Kelowna’s 8 Most Delectable Farm-to-Table Restaurants

The Okanagan’s best flavours combine in Kelowna to bring you an experience like no other.

Known for its hot summers and temperate winters, Kelowna is quickly becoming the food capital of B.C. And whether you live in Kelowna or are visiting on vacation, you must take note of these eight incredible restaurants. Why? Because they have some of Canada’s best chefs who source their ingredients from local farms and producers and expert sommeliers who can find a perfect pairing for your meal.

1. Vineyard Terrace Restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery

Photo: Tourism Kelowna and CedarCreek Estate WineryThere is no bad seat at this restaurant, located at CedarCreek Estate Winery. Every table offers its patrons an incredible view of the estate and Okanagan Lake, and everything on the menu is equally beautiful (and tasty). The best and freshest seasonal, local ingredients are used to make every meal an experience. Their cheese comes from Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan; their fish from Codfathers Seafood Market; and their produce from Arlo’s Honey Farm, among others. Insider tip: a new restaurant is opening at CedarCreek Estate Winery in 2018, so make sure you return to visit again next year.

2. KRAFTY Kitchen + Bar

Photo: Tourism Kelowna and KRAFTY Kitchen + BarNot only is this a casual farm-to-table eatery, but a grape-to-glass destination, so be sure to imbibe. KRAFTY Kitchen + Bar is a trendy location that dishes the highest quality local ingredients while serving up a little fun. It’s home to the weekend hip hop brunch, where you can enjoy the best of 80s and 90s hip hop music. The restaurant also has Kelowna’s only duck fat fryer. You can worry about your waistline some other time.

3. RauDZ Regional Table

Photo: Tourism Kelowna and RauDZThe staff at RauDZ are considered pioneers in Kelowna’s farm-to-table movement. Ever since the restauarnt opened in 2009, they’ve worked hand-in-hand with local growers and wineries in the Okanagan to ensure their patrons are only offered the best of the best. Their relationships with farmers and winemakers have ensured that you’re eating the most delicious cuts of meat, the freshest vegetables and the tastiest grapes (cheers!). From organic and sustainable to only naturally-raised ingredients, you can taste the difference this restaurant offers. Some of their purveyors of produce include Duggan Farms, Gatzke’s Farm Market, and the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm.

4. Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate

Photo: Tourism Kelowna and Terrace RestaurantThis gem is open all summer long and is the perfect place to soak in some Kelowna rays. Located entirely outdoors, this restaurant is located at Mission Hill Family Estate and overlooks West Kelowna’s rolling hills and vineyards. Whether you’re a red or white wine fan, the endless rows of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes will have you marvelling at the views of the lake. The Estate grows most of their own produce in-house, and they even raise their own honeybees to help keep the gardens healthy. Go see what all the buzz is about.

5. Waterfront Wines Restaurant

Photo: Tourism Kelowna and Waterfront Wines RestaurantTake a pinch of organic, a dollop of local, a dash of seasonal and a whole lotta delicious and you’ll come away with something amazing. Farm-to-table is important at Waterfront Wines, which has been named the “Best Okanagan Restaurant” by the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards for the past eight years. Some of their regular local growers include Don-O-Ray Vegetables, the Function Junction Fruit Stand and many other amazing spots.

6. Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate

Photo: Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ GateIf the Sunday jazz brunch isn’t enough to get you to try the Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate, how about the fact that Open Table named it one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants? Only the best and freshest local ingredients are served up, which means the menu is constantly featuring new seasonal specialties.Starting June 28, on every Wednesday throughout the summer, you can experience the restaurant’s popular long table dinners, during which you’ll be served a four course dinner, paired perfectly with Quail’s Gate’s wines while seated in the vineyard. These events are very popular, so make sure to book in advance as seating is limited. For those dining in the restaurant, make sure to get a table with a view of Okanagan Lake and sip on some of the award-winning Quails’ Gate wines with your meal.

7. Lakeside Dining at Hotel Eldorado

Photo: Tourism Kelowna and Hotel EldoradoBoasting the city’s most extensive seafood offerings and a wine list with over 150 labels, Lakeside Dining at Hotel Eldorado is a quintessential Kelowna experience. It’s more than worth stopping by this lakeshore destination on a Sunday morning to try the best brunch in the Okanagan. The spread features an omelette station, Alaskan King Crab, salmon, shrimp and ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

8. Red Fox Club at Indigenous World Winery

Photo: Red Fox Club InstagramAs an aboriginal inspired restaurant, Red Fox Club at Indigenous World Winery is dedicated to celebrating ingredients from local greenhouses, farms, cheese makers and purveyors. Diners can’t help but see this inspiration in the menu, which includes offerings such as beef pemmican wrapped egg and Peace Country lamb pie. Round off your meal with a glass of red or white in the tasting room at this award winning winery.Kelowna’s farm-to-table establishments offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate the flavours of the region, both on your plate and in your glass. And with lakeside views like those featured above, you might as well extend your weekend in the Okanagan in advance.