The holidays are here, bringing gatherings with family and friends and all sorts of delicious eats. Why not take a break from the kitchen this year and support local businesses offering scrumptious seasonal dining options? Whether you want to dine out or order a take-home option, some of Kelowna's best restaurants and food purveyors have you covered.
Seasonal Sips and Bites
While you're out finishing up the holiday shopping or exploring Kelowna to find the best light displays, warm up with a seasonal cup of joe (or hot chocolate) and some nibbles before, during, or after your adventures. Most of downtown Kelowna's local coffee shops—including Bright Jenny Coffee, Sprout Bread, Deville Coffee, Karat Chocolate + Pastry, Naked Cafe, and Bean Scene North—are bringing the holidays to you in a cup with delicious sips like eggnog and gingerbread lattes for the grown-ups and seasonally-inspired hot chocolates for the kids. Plus, they've got all sorts of seasonal baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For those that want to add some grown-up holiday cheer to their beverages, look no further than Pretty Not Bad's Winter Wonderbar, which has an array of themed, handcrafted cocktails and bites on offer for the holiday season. The space is completely decked out in holiday decor, so you can make epic TikToks or snap photos for the 'Gram.
On Bernard, Leopold's Tavern serves up a variety of boozy sips, including Jingle Juice, Double Chocolate Chill Cookie, Gingerbread Shaft, and more. Plus, their festive bites, including the Roast Beast Burger, are sure to fill jolly bellies. On the north end of downtown, Central Kitchen + Bar is getting creative with seasonally-inspired feature cocktails. Both spots have a variety of tasty appetizers and food options to make your stop complete. If you're craving a new take on your classic turkey-din, Bin 4 Burger Lounge has a Bin 227 'Turkin' 9-5, which has a fresh-ground turkey patty, with turkey sage stuffing, and all the fixings.
You can also join OAK + CRU in their Santa's Cellar, where you can indulge in the festive spirit. The Private Holiday Themed dining room is bookable to for private bookings, choosing from Chef Jason Ao's Festive Set or their A La Carte menu. You can also have Breakfast with Santa at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort on December 21st.
If you're a pet parent, you can head to Gulfstream Lounge & Grill on December 14th for a pet-friendly Santa Paws Pet Pictures & Brunch on their heated patio.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Whether you're celebrating the holidays on your own, with friends, or among family, there is no shortage of delectable options in Kelowna.
Dine-in
- Christmas Eve, dig into a multi-course holiday lunch or dinner at Maestro's at Manteo on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
- On Christmas Day, enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner in OAK + CRU's Dome Experience, Fireside Lounge, and Outdoor Patio Experience at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. Spots are limited for the domes and for tables in the dining room. They are also offering Christmas Day Dining, with a Christmas Brunch from 11 am to 2 pm and a Festive 3 or 4-course Plated Feature in addition to their full menu.
Reservations are required for all dine-in options.
Take-out
- Enjoy a feast for your family (and two bottles of wine) at Gulfstream's Christmas Turkey Dinner To-Go at Gulfstream, complete with their Okanagan Apple and Sage Stuffing!
- For another plant-based option, check out Frankie We Salute You!, who has created a heat-and-serve Christmas Dinner with slow-roasted celery root, stuffing made with heritage grain sourdough, winter berry cheesecake, and more. Pre-order early as quantities are limited.
- Maestro's Mediterranean is also offering to-go dinners with a slow-roasted turkey, focaccia stuffing, winter veggies and more.
- You can maximize your time on the hill at Big White Ski Resort by pre-ordering their Christmas Dinner To Go, which is available for December 23, 24, and 25 with roasted turkey and plenty of sides. The family-style dishes are available cooked and refrigerated with reheating instructions.
- Let the chefs at The Okanagan Table help make Christmas stress-free by pre-ordering their ready-to-go Christmas Dinner. Designed for one hungry person, there is a turkey and vegetarian option. This is perfect for one or more as they are priced per person.
Many of these options are while supplies last, so make sure to place your order ASAP!
All the Extras
The holiday season goes way beyond Christmas day—there are treats, goodies, and countless meals to be considered. For more options to fill your holiday menu—think savoury items like quiche and tourtiere, traditional items like stollen and Christmas pudding, or sweets like Bûche de Noël and gingerbread cookies—pay a visit to these amazing local bakeries/cafes:
- 350 Bakehouse & Cafe
- Bread Co. Kelowna
- Jaide & Joel’s Baking Company (vegan and gluten-free)
- Karat Chocolate + Pastry Boutique
- Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate
- Sprout Bread
- It's A Bakery
Thanks to the hard work of all the local superstars listed above, your Christmas will be as tasty as ever!