Have you had a chance to experience the top-notch culinary scene in Penticton? Because trust us when we say, it’s going to surprise you… in the best way possible!

While you may assume this sleepy small city caters to solely family-friendly attractions and a slower, more relaxed lifestyle compared to Kelowna’s bustling urbanism, Penticton is actually bursting with creative culinary excellence. Almost everywhere you turn there’s global flavours, a mix of international and local aesthetics, and menus as different and exciting as they are equally focused on gastronomic artistry.

We’ve sourced our top Penticton restaurants based on their menu, hospitality, and culinary ingenuity. Each offers something truly unique while remaining quintessentially Penticton—you know, that warm South Okanagan charm you can’t find elsewhere, the one that keeps you coming back every season.

Elma

If you’re anything like us and have a super selective checklist in mind for dinner—has to be Turkish-inspired; stunning lakefront views with big, bright, beautiful windows; colourful tiles and aesthetically chosen design pieces; as well as a beverage program developed around local beer, wine, and spirits—well then the only place to check all those boxes is Elma!

Owned and operated by Michael and Ayse Barluk, Elma is a unique Penticton dining destination thanks to a menu infused with equal parts Turkish inspirations as well as a distinctly Okanagan flavour. The atmosphere is warm, colourful, and welcoming with native Turkish lighting and tasteful décor elements, and we can’t compliment the food enough! It’s the type of place you can’t wait to share with friends and family when they visit, or the perfect spot for a special evening of cocktails and warm conversation.

Hooded Merganser

Newly remodelled and featuring a refreshed Mediterranean-inspired menu, even if you’ve been before you will want to check out the Hooded Merganser on your next visit to Penticton! One thing that really sets them apart from the crowd is their Valley View Farm: a fully functioning, ethically producing farm that delivers thousands of pounds of fresh produce straight to their kitchen. When we say farm-to-table, this is what we’re talking about…

Part of the stunning Penticton Lakeside Resort, this restaurant is like a floating island just off the shore—you even walk above the slowly lapping waters to reach their dining room. Enjoy a delicious meal grown right here in our valley while enjoying spectacular views of the Okanagan Lake!

Kin & Folk

For an experience equal parts refined as it is inviting, Kin & Folk is the perfect place to enjoy Asian-fusion with a mix of other global cuisines and contemporary techniques—all paired with local produce to create a truly unique menu! It’s the spot where you settle in with a cocktail and enjoy a meal, family-style, in their cozy courtyard this summer.

Of particular note is their drink menu! Carefully crafted around bringing a bit of cheekiness to the classics, each cocktail uses a combination of tradition with unique, local, fresh ingredients meant to tickle those tastebuds! They pair perfectly with a variety of umami flavours found on your plate… Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to date night location!

The Kitchen by Abul Adame

This one is hard for us to share because The Kitchen is like Penticton’s best kept culinary secret… This quant, quirky, outdoor restaurant is part of Da Silva Vineyards & Winery and serves Portuguese tapas with some Mexican flare thanks to Abul Adame’s Guadalajaran heritage.

Known for his hilarious set of FAQs, owner and chef Abul is as endearing as his 30+ tapas options. For a laid back, unpretentious dining experience where you can sip on a selection of Da Silva wines while enjoying share-plates as the sun sets across the Okanagan Lake, don’t bother going anywhere else. And don’t be shocked if you thought you’d just stopped in for a bite and ended up enjoying almost three hours of food and wine pairings! It’s what happens out on their patio…

OROLO Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

With a name that plays on horology—aka the study of time—OROLO is where you go to pause for a while and savour each moment. Known for their elevated steakhouse experience and stylish setting, this is the perfect stop in town for food and wine lovers alike. Located in a historic movie theatre, there’s a sense of timelessness when you sit down for lunch or dinner, made only more exquisite thanks to the fact they’re part of TIME Family of Wines.

Equally well-known for their inventive cocktail menu, we would highly encourage you to hit them up for live music every Thursday, or even a cheeky Seafood and Bubbles on Sundays. No matter what day of the week, OROLO is bursting with flavour, fun, and an incredible atmosphere!

Stillfood Bistro & Cappuccino Bar

When it comes to a premier plant-based option in downtown Penticton, you have to check out Stillfood Bistro & Cappuccino Bar! Located on historic Front Street, this is a place that brings flavourful dishes for both vegans and non-vegans alike, surprising your palette with mouthwatering starters to delicious entrees.

With a modern and inviting atmosphere, this is the perfect place to stop by for a leisurely meal with family and friends all while enjoying the freshest local and seasonal ingredients—all plant-based. With an emphasis on supporting local farmers, you can trust you’re enjoying plates that come from nearby farms so it’s not only delicious but sustainable!

Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana

For a little slice of Italy in the heart of Penticton, you can’t miss Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana—or Tratto’s as the locals call it. Born out of a passion for great Italian ingredients, expect perfectly balanced, soft yet charred, Neapolitan pizza! Especially since they make their dough from imported double zero flour…

Settle in with a wine list that’s as Italian as it is Okanagan and watch the dough get hand stretched then cooked to perfection in their domed oven. With a focus on minimal toppings that expertly balance flavours, you can taste the Italian riviera with every bite! And tucked into a quant, unassuming building just off the main road? It’s everything you look for in a pizzeria!

The Restaurant at Poplar Grove

When it comes to sweeping lakefront views, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove more than delivers! Nestled on the slopes of Munson Mountain you get the spectacular Okanagan landscape while sipping on local wines and a menu specializing in the freshest seasonal ingredients.

With an emphasis on ‘thoughtful food,’ aka flowing with the seasons, their menu is equal parts passion and attention to detail when it comes to highlighting the best our valley has to offer. This means that no matter what time of year you stop by, the selection is bound to change, keeping each visit fresh and exciting for you and your tastebuds!

This year, make experiencing Penticton’s culinary scene the top of your to-do list. Each restaurant offers their own unique spin on local and international techniques, bringing a bite of the world to your table. Paired with our valley’s award-winning wine scene and seasonal ingredients? It’s the best of both.

Be sure to tag us and let us know which is your favourite! And if we happen to be sitting at the table beside you, don’t be surprised because we love supporting our local businesses as much as you do! Bon appetite, Penticton.

And if you think this is all there is—you’re wrong! We have so many more restaurants and businesses to highlight in Penticton, so stay tuned for part two. For restaurateurs, get in touch with us if you think your brand deserves a spot! We love discovering new places to promote in our incredible valley.

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators