The best kelowna restaurants to impress for date night

Where to go for date night in Kelowna? My hubby and I have been asking ourselves this monthly since we began a new date night ritual. Luckily, this last decade we’ve seen some of Kelowna’s best restaurants open with unique concepts, cuisines in chic or sometimes relaxed and unexpected atmospheres. If you really want to splurge on each other and impress your date then then these are the finest for date night in Kelowna! I’ve also included West Kelowna’s best restaurants. Charming atmospheres, some with outstanding views, all with impeccable food and a large bill might be a recurring theme. But hey, this is date night to impress and these will deliver the wow factor you may be looking for. Keep in mind this article is updated annually so check back for more fine dining restaurants in Kelowna or follow my Instagram for live coverage of new restaurants.

Pre-Dinner Cocktails

Every once and a while we like to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails before our dinner reservations. Here are a few of our favourite spots for date night or a low key intimate bar atmosphere. Sometimes we enjoy the atmosphere so much we end up staying for another round.

Fancy’s Cocktails & Cold Cuts – Downtown – Relaxed menu like sandwiches with big flavour and a cocktail list that is fun and fresh.

MicroBites – Downtown – Interesting small plates and really fun cocktails. They also feature a small but mighty local wine list.

Ask Pablo? – This new cocktail and tapas bar is new for Spring 2025!

Chilango – Downtown – Feel like you’re on vacation at this beloved Mexican joint with style. Get the steak tacos and any tequila drink. You won’t be disappointed.

Born to Shake – North End – I go here for the expertly crafted cocktails. It’s what they do best!

Sandhill Wines – North End – Fancy a wine tasting before dinner? Then head to Kelowna’s only urban winery.

Wildling Wine Bar – North End – The newest wine bar to hit the Okanagan food scene. An ever changing menu paired with natural wines from Canada and around the world.

Best Fine Dining in Downtown Kelowna

Salt & Brick

Salt & Brick is on the top of most tourists’ best restaurant in Kelowna list. And while it is worthy of such a praise with their creative menu and beautiful plating, it can be pricey. Their cozy location is located across the street from the iconic “Sails” statue and the Okanagan waterfront, so you’ll probably notice a bit of a sticker shock on the bill. But it is well worth the splurge during date night on the town.

Who will it impress? Anyone who likes to capture it all “for the ‘gram” or wants a hyper local wine list.

Derrick’s Steakhouse

I refer to it as Kelowna’s steakhouse. It’s already iconic within the first year of opening. Derrick’s took occupied the space that many would know as RauDZ. The layout is largely the same but the vibe is fine dining. Dark interior. Candlelit tables. The kitchen, a glowing focal point that offers some entertainment. I especially enjoy how you get to select your own steak knife from a lacquered wooden box. They offer a prix fixe or Chef’s menu but if you want something from their regular menu I really enjoyed my truffled tenderloin au poivre.

Who will it impress? Anyone who wants to enjoy a really good steak. Classic steakhouse lovers or anyone who enjoys Hy’s.

Humo Izakaya

Humo Izakaya is an anomaly in Kelowna and in the best way. The menu reminds me of a toned down David Chang restaurant with an Asian and Latin fusion. The atmosphere is rainforest meets concrete jungle with the windows providing a Tyfighter Star Wars vibe. I personally love everything about it. The Korean cheese bread is a crowd pleaser and the duck ssäm lettuce wraps are where the Momofuku homage hits for me.

Who will it impress? Anyone who wants something a little different. Momofuku fans.

Bouchon’s French Bistro

Kelowna’s only French restaurant, Bouchon’s is a spot where my husband and I like to go once a year. It’s a bit of a splurge but the cozy interior feels like a bistro you’d find in Paris. The menu is classic with a few twists and I always appreciate the prix fixe menu conveniently written above the tables. I had the $55 dollar burger here and it was a decadent delicious mess topped with foie gras. Keep in mind that pricing has probably gone up since I last had it in 2024.

Who will it impress? Anyone craving some French wanderlust or a solid French menu.

Erica Jane

Arguably Kelowna’s swankiest fine dining restaurants outside of a winery setting. Erica Jane is reserved for special occasions or when we’re hosting foodies in the summer. Crispy pork belly, rack of lamb, shoyu glazed swordfish and plenty more to intrigue any foodie, especially those who check the Michelin guide over Yelp reviews. As lovely as the dining room is, I still prefer the intimacy of the bar seating.

Who will Erica Jane impress? It’s a safe choice if you’re hoping to impress your date and or their parents. Dining here says, I got my shit together and enjoy a bit of the finer things in life. Also those who follow the Micheline guide as gospel.

Waterfront Wines

One of Kelowna’s original fine dining restaurants that really helped to get international recognition. You’ll find it in the first edition of Where Chef’s Eat represented as the Okanagan’s only restaurant! It made the famous guide book for its squid which you can sometimes find on offer. However, this menu, like all great fine dining restaurants in Kelowna, changes seasonally. One of my go tos is the steak in any form as well as the foie gras topped with house made gelée concocted with local fruit.

Who will Waterfront Wines impress? Those who love small intimate restaurants with a small but perfect menu.

Provisions at Kettle River Brewing

Definitely not an obvious choice for fine dining restaurants in Kelowna. But, if you run into me on the street and ask me, Where should I go for dinner tonight in Kelowna? My answer will always be Provisions. Get the big board if it is still available and thank me later. Now the tricky part is reserving a big board but if you watch their social media, they announce the delicious main course for 2 and it includes side dishes. The big boards are prepared by the incredible kitchen helmed by Chef Brock Bowes of Top Chef Canada alumni. They only serve big boards on weekends and by reservation. The atmosphere is the most laid back eclectic brewery – art on the white cinderblock walls, wooden benches for seating beneath billiard lighting- but the food is always 5 star.

Who will this impress? Those who love a good hidden gem and aren’t uptight about dining at a brewery.

Roma Nord

If you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant in Kelowna, it has got to be Roma Nord. Tucked away in the Culture Centre for the Arts Building, this small space provides Kelowna with the most authentic Italian food. Started by Roman expat, the food and service go hand in hand. You feel like you’re in Italy with the fresh pasta and the owner doing the rounds in the dining room making sure that everything is perfect. This is one not to miss!

Who will it impress? Anyone who loves Italian food, especially those who have experience it first hand in, particularly in Rome.

Food Tours

If you can’t get to as many restaurants as you’d like or if you prefer to explore Kelowna or West Kelowna wineries with a guide, we have some of the best tours for you recommended below!

Kelowna’s #1 rated food tour takes you to quite a few of the restaurants mentioned in this article! Historical stops included as well as all food and drinks!

Explore the 3 best Kelowna wineries ending at a a VIP dinner reservation with the ultimate sunset views. Transportation included!

Visit 4 of West Kelowna’s wineries, 3 of which are mentioned in this article. Transportation and tastings are included.

La Bussola

Now, I know I said Roma Nord is Kelowna’s best Italian and that remains true. But if you can’t get in La Bussola is also a great choice. The food is a bit more rich with cream sauces and an extensive protein menu. My family and I have been going to La Bussola for over two decades and some of our personal favourites include the veal saltimbocca and the ravioli.

Who will this impress? Anyone who’s a sucker for a white table cloth Italian restaurant.

Gather

Gather has a unique selection of dishes that combine Italian and Korean flavours. I really enjoy the Korean-style carbonara as well as the cocktails with the smoking bubble gun – it makes for some great Instagram fodder. The interior is a little austere with concrete and white accents but it’s a great laid back yet fancier option that makes for a great date night in Kelowna.

Who will it impress? Someone who enjoys fusion flavours or can’t decide between Italian or Korean!

Bernie’s Cinema & Supper Club

Perhaps the best date night in Kelowna, Bernie’s has a a cinema located upstairs that serves dishes, cocktails, popcorn and snacks all while your favourite movies are playing. Book in advance to secure a showtime. Tickets are only $13 but on cheap Tuesdays you can get in for a toonie! The food is always top notch, but I do like to grab a table on the main floor to eat my dinner before the movie rather than in the dark cinema. Dessert like their signature pie slices, popcorn and snacks with a martini are truly best enjoyed alongside your film. Their menu is updated often but dishes are always flavourful!

Who will this impress? Anyone who enjoys dinner and movie taken to the next level and with a drink in hand.

Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium

Skinny Dukes is another gem from the same people behind Bernie’s (The Nixon Group). Everything is decorated with a 70s flare – if you bring your parents you’ll see how trippy it is for them. The menu is a mashup of Asian inspired dishes and dim sum with diner fare like smash burgers, pizza and fried chicken. Everything is good and full of flavour. It is a real crowd pleaser and a great place to start your evening before a game or a show at the Community Theatre.

Who will this impress? Anyone who loves 70s style and wants some great comfort food.

BNA & Bowl

Another iconic date night in Kelowna, again provided by the Nixon Group. BNA is a brewery, a bowling alley, a place to celebrate or party, has a small bocce court, arcade games and a hidden speak easy called Hello Darlin’. It is the ultimate date night in one spot. The flavours and fare are very similar to Bernie’s and Skinny Dukes but there is so much to do in one historic building that it is a go to for tourists and locals.

Who will this impress? Anyone who’s a kid at heart and wants to let loose. Don’t forget to reserve a lane!

Pick Thai

During the cooler months Pick Thai offers Hot Pot, all you can eat for $35+ per person. This is a fun and interactive date night in Kelowna that might take you our of your comfort zone if you haven’t done it before. But the staff is super helpful and friendly. I went and tried the personal sized hot pot with my husband and it was so delicious. I also love their Thai beer and cocktails that are truly underrated with affordable pricing!

Who will it impress? Anyone who is currently addicted to White Lotus Thailand but isn’t uptight!

Best Vegan Date Night in Kelowna

Frankie, We Salute You!

The best vegan and vegetarian eats you can get in Kelowna, FWSY is a great spot to take your vegetarian date even though you might be a carnivore. The food is really good and creative – it is amazing what they can do with a carrot or eggplant! I love their tacos, pasta dishes and burger. Their cocktails are also beautiful and delicious!

Who will it impress? If you’re a meat eater, then it will most likely impress you! Otherwise, vegetarians and vegans love it!

Lower & Upper Mission Areas

Eldorado at the Eldorado Hotel

The dining room at The Eldorado can be very pricey but we haven’t been let down by the service nor the exceptional food. One of the few lakefront dining options in the city (that isn’t a chain), the historic El is a charming spot popular with weddings, tourists and locals. The summertime is when it is in its prime with boardwalk dining where you can sit on the dock and watch the boats come in and out with a local glass of wine in hand. A note, Maestro’s is an alternative option at the Manteo resort next door. It is good but retains a resort vibe. It is perfectly adequate but not on my priority list.

Who will it impress? A local who wants to feel like they’re on vacation.

Nature’s Table at Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Ever since Nature’s Table took over from Summerhill’s bistro I have been visiting so much more often. It is in my neighbourhood…I can walk to this iconic winery with a pyramid 1/8th the size of Giza’s. How lucky am I!?
I love the steak with chimichurri which is perfect for sharing. It’s a great spot to enjoy their classic sparkling wine with a view unlike any other in Kelowna! Watch the sunset and maybe a wedding unfold on the lawn below. It is one of the most romantic spots in the city and a perfect date night in Kelowna.

Who will this impress? Anyone who believes in energy and the geometry of the pyramid enhancing the wine. Or just a romantic who loves a good view and good sparkling wine.

Home Block at CedarCreek Winery

This is a go to date night in Kelowna for its incredible view and state of the art architecture and one of the premiere wineries in Kelowna. If you are looking to tie in a winery restaurant you can’t go wrong with CedarCreek Winery. The menus change often and with the seasons. You can always get the wines they recommend with each dish or order to suit your own preferences. I like how they aren’t too pretentious despite being such an iconic BC winery.

Who will it impress? In my experience…truly, anyone and everyone.

Rutland Area

Olympia Greek Taverna

Rebuilt and ready to welcome guests after a terrible fire prior to the pandemic, Olympia is back and maybe it isn’t a charming as it once was outside. But it definitely makes up for it inside. Hands down Kelowna’s best Greek restaurant. My family loves the lasagne but we request extra sauce and extra cheese. I am also a sucker for the classic marinated lamb skewers and spanikopita!

Who will it impress? Anyone who loves Greek food or following the Mediterranean diet but wants a cheat night.

West Kelowna’s Best Restaurants

I don’t dare group Kelowna and West Kelowna restaurants together. I am one of the few websites who don’t and it is because the commute can take some time depending on the time of year. Oakland and San Francisco are very close together but you wouldn’t mince them – you shouldn’t! And that’s how I feel about West Kelowna and Kelowna. They aren’t far apart but it can take me 30 minutes to get to the other side of West Kelowna from my house! At its worst it has taken me 90 minutes to get from West Kelowna back home due to summertime traffic during rush hour on a long weekend. That being said, I still love it. It is a great spot to check out wineries both boutique and commercial so be sure to consider West Kelowna’s best restaurants when planning a date night in Kelowna.

Angel Share at Crown & Thieves Winery

This seasonal restaurant is located on the rooftop of Crown & Thieves, a JPC winery that was built to look like a crumbling ruin on a hilltop overlooking the West Kelowna vineyards. In the basement you’ll find a speakeasy, on the main floor is the wine tastings but the top floor is where summertime afternoons unfold into long sunset evenings with wine and a unique menu that changes annually and is hyper seasonal.

Who will this impress? Anyone who hasn’t been at least once.

Mission Hill Terrace Restaurant

I go once a year because the bill is a stinger but the food and views are always incredible. Probably the most recognizable winery and winery restaurant in all of British Columbia, Mission Hill thrives on seasonal and local food presented in unique and striking ways. The food and wine pair together seamlessly enhancing each turn of sip and bite. I love it and have been visiting since I moved here in 2005. There are numerous special events held at this winery from concerts and long table dinner series to culinary classes in the winter. Definitely check it out any time of year.

Who will it impress? Anyone with a passion for food and wine…or a heart beat.

Old Vines at Quail’s Gate Winery

Perhaps a bit less grand but much more cozy is Old Vines. Another great spot for a local and seasonal menu, Old Vines is another famous BC winery. I love to sit outside with a view of the vines and dramatic Okanagan mountains. The menu is classic winery fine dining with offerings like veal, duck, charcuterie, fine cuts of beef and an extensive brunch.

Who will this impress? Anyone who enjoys great wine and a menu with plenty of protein options.

The Modest Butcher at Mt Boucherie

Always competing for best steak alongside Derrick’s and Provisions, Modest Butcher is definitely one not to miss for its classic rendition of a Tomahawk for 2-3 people. Again, you won’t find a bad glass of wine with its local and international options. But beer and cocktail lovers are also catered to.

Who will it impress? Carnivores!

Il Mercato Italian Kitchen

One of this things I enjoy about West Kelowna is that there are solid dining options away from the wineries but they tend to be local haunts. Il Mercato has great prices compared to Kelowna or winery dining with delicious Italian dishes. Don’t sleep on this one!

Who will it impress? Those who love to find local eateries away from the crowds.

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