Another chorus of “Hip Hip Horray!” for Canada’s first and only City of Gastronomy! Kelowna proudly took home the coveted title in late 2025, firmly establishing itself as the tastiest place to be in the country. Of course, many of us have long-since known that there is a lot more to the Okanagan Valley than beaches and peaches (although there are those in abundance!), but if you’re new here, or simply just looking for some bite-sized inspiration for your next trip, here are nine must-try bites and sips in Kelowna. Seriously, you MUST try them.

Big Cinnamon Bun - The Bohemian Cafe

Look, it isn’t often that food makes me squeal. Yes, it does happen, but we’re talking once in a blue moon. So imagine my delight, dear reader, to find a squeal-worthy baked good right in downtown Kelowna. The Bohemian has been a brunch staple since 1991, and has a menu replete with big hitters, such Huevos Bohemian, and the beloved Blueberry Pancakes. I have to be honest, throwing in the cinnamon bun to my order was a last-minute decision, and if I’m being double honest, I ordered it because I thought it would look nice in an Instagram snap. The joke was on me because it turns out this ooey gooey, pillowy, sweet ‘n’ spiced delight will live rent-free inside my mind forevermore
 

Tofu Thai Green Curry + Chickpea Fries - Frankie We Salute You! 

Frankie We Salute You! owner, Brian Skinner, proudly declared to me that Kelowna is the vegetable district of British Columbia and, truly, there is nowhere better to get a taste of the bountiful growing season than the Farmer’s Market adjacent vegan eatery. Brian was the brains behind Vancouver’s lauded Acorn restaurant, selling the business in 2014 to open his beloved spot in the city. Colours and flavours pop in abounds here; think airy art studio meets scratch kitchen with as many plants on the plate as adorning the walls. While the menu plays by the rules of the season, the chickpea fries are A) a staple, and B) a must, plus the Thai Green Curry was among the best I have ever tasted, and I spent a month backpacking in Thailand. Brian…I salute you!

The Meat Sweats + Side Stunners + A Beer Flight - The Hatching Post

^{Texas-style BBQ at The Hatching Post.}

Don’t worry, meat-loving besties, there’s plenty of fresh flesh to be roasted and toasted according to your carnivorous palates. Because the synergy of beer and meat is a tale as old as time, may I propose a trip to The Hatching Post for a hunking great platter of BBQ, and a thirst-quenching flight of locally brewed craft beer? I’ve long believed that supporting characters such as creamy coleslaw (swoon) and corn bread (double swoon) are just as intrinsic to a meat platter as, well, the meat. To that note, be sure to add the “Side Stunners” to your order, too.

Terroir to Table Menu - Home Block at Cedar Creek Estate Winery

Think unpretentious but elevated fare in a stunning open concept, exposed brick dining room at Home Block Restaurant. The vibe is as immaculate as the wine list at Cedar Creek, with ingredients sourced locally from farmers, fisheries, foragers, ranchers, and even from the property’s own garden. Chef Neil Taylor’s menu is ever-changing to suit the season, but is always fresh, rustic and delectable. Also, you get to savour every bite while overlooking a dreamy vineyard. Perfection. 

Broken Barrel Syrah - Crown and Thieves Winery

^{Tasting Room at Crown & Thieves Winery.}

Dare I admit another “came for the ‘gram, stayed for the sheer deliciousness” situation here? Crown and Thieves Winery looks like the mise-en-scène for a film noir set in a satanic church, but, like, in the best way?! Try the Broken Barrel Syrah in all its bold, decadent, rebelliousness; it is truly a sip most befitting of the space. Oh, and be sure to explore the basement. If you know, you know (and you’ll want to know).

Umami Martini - BTS Cocktail Bar | Born to Shake

^{BTS Cocktail Bar (Born To Shake).}

BTS Cocktail Bar is a space luxuriously accented with gold and green velvet, which makes it the perfect backdrop for a martini, in my opinion. Retail by day, gorgeous cocktail bar by night, pop by after 5 pm to try their umami riff ‘tini for a savoury sensation. Oh, and extra hot tip: ask to try their housemade banana liqueur; it’s a certified (by me, anyway) banger.

Snap Pea Soda at Bernie’s Supper Club & Cinema

Okay, Bernie’s, I see you and, WOW! When somebody described Bernie’s to me as a “cocktail and seafood bar housed in an Art Deco movie theatre” I already knew the Downtown Kelowna spot was a soulmate waiting in the wings to rock my world…but somehow it was even better than I imagined!? I do not shy away from a booze forward cocktail, and please rest assured that Bernie’s offerings are nothing short of flawless, yet somehow bartender Griff’s non alcoholic Snap Pea Soda was the sip that changed my life. I mean it.

Limoncello - Luckhurst Farm & Distillery

^{Luckhurst Farm & Distillery.}

Just a little PSA for you, but not only do Luckhurst Farm & Distillery make wonderful small batch spirits and liqueurs, but they also have goats on the property (GOATS!), plus a menagerie of other animals you can visit during your visit to what can only be described as a fairytale cocktail palace. Owners Laura & Joe have curated a series of sips inspired by their storied ancestors, including the Nurse Campbell Limoncello, named after Laura’s mother. Macerating lemon peel for thirty days to draw out the oils and natural flavour, I suspect this bottle is additionally infused with pure magic.

Kay, so, see you in Kelowna? Come hungry because, baby, we’re feasting!