Oliver is a small town that provides reasonable variety in its dining options. There's an easy-going local atmosphere in downtown cafés and bistros, family restaurants, golf course and ethnic eateries. Fast food staples are available and Burrowing Owl Winery covers the fine dining end of the spectrum. Abundant local produce features in Oliver menus along with extensive selections of Okanagan wines, often including labels not available in stores.
People in Oliver like to gather for a cup of java and maybe a pastry or light lunch. Local favourites include the Oliver's Bakery & Deli (34830 97th St) and the Cock & Bull Cappuccino Bar (34849 97th St), known for its cinnamon buns and breakfast sandwich. Crucetti's in the Oliver Place Mall is an authentic diner where breakfast is king.
The Crush Pad Bistro (35681 97th St) lays on a world fusion menu featuring fresh local ingredients. The small, intimate setting is popular with locals and visitors.
Deli Delights
Cantaloupe Annie's (34845 97th St), named for the time when Oliver was renown for its massive shipments of cantaloupes, is famous in its own right. Known up and down the valley for its Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, this little main street eatery is part deli-tapas bar-tea room. Order a picnic lunch to take wine touring.
Ethnic Eateries
With a large Indo-Canadian population, it's no surprise that Oliver offers terrific Indian food. Best of India (36094 97th St) features authentic dishes, spiced to suit Canadian tastes. This is another restaurant that attracts diners from all over the Thompson Okanagan region. Oliver Garden (35617 97th St) lays on the Chinese buffet while Savvios (34646 97th St) serves Greek and Italian.
Golf Course Fare
The menu in the Clubhouse & Lounge at Fairview Mountain Golf Course (13105 334th Ave) includes appies, burgers and fine dining. For freshly barbecued fare and a great view, try the Diamondback Grill & Patio. For more great views, check out the patio at Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course (37041 71st St). The Canyon Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, appies and dinner. Both golf course eateries offer great selections of Okanagan wines.
Winery Dining
The wine list at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery's Sonora Room Restaurant (100 Burrowing Owl Place) changes regularly and offers wines that are no longer available for sale. Chef Bernard Casavant's menu showcases local seasonal organic produce and artisan cheeses to compliment the panoramic vineyard view.
To Market
For do-it-yourself gourmet dining, the Oliver Country Market & Fair presents seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade baking and preserves on Saturday mornings in the Agro-Pavillion at Lion's Park from mid-June to October. Stop by one of Oliver's many roadside stands for fresh-picked fruits and vegetables in season.
For more information on eating out in Oliver, check with the Visitor Centre.
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