Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley have a dining scene that blends relaxed valley charm with refined culinary talent. Among the city’s many restaurants, a handful stand out for offering a more elevated dining experience. If you are looking to explore some of Kelowna’s Must-Try Foodie Spots, these five restaurants are the perfect place to start.
Bouchons Bistro
(1) Dish at Bouchons Bistro. Photo: Bouchons Bistro, (2) Famous Escargot at Bouchons Bistro. Photo: Bouchons Bistro, (3) Outside Bouchons Bistro. Photo: Bouchons Bistro
Tucked away on Sunset Drive, Bouchons Bistro brings a taste of France to the Okanagan. This charming, Parisian-inspired bistro is known for its warm ambiance, white tablecloth service, and authentic French flavours. Classic dishes meet modern execution here, creating a dining experience that feels timeless. Pair your meal with a glass of Okanagan or French wine for the full experience. Try the recommended dish: Escargot, a favourite that captures the essence of traditional French cuisine.
Derrick’s Steakhouse
(1) Wagyu Tartare at Derrick's Steakhouse. Photo: Derrick's Steakhouse, (2) Dining at Derrick's Steakhouse. Photo: Derrick's Steakhouse, (3) Tableside Service at Derrick's Steakhouse. Photo: Derrick's Steakhouse
If you are craving a premium steakhouse experience in the heart of downtown Kelowna, Derrick’s Steakhouse delivers with style. Known for its sleek interior and great service, Derrick’s specializes in perfectly aged beef, fresh seafood, delicious chicken, vegetarian dishes, and a curated wine list that highlights both Okanagan and international selections. The warm atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for business dinners, romantic evenings, or celebratory nights out. A top choice for diners is the Wagyu Steak Tartare, prepared to perfection and paired beautifully with a local red.
Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery
(1) Views at Home Block Restaurant. Photo: Ken Hagen, (2) Plating at Home Block Restaurant. Photo: Ken Hagen, (3) Dinner at Home Block Restaurant. Photo: Ken Hagen
Few dining experiences rival the beauty of enjoying a meal surrounded by vineyard views, and Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery offers just that. Located along Lakeshore Road, this farm-to-table restaurant is a destination in its own right. Executive chefs craft menus that highlight regional ingredients, often sourced from local farms and foraged from the valley. Meals are designed to pair seamlessly with CedarCreek’s award-winning wines. Guests rave about the Wine Paired Dinner, which perfectly reflects the Okanagan’s offerings.
Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate
(1) Dining Table at Terrace Restaurant. Photo: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, (2) Dinner at Terrace Restaurant. Photo: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, (3) Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Photo: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
High on the West Kelowna slopes, Terrace Restaurant is an iconic dining destination known for its panoramic vineyard views and exceptional seasonal menus. Located within Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, this award-winning restaurant combines breathtaking architecture with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients. Dining on the open-air terrace during the summer months is a must! Be sure to try the 3-course, wine-paired Summer Dinner Menu, featured as part of their menu that celebrates the best of the Okanagan Valley's freshest, seasonal ingredients.
Waterfront Wines
(1) Lamb Dish at Waterfront Wines., (2) View into the Kitchen at Waterfront Wines., (3) Seasonal Dish at Waterfront Wines.
Rounding out Kelowna’s elevated dining experiences is Waterfront Wines, a cozy yet sophisticated spot that consistently tops local “best of” lists. Located near the downtown waterfront, this restaurant is beloved for its commitment to local ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship. The menu shifts frequently to showcase the freshest produce, meats, and cheeses from the Okanagan, all complemented by an exceptional wine program. Their Seared Sablefish Filet exemplifies the restaurant’s philosophy of simple ingredients elevated through thoughtful preparation.
Planning Your Elevated Dining Experience
Exploring these elevated dining destinations is a perfect way to taste Kelowna’s culinary culture and uncover some of the city’s Must-Try Foodie Spots. From intimate bistros to vineyard terraces, each restaurant reflects the flavours and hospitality that make the Okanagan a true foodie haven. Pair your visit with a local wine flight or plan your dinner around a sunset over the lake to create a night that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Visit here for a full list of restaurants in Kelowna and area.
Cover Image: Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery