
3030 Pandosy St Unit 105, Kelowna, BC
4 min drive (1.6km) from The Shore
Staying In
If you’re craving a cozy night in or anticipating some post-carb sleepiness, why not make use of your suite’s full kitchen and bring the Italian cuisine to you? In addition to the numerous delivery options in Kelowna, there are also variety of Italian-inspired markets that offer a wide range of fresh and local groceries. Check out these spots to find some of the best authentic Italian ingredients in the city.
Mediterranean Market
This gourmet grocery store focuses on Italian, Mediterranean, and European cuisines. While they have plenty of imported products, such as olives, crackers, drinks and more, the highlight is really their deli. Choose from their extensive menu of meats and cheeses to build your own charcuterie or as part of your favourite Italian recipes.
1570 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC
10 min drive (4.4km) from The Shore
Ferrara’s Italian Market
From frozen homemade dinners to sandwiches, soups and more, Ferrara’s is a great shop to get food for those busy nights when you don’t want to cook. Their ready-made meals are all made in-house with love and they’re an easy spot to grab all the ingredients you need for pizza night.
1570 Gordon Dr, Kelowna, BC
7 min drive (3.8km) from The Shore
Valoroso Foods
With a focus on providing an authentic taste of Italy, Valoroso Foods stocks an array of imported cheeses, cured meats, pasta, olive oils, and other gourmet items. Whether you’re a connoisseur seeking the perfect Parmigiano-Reggiano or a casual cook in search of fresh ingredients to elevate your dishes, this local gem has something for everyone.
1467 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC
9 min drive (4.4km) from The Shore
That’s Amore
Kelowna’s Italian restaurants are a testament to the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a family-friendly meal, our city’s restaurants provide a delightful journey through the flavours of Italy, all within the stunning backdrop of the Okanagan Valley.
While we could eat Italian every night, Kelowna has a lot of variety to offer in its thriving culinary scene. Check out our favourite Korean restaurants or the city’s best vegan and vegetarian spots.
Staying at the Shore
When it comes to staying in Kelowna long-term, The Shore is a great choice for accomodations. Our suites have full modern kitchens, which are perfect for pizza night, high-speed internet so you can look up a new recipe to try, and in-suite laundry just in case you accidentally get some sauce on your favourite sweater.