5 lakeside patios to try on your next Kelowna getaway
When you think of Kelowna, there are probably three things that come to mind: great food, amazing drinks, and gorgeous scenery, which offers both lakeside and mountain views.
The city boasts over 25 patios with views of Okanagan Lake, plus 40 wineries, local distilleries, and cideries (not to mention a handful of local up-and-coming craft breweries). Combine these things and you have the perfect destination for taking in a gorgeous view and indulging in some of the best locally-sourced food and drink in Canada.
Kelowna’s dining scene takes full advantage of the beauty of the Valley. Home to some of the best Canadian chefs and farm-to-table restaurants, ingredients are sourced directly from the surrounding orchards, farms, and wineries year-round.
Is there a better way to celebrate the start of spring than taking in the beauty of Okanagan Lake while trying a delicious new meal and a cool bevvy? Maybe, but it’s a tough one to beat. Head to one of these local eateries to take in the lake view and enjoy an amazing local dining experience.
Perch Café/Image: Facebook
Located on the rooftop of the Okanagan Research and Innovation Centre and only a block away from the shore in downtown, the aptly named Perch Café has the highest vantage point in the city. This cozy spot allows patio-goers to take in a VIP view of the mountains, the lake, and the city from above.
Like many of Kelowna’s best restaurants and activities, Perch is best enjoyed with friends; it serves a shareable and focused menu made with local, seasonal ingredients. We recommend splitting the red Pepper Crostini (which is made up of goat feta, roasted garlic, fig preserve, and arugula on top of a toasted baguette,) before digging into either the Roasted Sockeye or Zaatar Crusted Halibut.
Located in the Manteo Resort, Smack DAB boasts the largest patio in the city. Take in the fresh air through the folding glass doors, as the entire space is designed to take advantage of the incredible lake views.
Smack Dab highlights Italian flavours with a variety of pasta dishes and traditional pizzas fresh from their forno oven. For a fresh and unique twist on the traditional Hawaiian, try the Smack Dab Maui pizza, topped with rosemary ham and pineapple and doubling down on the porky goodness with ham AND bacon. Smack DAB is also the ideal haunt for beer lovers, as they have the one of the largest craft beer selections in the city.
For those looking to experience the cutting edge of Kelowna wine, look no further than 50th Parallel Winery. Nestled in the heart of Okanagan Wine Country, the 61-acre estate looks out on Fintry Provincial Park — a view that’s worth the visit all on its own.
This spring marks the opening of 50th Parallel’s new tasting room and restaurant, Block One. The restaurant’s menu will prioritize locally sourced ingredients, including produce picked from the winery’s onsite gardens.
Pair your meal with one of 50th Parallel’s delectable wines (we recommend the pinot gris!) while enjoying great views from the restaurant’s covered patio. Block One is opening this month, so you and your crew could be among the first to try it!
Designed with their surroundings in mind, Red Fox Club is an Indigenous-inspired restaurant that takes a deeply sustainable approach to their food. They make use of the food-rich Okanagan Valley by sourcing ingredients directly from local farms and greenhouses, and diners can gaze out at the panoramic views of West Kelowna from their patio.
Located just off the highway on the west side of Okanagan Lake, Red Fox Club is attached to the Indigenous World Winery’s tasting room. We recommend starting with the Melted Little Qualicum Brie with pear, oat crumble, and pickled cherries. Then, tuck into the Smoked Salmon Dumpling, stuffed with ricotta and served with chiffonade kale, sundried tomatoes, and baby dill.
If you still have room, finish the meal off with their Canadian Inspired Cheese Board, complete with house-made crackers and jams. Talk about a sweet treat!
You’ll find Bonfire Restaurant in The Cove Lakeside Resort, whose patio offers panoramic views of the water. Their cooking style combines classic and rustic techniques, utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, some of which are picked from local gardens.
The BC Salmon is an iconic taste of the province, served alongside squash risotto and market vegetables. If you’re staying at The Cove itself and feel like ordering room service, the Seafood Pizza is where it’s at. It’s made up of a delicious combination of smoked salmon, fried capers, pickled shallots, arugula, and cream cheese — a combination that will satisfy all your weekend getaway goals.
It’s no wonder that Kelowna is a favourite spring and summer destination for big-city and small-town BC residents alike. Only a 55-minute direct flight out of YVR Airport, or a four-hour drive on the panoramic Coquihalla Highway from the Lower Mainland, Kelowna is chock-full of picturesque patio views — so pick a place to try and get busy sippin’!
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