We get it—this time of year is too grey, too gloomy, and much too slushy. The final legs of winter in the Okanagan always seem to drag on with no end in sight, so how can you bring a bit of pep back into your weekday? A lunch stop at a local soup spot! 

Soups are warm, cozy, flavourful, and a surefire way to help combat the last of your winter blues. Picture creamy potato and leak, or savoury beef and barley, maybe even a bit of bite when it comes to a tangy curry. Either way, the end result? A warm belly and even warmer smiles. 

We’ve got a list of four places you don’t want to miss out for the rest of the season!

1. BRODO Kitchen in Penticton – Locally-sourced, Fresh & Flavourful

BRODO translates to “broth” in Italian, basically guaranteeing the type of soup haven you’ve always dreamed of when you visit their restaurant in downtown Penticton. With an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and an impressive selection of soups, sandwiches, and salads, their menu rotates to reflect what’s fresh and in-stock. 

This is Penticton’s hidden gem when it comes to the perfect lunch spot because they’ve even got a unique—and fan favourite—“flight of soups” option so you can sample and savour three different bowls. Need we say more?

2. Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Spot in Kelowna – Homestyle Comfort Food

Don’t let the name fool you—this spot in downtown Kelowna boasts comfortable food at comfortable prices! It’s the perfect mom & pop shop serving good eats and good vibes all week long. Established back in 1975, this corner café even sells frozen options of their soups at different local markets—so keep your eye out for their logo! 

Their soups are perfectly seasoned because they are truly salt of the earth kind of people. You can even get yourself a sweet treat post-lunch to get you through the rest of your workday!

3. Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen in Vernon, European-Inspired Soups & More in the Okanagan

While you might not immediately associate a holistic artisanal meatmaker as a hidden soup spot in Vernon, we’re here to convince you otherwise! With over 100 years and three generations of European trained sausage makers in their back pocket, you absolutely have to try Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen for your next lunch date! 

Serving hot deli sandwiches and other European favourites, they’ve always got fresh borscht on the menu—or you can try out their soup of the day! And if you just so happen to bring home a meat and cheese platter for dinner… we wouldn’t judge you.

4. Oliver Eats Ltd – A Hidden Gem for Soup Lovers in Oliver

Part grocer, part café, part deli, part catering—Oliver Eats is a treasured stop for locals and tourists alike because of its vast offerings. You can easily peruse their selection of artisanal meats and cheeses and ready-to-go meals while you wait for your lunchtime soup and sandwich order.

Don’t let its quiet, humble exterior fool you! This spot is always fresh, always popular, and keeps a rotating menu of delicious soups on hand perfect for these final winter months.

Whatever you’ve got to do to get through these final weeks of winter, we understand. Spring is around the corner and the sunshine has almost arrived, but to hold you over, don’t miss out on these delicious, local soup spots! We might even see you there.  

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators