With average afternoon temperatures in the 20Cs through the spring patio season in the Okanagan, it's no wonder the outdoor dining spaces throughout the Kelowna area are some of Canada’s best! The hardest part is choosing which restaurant to go visit. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a few of our favourites to get you started.
Downtown Kelowna
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Earls Kitchen + Bar is home to one of the most established patios in Kelowna. Located beside City Park on Bernard Avenue, one of the main streets in downtown Kelowna, guests have been coming here for 35 years to enjoy the stunning lake view from its rooftop outdoor space.
“Try our Summer Water Rosé with our Santa Fe Chicken Salad,” recommends Brad Attwood, General Manager at Earls Kelowna. “We also have an amazing Happy Hour from 2 to 5 pm daily with many offerings.”
They do not take reservations as the patio is first-come, first-served so try to plan ahead and visit during non-peak hours to avoid disappointment.
CRAFT Beer Market Kelowna
Just a few doors down is CRAFT Beer Market Kelowna. If you’re into draught beer, this is the place to be. With the largest on-tap beverage selection in the city, you’re sure to find something you like to sip on. Or for those of you who can’t decide on just one beverage, you can order a six-pack sampler and choose from either a local or International flight.
Better yet, cheers for a good cause! “We’re very proud of our local rotating beer menu, which includes a Community Brew in support of a local charity,” says Marketing Manager Joanna Britton. Each season CRAFT partners with a local cause and a local brewery to create a one-of-a-kind beer. $1 from every Community Brew sold goes to support their charity partner.
This place also has one of the largest patios in the city! Accommodating up to 160 guests, take in the stellar views of Okanagan Lake from their dining tables, lounge seating, or 360-degree outdoor bar.
Bringing the kids? Their exterior space will feature cornhole and shuffleboard games this summer to keep the little ones entertained while waiting for their food to arrive. For kids 12 and under, there is a kids menu available. Note that minors are only allowed until 9 pm.
We recently checked out their new menu for the patio season and their Mediterranean Hummus was a delicious starter plate to share.
West Kelowna
The Modest Butcher at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery
Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography
Only ten minutes away from the bridge is The Modest Butcher at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery.
“There’s nothing modest about the view from our patio,” says Emily Scott-Wild, Marketing Manager at Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery. “We have misters for hot summer Okanagan days and heaters for the cooler nights.”
The landscape from their outdoor space is also breathtaking. With views of the lake and the vineyard, guests can choose from seats that are full-on sun or a table that is covered.
Open every day from 11 am to 9 pm, you can also book a wine tasting about an hour before your dinner reservation to get the full experience. There is also a picnic area where visitors can share a bottle of wine before their meal if they happen to be waiting for a table.
Annie's Beach Cafe & Lounge at Frind Winery
Another great picnic area that is waiting for you is at Annie's Beach Cafe & Lounge. Located beside the Frind Winery’s waterfront tasting room, you will find families with kids and dogs enjoying the large outdoor space while munching on delicious woodfire pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and baked goods. Groove along to the live musicians playing Sunday and Thursday evenings.
19 Okanagan Grill & Bar
Rounding off our suggestions that are on the west side of the bridge is a great place for foodies who like golf. Get a bucket and hit the driving range before sitting down on the patio at the 19 Okanagan Grill & Bar at Two Eagles Golf Course.
“Gaze down the fairways at the lake while our culinary team crafts your order from fresh ingredients sourced from around our valley and province,” says Merissa Hucul, the restaurant’s Manager.
With an extensive wine list and a collection of hand-crafted cocktails, you’re bound to have a ‘par-fect’ experience at this spot.
Lake Country
The Turtle Bay Pub
Lake Country visitors have many fantastic options for patio dining as well. The Turtle Bay Pub is a locals' favourite for waterfront dining. Known for its cheesy nachos, grab a table and enjoy a cold beer. This a popular spot for current boaters, or those who are hoping to get on the water one day soon – the patio is right beside the marina, providing the perfect view to catch the boats cruising up and down Wood Lake.
The Garden Bistro at O'Rourke's Peak Cellars
Photo by: Kenny Hagen Visuals
The Garden Bistro at O'Rourke's Peak Cellars is where you will find the only year-round patio in this neighbourhood.
“Our weather-proof enclosures allow you to enjoy the outdoor feel without the elements even in the cool months,” boasts Tanja Martell, Communications and PR Director at O'Rourke's Peak Cellars. “Every spring we get excited to open up our outdoor Forno Pizza oven and lift the patio shades.”
Music lovers will love the live performers that will play every Wednesday and Sunday through the summer months. Reservations can be made online. The bistro’s chefs have created a menu that is inspired by their onsite veggie garden and greenhouses, and their dishes are based on local fare.
The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk Winery
Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography
Just five minutes drive from O'Rourke's is another winery restaurant patio, The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk. Showing off panoramic views of the grapevines and Okanagan Lake, recent renovations have added retractable awnings along with heaters so patrons can enjoy an outdoor dining experience regardless of the outdoor elements.
Executive Chef Graham Momer loves to work with local farmers and purveyors and create dishes that showcase their efforts,” says Estate Manager Jeff Hanson. “He creates a seasonal menu that highlights the best of our local Okanagan bounty.”
Keep those sunglasses handy and happy patio hopping!