10 Incredible Restaurants in West Kelowna You Need to Try

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Having lived in West Kelowna for most of my life, I’ve watched it grow from a small town with little more than fast food options, into a true contender in the diverse and incredible food scene of the Okanagan Valley.

The area is most known for its wineries and stunning scenery, which in turn has contributed to the need for more upscale restaurants to match. Wine is always better when paired with good food and a view right? And the addition of these upscale restaurants, many with glorious patios overlooking the lake, has put West Kelowna on the map as a foodie destination.

But its not just the wineries that contribute to the food scene. There are lots of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists but beloved by the locals! As locals ourselves, I’ve shared our favourite restaurants in West Kelowna, old and new!

The Modest Butcher

Located at Mount Boucherie Winery, this restaurant is situated in the heart of wine country with stunning vineyard and lake views. The restaurant itself sits atop the expansive wine shop and tasting room that pours out onto a lovely picnic area.

View of a restaurant overlooking vineyards and lake. There is an upstairs and downstairs patio.

Fancy but not pretentious is how I would describe the vibe. We have dressed up in our finest for dinner or had a casual patio lunch. Nobody is judging you here! Favourite things on the menu are the “Fried Brussels” (a must order) and “Things on Toast” – an ever changing assortment of fixings on a grilled country loaf accompanied with whipped feta. Always delicious and can be made gluten free upon request! Cocktails are uniquely and carefully crafted and the wine selection is extensive. The Mount Boucherie Rosé being the perfect patio wine in my opinion!

View looking back at the restaurant from the grass. A two lovel modern building surrounded by grass and picnic tables

View overlooking a lake, mountains and vineyards

Old Vines Restaurant

Located at Quails Gate Winery, this is one of our favourite upscale restaurants in the area. The menu is ever changing with the seasons and the chefs carefully curate the dishes using local, sustainable ingredients whenever possible.

Although Old Vines Restaurant is on the pricier side, you really do get what you pay for. Excellent service, world class food and wine pairings, and incredible attention to detail. You can really see the intention behind every plate. Allergies are taken very seriously here – I myself cannot eat gluten, dairy or onions and they have always gone out of their way to ensure I have a meal that I can enjoy safely. Worth every penny in my opinion! And the vineyard, lake and mountain views are the cherry on top!

Fish on a blue plate of lentils topped with greens. Wine glasses are on the table and a faint lake view is in the distance

Salad on a white plate - greens, radishes, pecans and carrot

Mission Hill

Mission Hill Winery has been a prominent landmark in West Kelowna for decades with its bell tower standing tall on the side of Mount Boucherie. And I would say it is probably the most upscale of all the dining in the area. The chefs here even cooked for the Royal Family during their tour of British Columbia back in 2016. There are a few different experiences to enjoy, all just as wonderful as the next.

Grand archway leading to a bell tower in the distance

The outdoor Terrace Restaurant provides panoramic lake views and has been named “One of the Top Five Winery Restaurants in the World” in previous years. Enjoy a seasonal, farm to table menu paired with their award-winning wines. Note that the Terrace Restaurant is closed during the winter months.

Nighttime photo of a terrace illuminated by lights overlooking a lake.

For a more intimate and exclusive visit, Mission Hill also offers multi-course meals, lounge experiences and culinary classes where you can get expert lessons from the chefs themselves. These experiences are a top choice for celebrations or special occasions. Check the Mission Hill website for current offerings.

Beef tenderloin atop a colourful plate of vegetables

Chocolate dessert - cake with raspberry coulis and decorative flowers

19 Okanagan Grill + Bar

This lovely restaurant is located at Two Eagles Golf Course with a beautiful patio that overlooks the lake and the 18th hole. The menu is very comprehensive and includes burgers, sandwiches, steaks, tacos, bowls and a fantastic kids menu as well! The popcorn chicken is a family favourite! Local and sustainable ingredients are used whenever possible which gives this an extra thumbs up in my books!

I have to include that 19 is (in my opinion) one of the best restaurants in the Okanagan Valley in terms of celiac safety. Our daughter is celiac and they go out of their way to make everything safe for her including having a separate fryer in their kitchen. We just make sure to tell our server and they have always made it a very pleasant experience for her.

The entrance to a building with beautifully carved totem pillars

Red and black Indiginous art carved into two large doors

Just a note that the owner of 19 (Neil Martens) has opened up a second restaurant at Fitzpatrick Winery just past Peachland called 19 Bistro @ Fitz. It’s a gorgeous patio overlooking Okanagan Lake that is open from May-September. We have yet to check it out but my guess is its going to be a new favourite! Stay tuned!

Cherry Pit Restaurant

The classic breakfast diner! Having a line up out the door every weekend should tell you everything you need to know about this West Kelowna icon! People want good comfort food and the Cherry Pit delivers! Although they are most famously known for their breakfasts, the Cherry Pit also serves homestyle lunches and dinners and has remained one of the most beloved local spots in West Kelowna.

Il Mercato Social Kitchen

Unassuming from the outside, this restaurant offers an authentic Italian menu sure to please the pickiest of eaters! A warm welcoming atmosphere and quality food made from scratch make this one of West Kelowna’s best hidden gems. A local favourite for thin crust pizza, the menu also features authentic pastas as well as vegetarian and gluten free options. But its the relaxed social setting that makes this a favourite place to gather over good food and wine.

A wall of wine with a ladder to reach the higher bottles

Chicken Parmesean on a white plate with broccolini on the side

Margarhita pizza - red sauce with cheese and basil on a thick crust

View of tables side by side - a booth on one side and chairs on the other side. The tables are black with wine glasses and cutlery on top.

Everest Indian Restaurant

I’ve tried most of the Indian restaurants in the Kelowna area and I have to say that the food here is my favourite! There are certainly some close contenders, don’t get me wrong, but this one is my go-to. Lots of vegetarian and gluten free options (stated on the menu). The space itself is nothing too fancy but its always clean and the staff is welcoming! But let’s be honest, it’s the food that really counts and it never disappoints!

Lakesider Brewing Co.

Our go-to brewery in West Kelowna! The space is beautiful and the pizza is fantastic (GF options available). There are other options too – salads and sandwiches, tacos and of course a wide variety of brews to choose from. Ryan usually goes with a flight of beer and I usually go for a cocktail or glass of wine (always local). There is also a lovely patio which makes this one of our favourite summer lunch spots!

Man wearing a black sweatshirt that says "MTN LIFE" on the front. He is drinking a beer and has a plate of chicken wings in front of him

A pizza on a piece of blue and white checkered parchment paper. The pizza has cheese, apples and greens on the top with a white sauce.

Kekuli Cafe

This Indigenous owned cafe is one of the most welcoming spots in West Kelowna! Featuring fresh baked bannock as their main staple – incorporating it into burgers, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and sweet treats! There are also plenty of gluten free and dairy free choices including Harvest Bowls and Powwow Tipi Tacos. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and tea as well as smoothies and iced drinks for those hot summer days. Kekuli Cafe is easy for grab and go or to sit down and enjoy the beautiful artwork that adorns the space!

Photo of bannock bitz - which are like mini donuts covered in sugar.

A bowl with rice, chicken, corn, beans, lettuce and tomato salsa on the side.

The Beach Cafe at Frind

Frind Beach Café, located at Frind Estate Winery (North America’s only beach front winery), is the perfect stop for fresh morning baked goods and a coffee, or a delicious pizza or sandwich at lunch. With cozy indoor seating, a beautiful patio, and lakefront picnic spots, it’s our go-to after a morning beach run, or the ideal place to enjoy a mid-day snack while soaking up the Okanagan sun.

Picture of the inside of a cafe. Tan wicker lights line the celing, hard wood floors and warm wood tables.

An outside patio with tables and wine barrels surrounded by grass. A building stands in the background with the words "Frind" written on it.

Looking for a cozy winter experience? Frind Beach Café also offers winter dome dining Wednesday through Sunday, featuring a menu sure to please everyone, even kids!

The same patio at night in the winter. Clear domes with tables inside adorn the patio. The domes are lit up and there are small white lights along the top of the building.

The Okanagan Valley is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the British Columbia food scene and West Kelowna deserves a spot on that map. While not a large town, it makes up for it with warm hospitality, stunning beaches, world renowned wineries and a food scene that consistently impresses.