Family. They’re kind of important. And we have a day designated to celebrating them. So, the big question then becomes, where should you eat in Kelowna while celebrating the Family Day long weekend? From pizza and plant-based nourishment to sushi and brunch, I thought I’d pass on some local inspiration for hopefully a bit of memorable family time (and family can be chosen, too).
Antico Pizza Napoletana
I’m a traditionalist when it comes to proper wood-fired pizza, so I go for Margherita Di Bufala all the way with spot-on seasoning and springy lightly blistered crust. The Bernard Avenue restaurant has a light and airy feel to the space, along with a menu filled with antipasto, salads, and pizza with options for the rossa (tomato base) or bianca (no tomato). Parents: they have wines from 50th Parallel, Mission Hill, and Road 13 for some local options, plus Broken Ladder Cider or Okanagan Springs for BC beers. Just in case.
Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery
If you’d like more of a winery restaurant splurge, Old Vines has a kids menu made with top-notch ingredients and things for small hands to colour. Or you can opt for some bubbles and brunch on Sunday.
Provisions Kitchen & Catering at Kettle River Brewing
Located in Kelowna’s north end at Kettle River Brewing, Provisions prides itself on casual eats done right using local ingredients and an ever-changing menu. Expect house-made sausages, Mac N Cheese (or other kinds of pasta), burgers for the weather, their soon-to-be infamous fried chicken, and meat pies that are made for Kettle River’s craft beers. Like BNA and Vice & Virtue, Kettle River is a kid-friendly brewery and the patio is dog-friendly, too, so your furry friends may be able to join you (if you want).
Frankie We Salute You!
Headed up by the incredible husband/wife tag team of Chef Brian and Christina Skinner, Frankie We Salute You! prides themselves on wholesome and hearty plant-based eats, inspired by the fact that the Okanagan does vegetables (and veggies are Brian’s jam.) His goal is to make things ‘as delicious as possible’ and he definitely succeeds at that. Not just salads (although those are great, too), the menu is varied with bowls, and tacos, and pasta, and even a cool kids menu, aptly titled ‘Little Humans,’ featuring a grilled cheese with veggie sticks, sticky fried rice, crispy chickpea and broccoli stir fry (which I would love to try – I’m a small-sized human myself) for the more adventurous eater, pasta with tomato sauce, oh yeah, and a ton of vegan and gluten-free options.
Broken Anchor
Open for lunch or dinner, Broken Anchor is more than fish and chips – Ross’ daily specials and Korean Fried Cauliflower (KFC) keep things exciting. Ok, back to their fish and chips – their batter is gluten-free and they also serve up family packs with a choice of ocean-friendly Pacific Grey Cod, west coast Halibut or Wild BC Salmon, to enjoy at the café or at home.
Krafty Kitchen
How about a Hip Hop Brunch for the young adults in your life? Available at Krafty Kitchen on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., there’s a lot to choose from. From four types of Benny’s (including a vegan one), Big Brunch Bowls (who wouldn’t want to try a dish called Notorious P.I.G?) and sandwiches, too, the problem is choosing what to eat. That’s why you go as a family so you can try all the things.
