Brunch is not just a meal, it is a lifestyle. A mode of being centred around making that first meal of the day the most excellent, most insanely delicious, most over-the-top it can BE—and with excellent company to boot.

And in case you didn’t notice, we’re pretty big brunch aficionados!

There are so many incredible cafés and restaurants across our valley serving up warm, comforting, and tasty meals but right now we’re only focused on one: breakfast. So read on for our top picks on where to brunch in the Okanagan, broken down by city. And if you’ve tried them all, let us know your favourite!

Vernon: Eatology

Look, we’re no scientist, but with a name like Eatology (where the art of cooking meets the science of nourishment), then brunch is clearly just what the doctor ordered! We don’t make the rules.

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon, this spot is perfectly located in downtown Vernon for friends, family, or some solo-dining time. Although they’re constantly testing and updating their menu, the tried and true breakfast classics won’t ever go away. They have everything from sweet to savoury and a mix in-between, keeping your brunch cravings satisfied.

Lake Country: The Jammery

If celebrating their 25th year in business doesn’t tip you off that this is a decadent brunch spot, we don’t know what will… And did we mention they have all you can eat waffles? Or that they make their own jams—hence the name—which you can purchase at their gift shop? You can even see their production area!

Their original location is just off the highway in Lake Country, making those commutes seem a lot more friendly with a full belly! Our personal favourite is the option to turn your hashbrowns into breakfast poutine (is your mouth watering yet?) with holondaise sauce (it is now, isn’t it?). Don’t worry, they’re open seven days a week, from 7am until 3pm!

Kelowna: The Bohemian Cafe

“Making mornings glorious since 1991” is their tagline and honestly? We couldn’t agree more. Open daily from 8am until 2pm, this is Kelowna’s one-stop-shop for all things breakfast, brunch, and hangover cures galore… especially with Screwdrivers on the menu! They even have a Morning Glory special for those early risers, available in the first hour every day.

Originally founded by a brother-sister duo, the Bohemian Café serves up soulful food from scratch and always with an unconventional, artistic flair. While under new ownership, it’s still got the same heart all around that local focus.

Kelowna: King Taps

When it comes to a brunch spot that’s got equal parts excellent food and equal parts excellent views, the King Taps Lakeside location is our top choice! Offered only on weekends from opening to 2pm, this is a hella great stop for Saturday mimosas and an avocado benny with the girls. They even have happy hour until noon! Just don’t blame us if you start your day off with a couple drinks…

The one thing King Taps knows—aside from great breakfast food—is that ambiance and vibe are everything. They keep things interesting with local art and modern design while piling their plates with delicious, comforting meals you want to come back for.

West Kelowna: The Cherry Pit Restaurant

When it comes to old-school, tried and true breakfast vibes, The Cherry Pit has that diner-esque feel with all the fixin’s. Open from 6:30 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, they know what you’re looking for: waffles, pancakes, all things bacon, and even to-go sandwiches for the drive.

Located just off Highway 97 on your way towards Peachland, they’re quite used to the hustle and bustle. Service is excellent, and the food so reminiscent of childhood meals at your grandparents, that you’ll leave feeling satisfied from your belly to your heart.

Summerland: Shaughnessy’s Cove

Did you know you get free boat mooring when you dine at Shaughnessy’s Cove? What better way to arrive at brunch than from the water—especially when you’re looking forward to your morning espresso martini! Offered on weekends from 10 until 2, this is an iconic breakfast spot with incredible vibes and incredible views.

We’re partial to the Cove Benny but their menu has plenty of iconic options for you brunch connoisseurs. The best part is you can soak up some sunshine out on their back patio overlooking the lake, or settle indoors in a cozy booth.

Penticton: The Bench Market

Tucked into a residential neighbourhood just minutes from downtown Pencticton, the Bench Market is a cozy spot for early morning risers. Open from 7 in the morning until 3, this is a local and tourist favourite for a reason! While waiting in line to order your breakfast, feel free to peruse the many market options, often featuring locally-made and sourced products!

It’s the perfect place to brunch on your way to Naramata for the day, especially since we all know wine tasting requires a hearty start to the trip. They even have weekend brunch additions to the menu—but don’t worry, breakfast is served all-day, every-day.

Penticton: Dragonboat Pub

For a short time only between 10 to 11:30 you can enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast on the shores of Skaha Lake! The Dragonboat is more known for its dinnertime fun, including plenty of events throughout the year, but we would be remiss not to highlight their brunchtime menu. And did we mention the Apple Pecan French Toast? You’re welcome.

Their main pull is, of course, a lineup of impressive Bennys, but they have a handful of other items worth testing out for yourself. With the boatlaunch right outdoors you can sip on some coffee and watch the early birds hit the water while you slow down and savour your morning.

Oliver: Gallagher Lake Cafe

Located just a hop and a skip north of Oliver, the Southern Okanagan can feast on a selection of breakfast items from Friday to Tuesday, 8 until 2 in the afternoon. Born out of a dream to allow locals a chance to meet up, this café prioritizes local products and ingredients like loose leaf teas from Shore Farm, baked bread from Big Al’s Bakery, and farm-fresh fruits and veggies Oliver Fruit and Gardens.

The menu has a mix of all-day waffles—and additional sides—to lighter fare and all the way to a breakfast croissantwich. You can upgrade your meal to a breakfast bowl for even more hearty options. Don’t miss out on their weekend special Eggs Benny offerings!

Osoyoos: Barn Owl Eatery & Cafe

Having only moved to Osoyoos in 2022, owners Jav and Megan have quickly transformed this spot into a place where great food and great conversation converge. Serving up a warm atmosphere and amazing vibes (they even have a retro-arcade game!), the Barn Owl whips up delicious eggies, smash burgers, shakes and smoothies, and all the comforting brunch foods you know and love.

You can stop in for a coffee and breakfast from 8 until 11, indulge in some house-baked goodies, and essentially just overall deliciousness everyday but Tuesday—they need a break one day of the week! Oh, and our personal favourite? The smooooothies.

Even writing this has us craving brunch… so next time you hit one of these spots, we might just be at the table beside you! Breakfast is, after all, the most important meal of the day, so why not make it even more spectacular at one of these establishments?! 

Brunch on, Okanagan. Brunch on.

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators