Let us introduce you to Naramata’s latest, greatest new culinary venture: Bistro Lapin Perdu! 

French for “Lost Rabbit,” this bistro is opening up the doors and welcoming the Okanagan back to the historic Naramata Inn as of May 16. This time, you can expect a whimsical refresh—think classical French menu with some quintessential Quebecois flare, top-notch staff with a down-to-earth ethos, a curated wine list that brings the best of France and the Okanagan to your table, as well as playful hospitality befitting this beloved space. 

And the countdown to the grand opening is on!

For those who didn’t know, the Naramata Inn announced it would close its doors indefinitely as of January, 2025. Or so it seemed… While the news shocked the lakeside community, it also brought forward an exciting new opportunity for local restaurateurs Christopher Royal and Michael Ziff.

And thus, Bistro Lapin Perdu sprang forth. 

The dream? A French countryside auberge nestled along the waters of Okanagan Lake. The reality? A new chapter for this iconic landmark.

Since 1908, the Inn has played many roles: a hotel, a private residence, local school, and beloved restaurant. Now, it’s time for a new character to hop onboard with Bistro Lapin Perdu set to revitalize the space and bring a warm, nostalgic atmosphere to the empty building.

“I really want to foster this idea of coming back in time when there were no phones,” Ziff says. “This is a place where you have an exceptional meal in a place where you can lose track of time and leave the world behind—all at this town that’s at the end of the road.”

After all, magical things happen when you wander down the rabbit hole…

So who are the visionaries behind this? Well, you might recognize their names because these two aren’t strangers to good food or good fun in the Okanagan and in Vancouver too!

Christopher Royal is already well-known for his exceptional restaurants in downtown Penticton: Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana and Chulo Tapas & Bar. Pair this with Michael Ziff’s storied career in some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants, including Vancouver’s prestigious St. Lawrence and Hawksworth— locally he’s opened and established both The Restaurant at Poplar Grove and Home Block at CedarCreek Winery—and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

But what really sets these two apart is their background in the arts. A quality that informs their lives in hospitality.

Christopher Royal was an actor before he became a restaurateur, while Michael Ziff found the flavour and spice in words, publishing short stories and launching his own company called Story Hospitality to help other restaurants find the soul behind their business.

“We see art in everything, especially hospitality,” Ziff explains. “That aesthetic is part of who we are as well.” They both share an artistic interpretation of what the culinary world is. 

“There’s a reason why those two industries mesh,” Ziff says.

Both men also carry a strong belief in returning the Inn to the local community—bringing back approachable hospitality with a nod to Naramatian needs. Bistro Lapin Perdu is the place where you wrap up a beach day at Manitou with a glass of Chablis and warm conversation over Moules Frites. The spot for celebratory dinners or weeknight fun. 

After all, the Inn is as much a character to Naramata as the rabbit is to Bistro Lapin Perdu. “[The bistro] needed to begin at the Inn,” Ziff says. “We can’t imagine a better place for it to happen.”

And both Michael Ziff and Christopher Royal have a deep love for the industry of hospitality, for those moments where someone goes, “That was the most amazing experience.” It’s part of what sets the bar even higher for service in the Okanagan.

Our valley is fast becoming an exciting, world class destination for food and wine enthusiasts thanks to visionaries like Royal and Ziff. While many know of Vancouver as an internationally recognized gastronomic port of call, the Okanagan is reaching that same level of excellence. 

To Ziff, this is exciting for Canadians. While most of us have to travel abroad to have amazing experiences, the Okanagan Valley is now offering that same level of exceptional tourism in our own neighbourhood. 

“That’s what drew me to the Okanagan,” he explains. 

Instead of sitting on the riverbank in France or Spain, drinking wine from their vineyards, we can now do exactly that on the shores of Okanagan Lake alongside cherry trees and more. That level of magic is within reach from our own backyard, especially at a place like Bistro Lapin Perdu where you can lose track of the day in the best way possible.

So much more to come after the grand opening on May 16! We’ve got a sneak peak at some of the amazing events and offerings you can expect this summer, things like guest chefs, visiting sommeliers, a forthcoming “Rosé, Croquet, and a DJ” on the lawn, and if all things go according to plan, even a downstairs bar named The Burrow. For those who have fond memories of the Naramata Inn, guests may once again book a stay as of mid-June.

We look forward to raising a glass with you and sharing a delicious meal on opening day!

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators