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 concepts, cuisines in chic or relaxed 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! 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.

Updated January 2024*

22. 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. Their cozy locations 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.

21. BNA Brewing & Bowl

Probably everyone’s go to for date night in Kelowna, it is BNA and Bowl. Yes, you might find a few kids at the bowling lanes but if you go after 6 odds are its adult time. And adult time means good beers, the best appetizers in downtown Kelowna and maybe a few frames of bowling. If you are seriously considering bowling, where you can get dinner and drinks brought to your bowling lane, I highly suggest a reservation otherwise there are no guarantees.

New for 2024, check out Hello Darlin’, the new speak easy tucked away behind the Airstream on the 2nd floor of BNA, next to the bowling lanes.

Who this will impress: You just need to feel like a kid again without the kids. You want a lively atmosphere. 

20. Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium

This is unlike anyplace you’ve been before. The entire vibe is 1970s down to every detail including the television and black panthers. Great pizza and dishes are served in what you might think is your grandparents’ living room. It’s a trip and one of the best restaurants in Kelowna.

Who’ll this impress: Anyone who was a kid during the 70s although it might cause any childhood trauma to return over delicious pizza and drinks.

19. Bernie’s Supper Club & Cinema

Since opening, Bernie’s hasn’t had a quiet night. You can dine downstairs while surrounding mounted TVs play memorable clips from iconic movies. Or you can get tickets to Bernie’s cinema where they play old favourites on select evenings with dinner and drinks delivered to your seats. It’s a must if you’re searching for THE best date night in Kelowna.

Who will it impress: Movie aficionados who love a good martini…oh and banana cream pie!

18. Gather

Gather is an Italian Korean fusion restaurant and it hosts dishes that are craveable. Their carbonara with Korean influence and I can’t forget to mention the most uniquely delicious Caesar salad in the Okanagan. It’s the perfect date night before a Kelowna Rockets game, a show at the Kelowna Community Theatre or the Kelowna Actor’s Studio as all 3 venues are within walking distance. This is one of the best restaurants in Kelowna especially for pre event dining.

Who this will impress: People who like a new spin on old favourites.

17. The Modest Butcher (Mount Boucherie Winery, West Kelowna)

The Modest Butcher located in the Mount Boucherie Winery in West Kelowna, is one of the best date night spots in the Okanagan. I like to go primarily for the tomahawk steak with the fixin’s. Now this is date night! Not to mention the wine list with Mount Boucherie wines as well as international selections, stellar cocktails and dessert to die for. This is widely recognized as one the best restaurants in Kelowna.

Who will it impress: Any carnivore who loves a good wine pairing. 

16. Provisions Kitchen & Catering in Kettle River Brewing, Kelowna

Provisions is my go-to for date night. They adhere to no rules. You never know what will inspire their next menu. I love their big boards which can be reserved during the week (do so before Thursday to guarantee one for the weekend) to be enjoyed at home or in house on your selected weekend evening. Anything from pork to premium beef cuts and the occasional vegetarian delights can be served up. The thing is, you won’t know until they post about it on their social media during the week so you must be ready to pounce once you see a board you enjoy. They typically sell out as they are the local’s favourite for steak and truly one of the best restaurants in Kelowna.

Who it will impress: True foodies who like 5 star food with a laid back atmosphere with beer. Plus Chef Brock is a Chopped Canada champ.

15. Frankie, We Salute You!

The best plant based restaurant in the city is Frankie We Salute You! Their food is enough to entice any carnivore. I’ve brought my husband here and he left happy and a little surprised! If we end date night on that note then I’ve done my job as a wife and foodie 😉
The queso dip is so delicious and the tacos always deliver. What I especially love though are the cocktails.
This well rounded stylish location definitely deserves to be in the list of best restaurants in Kelowna.

Who will it impress? Your vegan friend and even your carnivorous pals!
Make some of their food at home in the Okanagan Eats Cookbook

14. Humo Izakaya

This brand new downtown restaurant on Bernard Ave offers asian latin contemporary dishes. Unique tantalizing dishes like lobster and spot prawn corn dogs, wagyu tongue katsu sando, uni udon carbonara as well as carne asada bone marrow tacos, will pique the interest of foodies. The interior features modern yet minimal aesthetic with pops of green like the plants hanging from black geometric chandeliers and the stylish bar seats.

Don’t miss this date night in Kelowna. You’ll be feeling like you are on vacation at Huma Izakaya!

Who will it impress: Someone who is loves David Chang’s Momofuku restaurants.

13. Krafty Kitchen

Krafty Kitchen is one of Kelowna’s best restaurants for brunch or dinner. Their hip hop brunch is a bit of a staple in town with bumping music and banging dishes. You might recognize Chef Shaften from Top Chef Canada season 3. Unique dishes like their pork belly porchetta, braised bison jerk – along with casual dishes like the Shafty burger – along with their proximity to the clubs, make it a go to before a night out on the town.

Who will it impress? The pals who need a burger before drinks at the club.

12. Oak & Cru

If you’re staying at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort and don’t feel like leaving the property for dinner Oak + Cru is a great date night option. If it is during the warmer months try and score the outdoor seats on the patio. In the winter they do offer dome dining with beautiful evening lights. For this reason, along with a menu that gets updated regularly, we think Oak + Cru should be on the list for date night as well as one of the best restaurants in Kelowna. 

Who will it impress? Business clients or if you book a dome or get outdoor seating, your best girl.

11. Chilango Modern Mexican

Kelowna’s newest Mexican restaurant opened in 2024 by the reputable El Taquero, another Mexican taco joint from just around the corner. Their quality food and good standing with locals has enabled them to expand offering more than killer tacos and burritos.

Who will it impress: Someone looking for good Mexican food with exciting plates and a varied menu.

10. Waterfront Wines

Chef Mark Filatow just knows the way to my stomach and wallet. His food is always stellar.
Maybe the biggest nod to this restaurant is the fact that it was THE ONLY Okanagan restaurant named in the massive compilation that is “Where Chefs Eat.” I love it for its foie gras topped with gelée, usually made from a local Gewurtzraminer or sometimes a local fruit like cherries. You can never go wrong with the beef or the duck for dinner options.

Who will it impress: A foodie looking to be treated to a delicious evening out at one of Kelowna’s most notable restaurants.

9. Erica Jane

Erica Jane is Kelowna’s most anticipated restaurant opening after construction delays and plenty of teases at local food events. You can now head to their location on Sunset in the ONE Water building for a taste of fine dining unlike anything we’d seen in the Okanagan. It’s giving Vancouver fine dining vibes with dishes like beef carpaccio and bone marrow, foie gras oyster, and their beautiful platting with deconstructed desserts. It’s a spot for foodies to enjoy date night done differently in Kelowna.

Who will it impress: People from Vancouver or any other big city centre who may not expect this kind of dining from the Okanagan.

8. Bouchons

Bouchons is Kelowna best French restaurant. It’s atmosphere feels like you’re really in a French bistro. The takeover with the new owners has been a bit rocky but we for one enjoy the new menu as the previous offerings had grown stagnant. 

Who will it impress? Anyone who is a Francofile.

7. Roma Nord

Roma Nord is the best Italian restaurant in Kelowna. There I said it! The owners are from Rome and brought authentic Italian eats to the city. Everything from Roman style pizza to amatriciana, you can find the tastiest Italian dishes in the Okanagan here. Located in the Centre for the Arts you won’t want to miss a stop in the heart of the cultural district.

Who will it impress? Avid travellers, those who love Italian food and travels. It will take you right back.

6. Home Block at Cedar Creek Winery

CedarCreek winery is a go to for tourists and locals alike. Their menu might be small but it is mighty with wine pairings offered along side seasonal creations. It is a bit pricey if you stray from the fixed menu, especially when it comes to drinks, but a date night here is a must at least once a year.

Who will it impress? Anyone who loves a view. Visitors. Become a wine club member for special treatment.

5. Summerhill Bistro

The Summerhill Pyramid bistro has had a rocky past but in recent years the food has elevated it to become one of the best restaurants in Kelowna. Much like CedarCreek, it’s seasonal food and delicious wines are made even more stunning with its sunset views.

Who will it impress? Anyone into mysticism with their use of the pyramid to enhance the wine.

4. The Eldorado Hotel

The Eldorado is a fixture within the Kelowna food scene. Upscale but with a cozy historic vibe, it is a must during the holidays to sit in the bar with a local wine or seasonal cocktail. During the summer months it is difficult to get a spot at the boardwalk where you can dine and watch boaters come and go. It can get noisy with music and engines roaring. I much prefer the bar in the winter where there’s live music, dim lights and martinis made before you.

Who will it impress? People who love a bit of history and lakeside dining.

3. The Fixx Cafe

The Fixx is a family favourite. You might miss it if you didn’t know to look for it. Located in the Pandosy village, it is a local’s favourite. Since it is smaller in size it can be challenging to get a reservation. Delicious hearty dishes and rich pastas are made in their open air kitchen. Sit at the pass to watch them cook. 

Who will it impress? Clients and those who love a good underdog or lesser known space.

2. The Terrace

I’ve been raving about The Terrace since I first started a blog back in 2011. Head chefs have come and gone since then but the excellent food remains. It is a seasonal restaurant with its final service over the Thanksgiving weekend so be sure to enjoy it while you can in the warmer months. Alternatively, cooking demonstrations with full course meals and wine pairings are offered during the winter.

Who will it impress? Everyone!

1. Old Vines Restaurant

I had my university graduation dinner here. I stopped here during my bachelorette party. It’s been a favourite for date night. You simply can’t go wrong with a celebration at Quails’ Gate’s Old Vines Restaurant. The menu changes drastically seasonally so what you might like one year is gone the next. But it’s always great food and the most iconic wines on offer. Certainly, one of the best restaurants in Kelowna!

Who will it impress? Everyone.