Must-try Dishes
Benny’s Benny - Eggs Benedict (breakfast favorite) - Poached eggs on an English muffin with rich hollandaise, often topped with local smoked salmon. A local haunt, it’s a popular brunch choice on weekends where friends gather to catch up over coffee.
Street Meat - Street Food (grilled skewers) - Tender marinated meats grilled on-site, served with a tangy sauce. You'll find these sizzling at night markets, a favorite among locals who enjoy a late-night bite after a long day.
Rotisserie Chicken - Poulet Roti (savory and crispy) - Whole chickens marinated and roasted to crispy perfection, with sides like garlic potatoes and green salad. It’s a family go-to for Sunday dinners, often shared around the dinner table, making it a comforting weekly tradition.
Kelowna Peach Salad - Salade de Pêches de Kelowna (seasonal specialty) - Fresh local peaches served with heirloom tomatoes, burrata, and balsamic drizzle. Best enjoyed in summer, this dish showcases the region’s famed stone fruits, often found at farm-to-table restaurants during harvest season.
Mac and Cheese - Fromage et Pâtes (comfort food) - A creamy blend of local cheeses and pasta, often topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This dish is a common choice for a casual dinner, and many people mistakenly think it’s just for kids—trust me, adults love it too!
Smoked Sturgeon Tacos - Tacos de Sable Fumé (unexpected twist) - Soft corn tortillas filled with house-smoked sturgeon, avocado, and a zingy slaw. This fresh take on tacos is a great late lunch option, and locals often enjoy it while sipping on craft soda.
Wild Mushroom Risotto - Risotto de Champignons Sauvages (rich and creamy) - Creamy Arborio rice infused with foraged wild mushrooms and local herbs, making it an earthy delight. Perfect for a cozy dinner during chilly evenings, this dish represents local culinary creativity.
Steak and Potatoes - Steak et Pommes (hearty classic) - Tender cuts of beef grilled to your liking, served with roasted garlic potatoes. It’s a common Saturday night meal among friends and families, often accompanied by the ritual of grilling and storytelling.
Desserts & Drinks
Café Au Lait - Café Crème (coffee with steamed milk) - Bold locally roasted coffee brewed strong and poured over steamed milk, creating a rich, creamy texture. Enjoyed by locals in the morning at one of the cozy waterfront cafés, it’s the perfect pick-me-up while taking in the lake views.
Peach Smoothie - Durango Pêche (fruit blend) - A refreshing mix of ripe Okanagan peaches, yogurt, and a hint of honey, served chilled and thick. Commonly enjoyed during hot summer days, especially at local markets, it captures the essence of Kelowna's fruity bounty.
Craft Beer - Okanagan Ale (local brew) - A hoppy, crisp beer made from locally sourced grains and hops, often found on tap at local breweries. It's a favorite among Kelowna's active crowd after a day of outdoor activities, ideally paired with some local cheese.
Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre (sweet pastry) - A flaky pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, sometimes featuring nuts or raisins. A staple at local bakeries, you'll often find these during community events, warmly enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
Ice Wine Sorbet - Sorbet de Vin de Glace (frozen treat) - A decadent sorbet made from the region's renowned ice wine, offering a sweet and tart flavor that's incredibly refreshing. Perfect for summer festivals and served in a small cup, it's a delightful way to celebrate a sweet tooth on a hot day. By the way, watch out for the brain freeze!