Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is not only known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant wine culture but also for its dynamic food scene. The city is home to a wide range of culinary delights, from farm-to-table eateries to innovative fusion restaurants, most of which use locally-sourced ingredients to give you the best of what the Valley has to offer. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most unique restaurants in Kelowna.
1. Basil & Mint Restaurant
Basil & Mint offers West Coast contemporary cuisine with a touch of simplicity and freshness. It works just as well for date night as it does for larger groups looking for an amazing meal. If you can, snag a spot on their beautiful patio. Local ingredients serve as the inspiration for Chef McGeown’s cuisine. While everything is amazing on the menu, we recommend starting with the Caesar salad then ordering the boneless short ribs or truffled mushroom risotto and Limoncello cheesecake to finish.
3799 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC
3 min drive (1.3km) from the Shore
2. Yamas Tavern
Yamas is one of the best spots in town to take the family. Their traditional Greek menu is delicious, all made from scratch in-house with authentic family recipes, and is definitely kid-friendly. Show up on Saturday night for a special surprise, as resident belly dancer Catherine Blake shakes and shimmies her way through the restaurant. We recommend starting with the calamari then the Yamas platter, finishing off with the ekmek (a traditional Greek bread pudding) for dessert.
1630 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
8 min drive (3.7km) from the Shore
3. West Coast Grill & Oyster Bar
Get a taste of the west coast right here in Kelowna when you visit the delicious West Coast Grill & Oyster Bar. Serving mouthwatering, seasonal cuisine to satisfy every craving, West Coast Grill is the perfect spot to catch up with friends and family.
Check out the tasty prawn fritters and obviously get an order or two of oysters.
1675 Abbott St, Kelowna, BC
8 min drive (3.8km) from the Shore
4. Bernie’s
Looking for dinner and a show? Head to Bernie’s to enjoy a full dinner menu of appies, salads, and mains before you head in to enjoy one of their feature films. Or, enjoy the full movie theatre experience, where the seating styles and limited space make for a cozy and intimate setting. The attentive staff provide amazing service. Try the wagyu beef dumplings and whipped ricotta dip – you won’t regret them.
353 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC
9 min drive (3.9km) from the Shore
5. Friends of Dorothy
This fun and funky lounge and bar is a favourite alternative to Kelowna’s regular dining spaces. The vibe is Louis the XIV meets punk chic and delicious cocktails. The extensive menu will have you returning over and over to try something new every time. Their weekend Drag Brunch is not to be missed with performers visiting from all over to entertain you over breakfast with humour, music, and more!
315 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, BC
9 min drive (3.9km) from the Shore
6. Gather
The renowned Chef Sung Ji Park’s superb Italian and Korean cuisine can be found at Gather in Kelowna’s vibrant downtown. A single big table may seat up to 10 people, and there are other tiny tables for more personal eating experiences.
They offer a range of small, medium, and large dishes on their menu that are perfect for sharing, as is typical in both Italian and Korean cultures, as well as a wine list with over 150 options. We recommend the Korean beef tacos or their signature poke bowl.
460 Doyle Ave #105, Kelowna, BC
10 min drive (4.1km) from the Shore
7. Revelry
This new space is pretty unique for Kelowna. Dubbing itself as a food and music hub, Revelry splits its days between being all-ages and 19+. On the food side, they offer fast casual café dining with seasonal ingredients. On the music side, their unique two-level performance area hosts incredibly exclusive musical events featuring both established artists and fresh up-and-comers. Check their calendar to find your next show!
1383 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
10 min drive (4.2km) from the Shore
8. BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery
For those looking for a unique dining experience paired with an activity, BNA Brewing is a standout choice. This vibrant establishment offers a blend of craft beer culture and delectable pub fare. In addition to their house-brewed beers, they serve up delicious comfort food, including gourmet pizzas and savoury burgers. What sets them apart is their indoor bowling lanes upstairs, creating a fun and social atmosphere for the whole family.
1250 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
10 min drive (4.6km) from the Shore
9. Kasai Teppanyaki Steak & Sushi House
If you’re looking for dinner and entertainment, Kasai is the place to be. In addition to delicious food, the show really is the main attraction. Chef Walter blends together impressive cooking skills, tricks, and some comedy bits to put on a culinary show – you can tell he really loves what he does. We love the 5-spice chicken with its crispy skin and the beef-wrapped asparagus.
1717 Harvey Ave #8, Kelowna, BC
10 min drive (5.3km) from the Shore
10. Woodfire Bakery
For over 30 years, European-inspired Woodfire Bakery has been a go-to for grabbing lunch in Kelowna. Because of its popularity and limited opening hours (Tuesday to Saturday 11am-3pm), it can be pretty busy, but it’s definitely worth the lineup! They’re quick and efficient, so you’re never waiting too long, and their servers are always entertaining as they call out orders behind a cafeteria-style display. We recommend getting one of their meat on Kaiser sandwiches – they’re filled with oh-so-good ingredients and have great portion sizes so you’ll probably have some leftovers for later.
2041 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC
11 min drive (6.1km) from the Shore
11. RauDZ Regional Table
If you’re looking for a true farm-to-table dining experience, RauDZ is a must-visit. Located in downtown Kelowna, this restaurant is committed to showcasing the best of the Okanagan’s locally-sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonal bounty of the region, so you’ll be able to enjoy the freshest and most flavorful dishes no matter when you go.
2041 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC
11 min drive (6.1km) from the Shore
Make it a Memorable Meal Out
These unique restaurants offer a taste of the city’s culinary creativity and its commitment to showcasing the freshest local ingredients. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, wine connoisseur, or just looking for a memorable dining experience, Kelowna has plenty of restaurants that are unique and delicious. After dinner, why not grab a drink at one of Kelowna’s late night happy hours or treat yourself to a delicious frozen dessert.
Unique Restaurants & Accommodations at The Shore
Centrally-located in Kelowna’s Lower Mission, The Shore Kelowna has plenty of unique restaurants to offer right on-site. Enjoy mouth-watering custom burger creations at South St. Burger or if you’re running short on time, check out KB&Co, a plant-based fast-casual café. Build your own sweet treat at Marble Slab Creamery and take in the view with a brew at Shoreline Brewery Co. Enjoy these eateries and more, all without leaving the premises!
Your suite’s amenities include in-suite laundry, a full modern kitchen, and a private deck to enjoy the beautiful Okanagan views. Keyless entry means you and your guests can come and go as you please.