Kelowna & The Okanagan Valley: A Guide to Canada’s First UNESCO City of Gastronomy

I love food, and my travels have shaped my palate and enhanced my culinary skills. When visiting a new destination, I find that knowing where ingredients come from plays an important role in learning about the area’s culture and community. This marks my third visit to a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Kelowna, British Columbia, recently received this designation due to its strong connection to the land, Indigenous foods and a community where food brings people together.

HIghlights

• Deep Indigenous Roots: The local food scene draws its strength from the Syilx Okanagan Nation’s philosophy: “Caring for the land in turn cares for the people.” This tradition forms the backbone of the region’s sustainable farming.
• True Farm-to-Table: The Okanagan Valley’s semi-arid climate creates ideal growing conditions for fruit and produce. Local chefs can easily source ingredients harvested the same day.
• A Packed Drink Scene: The Okanagan Valley is famous for its vineyards, but the local drink culture goes way beyond wine. Independent craft breweries, local distilleries and small-batch coffee roasters give the area a homegrown energy.
• Endless Places to Eat: With more than 40 wineries and over 500 restaurants, I get to try something new with every visit to Kelowna.

Editor’s note: the writer was hosted.

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The Kelowna Starter Kit: Markets, Makers and Downtown Discovery

Before I started exploring the culinary scene, I visited the Kelowna Visitor Centre in downtown Kelowna. I found super helpful ladies who answered all my questions, and a great gift shop stocked with local products.

Exploring a local farmers’ market is a great way to meet growers and learn about their produce. Don’t miss these two

• Paynter’s Fruit Market: Owner Jennay Oliver, a fourth-generation farmer, is known for her sustainable farming practices, which provide her community with healthy food.
• Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’Market: I love how a farmers market allows you to meet a variety of producers in one location. I found many products I could take home as unique souvenirs.

Kelowna Culinary Travel: Don’t Miss these Restaurants in the Okanagan Valley

With more than 500 restaurants in the area, I couldn’t eat at all of them, but here are a few I tried. Usually, when I travel, one or two meals stand out for me, but on this trip, every single meal I tried was outstanding. I think it comes down to why Kelowna is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. People really care about where their food comes from and support local farmers and purveyors. Chefs transform these fresh, local ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Lakeside Dining by Eldorado

The Hotel Eldorado celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, and I stayed here during my visit. Lakeside Dining retains the same timeless charm and elegance that captivated me five years ago on my last visit.

• The Vibe: Floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous lake views. It’s refined, elegant and historic.
• On the Plate: The Classic Eggs Benedict reinvents the traditional recipe. Instead of English muffins, crisp house cheddar biscuits are topped with shaved ham, so much nicer than a hunk of Canadian bacon. I loved a breakfast salad instead of hash browns.
• What to Drink: The lounge is famed for its classic cocktails and old fashioneds. Try a seasonal cocktail. Enjoy the dark woods and speakeasy vibe indoors or head outside for lake views and sun.
• The UNESCO Connection: I loved the history of the location and the commitment to sourcing locally whenever possible.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For a stellar feast, book the Heritage High Tea on Saturdays.

Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery

Home Block, the restaurant at CedarCreek Estate Winery, centers its entire philosophy on terroir-to-table dining. Chef Neil Taylor plans the menu based on the wines. Dining here was truly a special experience for me. From the architecture and views to the excellent wines and food, this meal really stood out.

• The Vibe: Upscale and elegant. For me, the drive to the estate and the walk to the restaurant built anticipation for this incredible dining experience.
• On the Plate: Hyperlocal with ingredients sourced from their own gardens as well as local farmers, ranchers and purveyors. I am still dreaming about the delicious nettle and ricotta ravioli.
• What to Drink: I recommend ordering the wine suggested with each dish. It is perfectly paired, and the food item was created specifically to go with that dish.
• The UNESCO Connection: This is a restaurant and a winery with a garden and vineyards. I love fresh produce, and the wine comes directly from the estate.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Book the Platinum Library Experience, it is a splurge but totally worth it. The chef creates a five-course tasting menu around their platinum wine collection. It is a chance to try rare library-wine vintages. This ranks among my favorite wine experiences.

Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery

Dining at Old Vines restaurant engages all the senses. The sights of beautiful Okanagan Lake, the smells and tastes of delicious farm-fresh food and the sounds of workers in the vineyards combine to create a unique dining experience.

• The Vibe: The restaurant exudes a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere, making you feel as though you’re dining on a friend’s private estate, with panoramic views of the water and surrounding hillsides.
• On the Plate: I loved the hyper-seasonal dishes crafted entirely around the morning’s harvest from nearby orchards, farms and purveyors paired with a deep respect for local Syilx Okanagan land traditions.
• What to Drink: I loved the estate wines, which paired perfectly with the menu.
• The UNESCO Connection: Quails’ Gate Estate Winery epitomizes why the valley earned its global culinary stripes, blending sustainable farming with world-class kitchen talent and wine-led cuisine.

Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar

If you are a wine lover, then Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar is the place for you. Executive Chef Mark Filatow also trained as a sommelier and is a member of the prestigious Sommelier Guild. I enjoyed a variety of fresh, seasonal food and loved being able to see into the kitchen and watch Chef Mark work his magic.

• The Vibe: The intimate dining space feels instantly cozy. I enjoyed an upscale culinary experience that was unpretentious.
• On the Plate: Chef Mark builds many dishes around premium local proteins. Don’t miss the Fraser Valley duck. It was delicious.
• What to Drink: Since Chef Mark is a sommelier, I recommend a glass of local wine. An extensive by-the-glass selection allows you to sample and pair widely.
• The UNESCO Connection: Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar is rooted in the terroir of the Okanagan Valley, using local, farm-fresh ingredients and serving local craft beverages.

Sunny’s A Modern Diner

Breakfast lovers need to put Sunny’s on their list of places to dine in Kelowna. I felt like a local at this fun hangout. People dropped in all morning for full breakfasts or just coffee. Chef Robyn Sigurdson elevates diner fare with scratch-made versions of favorites.

• The Vibe: Nostalgia hits the moment you step through the door. Brick walls and hardwood floors add to the ambiance. Bright color accents create a “sunny” vibe.
• On the Plate: I had the BBBBenny & the Jets, a fresh take on eggs Benedict. Served on Focaccia, with a choice of protein and the best hollandaise ever, this was one great breakfast.
• What to Drink: Coffee! Sunny’s Blend is a custom whole bean coffee roasted exclusively for Sunny’s by the Bean Scene Coffee Works.
• The UNESCO Connection: Sunny’s co-owner Audrey Surrao, served on the inaugural Kelowna Gastronomy Advisory Council. As part of the council, she helps guide how the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation impacts the community.

Sips of the Okanagan: A Guide to Kelowna’s Best Craft Beverages

In addition to a world-class wine region, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley have a robust craft beverage scene. Farm-to-glass is not just a buzzword, but a philosophy that supports local agriculture. Hops, grapes and other locally raised fruit are key to this growing industry. Here are a few places I tried.

Barn Owl Brewing

I had so much fun hanging out with Tim Kramer, one of the owners and learning about this unique local hangout. Housed in the historic 1920s Surtee’s family dairy barn, Barn Owl Brewing serves up 20+ small batch beers.

• The Vibe: Historic and cozy, the downstairs buzzes with locals hanging out. Head upstairs for a quieter area with lots of comfy seating and eclectic upcycled decor.
• In the Glass: Try the Breaking Bread Amber, which includes one-third of the mash from unusable food bank bread. It’s an unusual brew with a unique flavor that changes with each new batch. For each tank, a $1,000 donation is made to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
• Behind the Craft: Super eco-conscious, they use a BREWHA brewing system which reduces water, chemical and energy consumption. Barn Owl also runs a zero-waste loop, donating spent grain to a local cattle farm to keep it out of the landfill.
• The UNESCO Connection: Barn Owl Brewing embodies the artisanal and community-focused values of the UNESCO gastronomy designation through its dedication to sustainability.

Kekuli Cafe

I visited the Kekuli Cafe to try the bannock, a traditional bread of the indigenous peoples of North America. The kitchen uses bannock as a canvas for a variety of savory and sweet treats. It can be served plain, with toppings, as a sandwich or a taco. Don’t miss the Venison Blueberry Taco, which mixes so many indigenous ingredients and flavors.

• The Vibe: I loved the atmosphere at Kekuli Cafe and felt like I had walked into a spa’s relaxation room. Soothing indigenous music plays in the background, and the decor reflects the owners’ cultural heritage.
• In the Glass: If you need the caffeine, order a Canadiano, which is espresso shots topped with drip coffee rather than hot water, like an Americano. It definitely perked me up.
• Behind the Craft: Kekuli takes the traditional Bannock and elevates it with a wide variety. It is culinary creativity at its finest.
• The UNESCO Connection: The UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation honors the culinary traditions of the local Syilx Okanagan Nation. The Kekuli Cafe honors this by introducing indigenous food traditions such as bannock to the public.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

Downtown Kelowna is the site of Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery’s second location, with a prohibition-era theme. The distillery’s use of reclaimed wood from the Laurel and Gellatly Bay fruit packing houses instantly caught my eye. The Dyck family crafts farm-to-flask whiskies, fruit liqueurs and gins from Okanagan Valley fruit and grains. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is Western Canada’s first craft distillery.

• The Vibe: Black walls, hardwoods and whiskey barrels create a speakeasy vibe. Sit outside for a sidewalk cafe feel. Seeing the copper still added to the tasting experience for me.
• In the Glass: Everything was so good that I had a hard time picking a favorite. Try the Taboo Genuine Absinthe, Canada’s first authentic absinthe. It is made the traditional way from original 19th-century recipes.
• Behind the Craft: I spent time with Tyler learning about the spirits, the craft and the history that go into making each one. The variety and types are astounding. I guarantee you’ll find something you like.
• The UNESCO Connection: Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery creates award-winning products from 100% locally grown fruits and grains. UNESCO designation recognizes those that preserve the terroir and agricultural heritage of the Okanagan Valley. It aligns with the distillery’s mission.

Craft 42 Roasters

Living in Washington state with all the rain, I drink an incredible amount of coffee each day. It was so interesting to learn about my favorite beverage at Craft 42 Roasters during their Coffee Tasting Experience. While tasting three coffees prepared in the pourover method, I learned about the tasting notes, the farmers and the roasting process. The best part of this experience costs just $10, making it affordable for everyone.

• The Vibe: Craft 42 Roasters is a bike-friendly business located a short ride from the Okanagan Rail Trail. The cafe provides bike racks.
• In the Glass: The menu lists the coffee’s origin and roast level. I recommend trying something new and then purchasing coffee beans to take home. There is also a seasonal menu of flavored coffee beverages.
• Behind the Craft: Craft 42 Roasters seeks ways to be more sustainable, and they found it in their packaging. The company uses RooTree fully compostable bags. Now coffee bags don’t go into the trash but into your compost bin to return to nature.
• The UNESCO Connection: Kelowna’s craft beverage economy contributed to the city being awarded the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Craft 42 Roasters’ commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing, experiential gastronomy and their sourcing of premium single-origin coffee beans aligns with this UNESCO designation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kelowna

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