As the summer season ramps up, it's time to think about visiting the Okanagan for winery dinners, fun on the lake and hiking the trails. Here now, our guide to 48 hours in Kelowna, taking in everything from coffee and cocktails to picnics and dinner. Got somewhere you want to add? State your case in the comments below or on the tipline.
Chef Mark Filatow's sure touch makes seasonal Okanagan ingredients sing. This is a chef at the absolute top of his game and it shows; flavours are wonderfully balanced and any experimental touches (for instance apple kimchi with a velvety scallop and miso emulsion) work beautifully. Finish with his house-made charcuterie and local cheeses.
Relative newcomer to the scene, the Salted Brick is the creation of Vancouver restaurant scene heavyweight, Jason Leizert. The superb charcuterie is made in-house, try a board paired with local cheeses and Pacific North West wine.
The lovely tasting room and attention to every detail here tells you all you need to know about talented craft distillers Okanagan Spirits. If all you've ever tasted is sickly fruit liquers, prepare for a revelation as the ones here are a true expression of the fruit in a gloriously boozy base. Pony up to the tasting bar and prepare to leave with bottles clanking in your bag.
Fabulous room with an old-fashioned bar, excellent service and a prime Water St location. On the menu a monthly-changing spread of small plates of internationally-inspired bites with particularly delicious cheeses and charcuterie. Top Chef Canada alumna, Evelynn Takoff is on chef duties.
Big sister to Micro, where the latter focuses on the tastes of the rest of the world, Raudz looks to the bounty of the Okanagan’s backyard. Think organic, sustainable ingredients and celebrate the very finest of each season on a plate.
A treasure trove of German delicacies (and, indeed, all things Teutonic from magazines to shampoos!) Illichmann’s is a Kelowna institution. All the superb deli meats are prepared in-house from Alberta beef that's ethically raised and slaughtered. Pop to the cafe next door to grab sandwiches stuffed with the best Westfalen ham you've ever had.
Your first stop for excellent coffee in Kelowna. Bean to cup espresso enthusiasts with a competitive barista programme operating a 'one cup, one jug' policy. Result? Excellent coffee. Every time. Ask about their innovative eco-friendly roaster.
Possibly the very best croissants outside of France whipped up by super-baker, Monika Walker and team. There are two locations, the bake shop on Windsor Rd smells better than anywhere on earth after a fresh batch of gluten goodies come out of the oven. There is also an outlet at Guisachan Village.
British fishmonger Jon Crofts has been keeping Kelowna supplied with the freshest, most sustainable catch for over a quarter of a decade. The best place in town to get candied and hot-smoked salmon and other fishy treats for a picnic. Give them an hour's notice and they'll put a tray of delicacies for you to take away.
A BC winery with its own pyramid? Believe in the power of the mystic here at Summerhill, who make some of the best sparkling in BC. Their Cipes Brut is a multi-medal winner. Sit out on the terrace overlooking the vines at the Sunset Organic Bistro to enjoy seasonal local produce from chef Jesse Croy.
Chef Mark Filatow's sure touch makes seasonal Okanagan ingredients sing. This is a chef at the absolute top of his game and it shows; flavours are wonderfully balanced and any experimental touches (for instance apple kimchi with a velvety scallop and miso emulsion) work beautifully. Finish with his house-made charcuterie and local cheeses.
Relative newcomer to the scene, the Salted Brick is the creation of Vancouver restaurant scene heavyweight, Jason Leizert. The superb charcuterie is made in-house, try a board paired with local cheeses and Pacific North West wine.
The lovely tasting room and attention to every detail here tells you all you need to know about talented craft distillers Okanagan Spirits. If all you've ever tasted is sickly fruit liquers, prepare for a revelation as the ones here are a true expression of the fruit in a gloriously boozy base. Pony up to the tasting bar and prepare to leave with bottles clanking in your bag.
Fabulous room with an old-fashioned bar, excellent service and a prime Water St location. On the menu a monthly-changing spread of small plates of internationally-inspired bites with particularly delicious cheeses and charcuterie. Top Chef Canada alumna, Evelynn Takoff is on chef duties.
Big sister to Micro, where the latter focuses on the tastes of the rest of the world, Raudz looks to the bounty of the Okanagan’s backyard. Think organic, sustainable ingredients and celebrate the very finest of each season on a plate.
A treasure trove of German delicacies (and, indeed, all things Teutonic from magazines to shampoos!) Illichmann’s is a Kelowna institution. All the superb deli meats are prepared in-house from Alberta beef that's ethically raised and slaughtered. Pop to the cafe next door to grab sandwiches stuffed with the best Westfalen ham you've ever had.
Your first stop for excellent coffee in Kelowna. Bean to cup espresso enthusiasts with a competitive barista programme operating a 'one cup, one jug' policy. Result? Excellent coffee. Every time. Ask about their innovative eco-friendly roaster.
Possibly the very best croissants outside of France whipped up by super-baker, Monika Walker and team. There are two locations, the bake shop on Windsor Rd smells better than anywhere on earth after a fresh batch of gluten goodies come out of the oven. There is also an outlet at Guisachan Village.
British fishmonger Jon Crofts has been keeping Kelowna supplied with the freshest, most sustainable catch for over a quarter of a decade. The best place in town to get candied and hot-smoked salmon and other fishy treats for a picnic. Give them an hour's notice and they'll put a tray of delicacies for you to take away.
A BC winery with its own pyramid? Believe in the power of the mystic here at Summerhill, who make some of the best sparkling in BC. Their Cipes Brut is a multi-medal winner. Sit out on the terrace overlooking the vines at the Sunset Organic Bistro to enjoy seasonal local produce from chef Jesse Croy.
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