Kelowna is a haven for foodies. Kelowna chefs are strongly committed to sourcing local ingredients, frequently going to considerable lengths to support Okanagan growers and producers. This extends to wine lists as well. Look for extensive selections of Okanagan wines, often including exclusive labels not available in stores.
Although a developing sophistication is evident in décor, food, and wine offerings, the city's restaurants retain a laidback and friendly appeal.
Of course, Kelowna does offer a range of casual fare and ethnic eateries, and fast food staples are readily available.
Upscale Dining
Kelowna attracts some the best chefs from across the country, so there is no shortage of posh nosh. RauDZ Regional Table (1560 Water St) is the gutsy reincarnation of Fresco, the Okanagan's only four-diamond restaurant, with a new look and menu (but still including some of chef Rod Butters signature dishes), while Seven Six Four (4600 Lakeshore) is the neighbourhood eatery of Waterfront Restaurant's chef Mark Filatow. Playa Del Sol Resort's Cabana Bar & Grille (3799 Lakeshore) offers the culinary talents of Ned Bell - formerly a regular on Food Network Canada's "Cook Like a Chef." The Lakeside Kelowna Dining Room at the Hotel Eldorado (500 Cook Rd) has, locals say, one of the best patios in the city, not to mention an award of excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. Also, try The Rotten Grape (231 Bernard Ave) and Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar (1180 Sunset Dr) for tapas and an expansive selection of wines by the glass, or check out Bouchons Bistro (1180 Sunset Dr) for French flavour.
Winery Dining
At Sunset Bistro (Summerhill Pyramid Organic Winery, Kelowna), the Grapevine Restaurant (Gray Monk Cellars Winery, Lake Country) and The Old Vines Restaurant (Quails' Gate Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, West Kelowna), take in unrivalled views and menus especially designed to pair with onsite wines.
Do-it-Yourself Gourmet Dining
The Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market features products from 145 vendors in peak season and amazing on-site food (April through October). Illichmann's is the German-deli in Kelowna, and Valoroso Foods specializes in Italian fare. Il Mercato (West Kelowna) offers deli meats and cheeses. As does the Mediterranean Market (1570 Gordon Dr), with its wide selection of cheeses, olives and deli-style meats. In Kelowna, cheese lovers can head for Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan. Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads (Kelowna) stocks a broad selection of Okanagan-made preserves, salad dressings, vinegars, and ready-made soups, sauces and entrees.
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