The best *hidden gem* restaurants in the Okanagan
Amidst all the beauty the Okanagan has to offer, is an incredible food scene. Some spots, are sadly not well known. Here are my favourite hidden gems in the Okanagan that you need to check out whether you have lived here your whole life, or visit every summer!
This adorable little bistro style restaurant just opened recently, and is tucked away in a plaza best suited for your Grandma (between a wig shop and nail salon), right off Tutt Street. If you didn't know it was there, there's a good chance you'd never see it. But, don't let that fool you - Taylor is making some of the best home style cooking I've tried in awhile. Be sure to try his lamb curry and jalapeno fries - absolutely drool worthy.
A pillar in the Okanagan food scene, another nearly invisible restaurant tucked away in a plaza near Gyro Beach amongst yoga studios and grocery stores. Preparing some of the best European enoteca style fare you'll probably have - ever - and not just in Kelowna. Think amazing pasta, salad, bread - everything is prepared in house. And, they have a locally curated wine list to pair with their excellent dishes.
Come early - this restaurant again, is small, and perpetually busy. I visited this restaurant shortly after returning from a trip to Thailand, and was really impressed with the authenticity of their dishes.
Don't come here expecting Chipotle or Tex Mex - this is the real shit! It's super authentic, country style Mexican food. Right down to the decor, the Mexican wait staff (some of whom don't speak great English, either), it feels like you've stepped into another country.
Thanks to a recommendation from a vegetarian friend (Raegan Hall, holla!), yet again, another amazing eatery tucked away on a side street off Pandosy that I never knew existed. Specialising in vegan fare - don't let that deter you - this food is outstanding, nutritious, filling and just down right spectacular. A must visit!
My only non - Kelowna recommendation - if you're heading wine touring on the Naramata Bench, make this a stop on your way for dinner. OMG - I can't really put into words how good it is. Operated by a husband and wife, with a max of 12 seats in the entire restaurant, everything made from scratch - this food is insane. I probably had the best Caesar salad of my life - I know, such a basic dish to wax delicious about, but seriously - it was that good. Get there - and book ahead!
Tay's Table Hideaway Eatery - Kelowna
This adorable little bistro style restaurant just opened recently, and is tucked away in a plaza best suited for your Grandma (between a wig shop and nail salon), right off Tutt Street. If you didn't know it was there, there's a good chance you'd never see it. But, don't let that fool you - Taylor is making some of the best home style cooking I've tried in awhile. Be sure to try his lamb curry and jalapeno fries - absolutely drool worthy.
The Fixx Cafe - Kelowna
A pillar in the Okanagan food scene, another nearly invisible restaurant tucked away in a plaza near Gyro Beach amongst yoga studios and grocery stores. Preparing some of the best European enoteca style fare you'll probably have - ever - and not just in Kelowna. Think amazing pasta, salad, bread - everything is prepared in house. And, they have a locally curated wine list to pair with their excellent dishes.
Zabb - Kelowna
Come early - this restaurant again, is small, and perpetually busy. I visited this restaurant shortly after returning from a trip to Thailand, and was really impressed with the authenticity of their dishes.
Los Jarros - West Kelowna
Don't come here expecting Chipotle or Tex Mex - this is the real shit! It's super authentic, country style Mexican food. Right down to the decor, the Mexican wait staff (some of whom don't speak great English, either), it feels like you've stepped into another country.
Gratitude Cafe - Kelowna
Thanks to a recommendation from a vegetarian friend (Raegan Hall, holla!), yet again, another amazing eatery tucked away on a side street off Pandosy that I never knew existed. Specialising in vegan fare - don't let that deter you - this food is outstanding, nutritious, filling and just down right spectacular. A must visit!
Front Street Brasserie - Penticton
My only non - Kelowna recommendation - if you're heading wine touring on the Naramata Bench, make this a stop on your way for dinner. OMG - I can't really put into words how good it is. Operated by a husband and wife, with a max of 12 seats in the entire restaurant, everything made from scratch - this food is insane. I probably had the best Caesar salad of my life - I know, such a basic dish to wax delicious about, but seriously - it was that good. Get there - and book ahead!
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