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What Food To Try in Kelowna and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Kelowna for 2024.

National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Kelowna cafes and restaurants
$12.5 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.81
$67.9 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $45.28
$9.1 
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.3

What to Try in Kelowna

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!

Food and Groceries in Kelowna

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $2.32
Bananas $1.52
Oranges $3.27
Potatoes $1.9
Apples $3.37
Beverages
Water 1.5L $1.58
0.5L Local Beer $3
Imported Beer $3.93
Wine Rating >4.0 $13.58
Milk 1L $2.14

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $14.78
Chicken $11.86
Cigarettes $13.21
Rice $3.01
Local Cheese $12.41

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

In Kelowna, the dining scene operates around distinct meal times that reflect the local culture. Lunch typically peaks from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, while dinner kickstarts around 5 PM and can stretch until 9 PM, especially on weekends. Locals often prefer to have relaxed dinners, enjoying the warm evenings with family or friends, which can lead to bustling restaurant environments.

Price ranges vary significantly between districts. For instance, dining in the downtown area often sees prices from CAD 15 to CAD 60 for a meal, depending on the establishment, while a visit to a more casual spot in the Pandosy Village might only set you back around CAD 10 to CAD 25. I once spent CAD 18 on a hearty lunch at a local café, while a similar meal could be CAD 30 at a more upscale venue downtown.

Payment customs in Kelowna typically involve credit and debit cards, with cash being less common. Most places offer tap payment options, which speeds up transactions. Tipping is expected, usually around 15-20%, which is consistent with common customs across Canada. It’s worth noting that it’s not uncommon to see tourists mistakenly leaving only a small tip, unaware that it's quite standard to tip at least 15%.

A local dining custom to keep in mind is the popularity of sharing plates. Groups often order multiple dishes to share, allowing everyone to sample a wider variety of flavors. It’s a wonderful way to experience the diversity of the local culinary offerings.

For reservations, it's wise to book ahead during peak seasons, especially in the summer and around holidays, as spots can fill up quickly. Oh, and before I forget, those looking to enjoy drinks with dinner should know that many places offer discounts on cocktails during happy hour, typically from 4 PM to 6 PM.

As the dining scene evolves, I’ve noticed that younger locals are leaning towards sustainable and plant-based dining options. With an increased focus on health and environmental impact, this shift is becoming more evident in menus across the city. So if you’re exploring Kelowna, keep an eye out for cafes and restaurants embracing these trends.