Can you smell the cherry blossoms?

May is more than just a gorgeous month to visit Naramata—it’s also the moment the village fully wakes up for the upcoming season. While a few select names might wait for the long weekend or even early June to unlock their doors, a handful of spots are ready to welcome you back to this quaint little village.

So read on and check out who’s back along the Naramata Bench this May!

FOOD & DINING OFFERINGS

One thing we love about Naramata? They have an absolutely stellar dining scene. From hole-in-the-wall spots to more prestigious names, you can find a delicious lineup of places to visit this May.

Starting with… Just Baked – 9 Mile, Naramata! They also just launched an all new menu with a new chef. Some of their daily offerings include: Thursdays Burgers & Vinyl, 4pm – close; Fridays Rose & Fries, 2pm – 4pm; and Fish Sundays, 12pm – 4pm with Cocktails & Wine also on order.

If you missed out on it last year, The Hot Dog Lounge at JoieFarm re-opens this Friday, May 1st, with an all new menu! This isn’t your typical hot dog stand—it’s a gourmet way to curb your cravings in the most Okanagan fashion: with a glass of wine in hand. And this season, pair it with their NEW Hot Dog Lounge Traditional Method Sparkling!

If you’re looking for a touch more sophistication, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove is serving up delicious brunch every Sunday from 10:30am – 3pm throughout spring. And don’t forget their very fairly priced Pasta Wednesdays! 

PSST! Wanna know one of Naramata’s best kept secrets? Real Things Pizza is open Tuesday through Sunday, 4:30pm – 8:30pm. Here’s a hint: it’s basically beach season. (They deliver their pizzas to the beach… Wink, wink.)

Wing Wednesday’s just got a whole lot better now that The Naramata Pub has brought them back! Stop by between 4pm – 8pm each week for a selection of flavours. 

Lastly, both the iconic Bisto Lapin Perdu and Terroir Kitchen re-open on Friday, May 1st, for the 2026 season. Choose between classical French fare or vegetable-forward cuisine—either way, you can pair your plate with a selection of fine wines and delicious cocktails.

BEVERAGE OFFERINGS

May usually equals the start of spring tastings, and the Naramata Bench is no exception! 2025 was an incredible growing season, so make sure you stop by and show some love for our local wineries. They’re sure to have plenty of rosés and new vintages ready to try… 

Specifically you can visit Chain Reaction Winery for their wine and pizza offerings! Open Friday to Sunday, you can stop by any time, but we do recommend reservations for their food.

If you want to settle in for slow sips paired with homestead fair, The Patio at Lake Breeze Winery re-opens on Saturday, May 2nd, for another delicious season. Make sure to try some of their on-site preserves and cured meats! 

Hillside is open and ready to welcome you for both lunch and dinner starting Wednesday to Sunday, along with a NEW Chef and menu at their bistro. 

And lastly, for our brews connoisseurs, The Backyard re-opens their gates on Thursday, May 7th! Settle in for iconic Cannery pints and that beautiful, dog-friendly atmosphere in their patio area out back.

RETAIL OFFERINGS

For those—like us—who enjoy a little retail therapy, there are a couple names you’ll recognize re-opening this May. After all, isn’t spring the perfect season for a little wardrobe update?

Starting with Sun ‘n Sup, Naramata’s iconic beach shop! They are back for another season of lakeside fun and fashion, even if it’s too cold to hit the water. You can peruse their selection Wednesday through Sunday from 11am – 4pm.

Shades of Linen Clothing in Naramata offers comfortable, easy-care pieces made from natural fibers, with a focus on linen and cotton blends. With over 16 years of experience, Diane Jensen designs many garments on-site and also curates select pieces from other sustainable fashion lines. The shop now includes a men’s collection featuring linen shirts and pants, and is open Tuesday through Saturday.

And when it comes to artistic finds, make sure you check out 4th Meridian Art & Interiors’ seasonal shop in Naramata, open Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm – 4ish. It’s antiquing, with intention.

And lastly, the beloved soft serve ice cream and house-made ice cream sandwiches are back at The Naramata General Store! Whether you’re visiting the area for a weekend getaway or a spontaneous day trip, you can grab one to-go on your way out of the village.

Of course there’s no open date when it comes to the beautiful outdoors. Naramata is an ideal location for spring hikes, long walks along the water, bike trips across the KVR, and plenty more. May just happens to go hand-in-hand with plenty of seasonal openings, too! You can experience the natural beauty and finish it off with a selection of local brands and businesses.

Now it’s time to get out and explore the Naramata Bench!

Xx,

Your Okanagan Curators