From Kelowna to Osoyoos, here are seven beautiful Okanagan patios made for outdoor eating and drinking
Photo courtesy Mission Hill Winery
Summer in the Okanagan means endless blue skies, lush green vineyards and orchards, and warm days. Whether you’re lazily floating the Penticton Channel or meandering from winery to farmers’ market to art gallery, you need to stay hydrated and nourished. With months of cold winter ahead, why go indoors? Choose sun or shade, order a bite – or bring one with you – and enjoy the Okanagan during this season of sunshine.
Salted Brick
Photo courtesy Salted Brick
On the downtown Kelowna waterfront, Salted Brick is an ideal spot for a nibble and a sip while keeping an eye on all the summer action; the sidewalk patio offers a brief reprieve from your day of urban exploration without trekking too far. Recharge with owner/chef Jason Leizert’s house-cured natural meats and local artisan cheeses. On the go? Order a picnic lunch/dinner, or choose takeout.
243 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna
Mission Hill Terrace Restaurant
Photo courtesy Mission Hill Winery
Area visitors can’t miss the iconic bell tower at Mission Hill, overlooking Okanagan Lake. Stroll through an art garden and saunter over to the piazza-style open-air restaurant for a locally inspired seasonal menu crafted by executive chef Chris Stewart. New items are added each week, in response to what’s ripe in the winery garden and what delectable goodies their grower partners bring to the kitchen door.
1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna
Good Omens Coffeehouse
A local secret and favourite haunt, Good Omens Coffeehouse is located off Main St in a renovated home – complete with expansive backyard and mature fruit trees. Owners Jason and Jamie are chefs, coffee lovers, and curators of many things cool. Live music happens throughout the summer and they host a rotating display of local art. From the best egg salad sandwich ever (I dare you to find one better) to an assortment of fresh desserts and local wines/brews, their sun-dappled backyard patio is your home away from home.
13616 Kelly Avenue, Summerland
Local Lounge * Grille
Photo courtesy Local Lounge * Grille
A stay in the Okanagan wouldn’t be complete without a lakeside patio brunch, lunch, or dinner – perhaps all three. Stretched along the western shore of Lake Okanagan, Local Lounge * Grille offers an 80 seat patio with stellar views at every table. Executive chef Lee Humphries brings a touch of the extraordinary to familiar dishes and entices the most reluctant palates to try new-to-you delights. Arriving by boat? Tie up at the dock, and tuck in.
12817 Lakeshore Drive South, Summerland
Bench 1775
Photo by Jeannette Montgomery
Across the lake from Summerland is a hidden gem on the well-known Naramata Bench. Newly renovated inside and out, Bench 1775 is the epitome of summer living: relaxing in a comfy chair, overlooking Lake Okanagan, wine in hand. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with a glass (or bottle) of your new favourite sipper, or call in advance for specials throughout the summer. Try the rosé for savoury sipping to match just about any picnic fare.
1775 Naramata Road, Naramata
Meyer Family Vineyards
Photo courtesy Meyer Family Vineyards
Wine touring? Pack the cooler with tasty bites from one of the local markets and head to Okanagan Falls. After visiting a few off-the-beaten-path wineries, get yourself to Meyer Family Vineyards and settle into a chair on a patio surrounded by nothing but vineyard. Be sure to try a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir with your eats – they’re winemaker Chris Carson’s favourite grapes, and he does beautiful things with them.
4287 McLean Creek Road, Okanagan Falls
doLci Deli & Catering
Easily missed by diners is the garden oasis hidden at the back of this European-style deli, a home-style patio with trellised vines and blooms aplenty. doLci Deli is no frill and high quality paired with the thousand-watt smile of owner/chef Annina Hoffmeister. The lady has a thing for bacon: home cured, double smoked apple wood bacon. You’ll love her for it. Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
8710 Main Street, Osoyoos
