These are Kelowna’s best vegan restaurants that bring this carnivore back time and time again!

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It’s definitely no secret that I am not a vegan but I don’t have any problem trying new things, even if they are vegan! Kelowna has many new restaurants establishing themselves within the community each year, many of which are offering plant-based menus. Here are my top 7 of Kelowna’s best vegan and plant based foodie stops.

As always, I have selected locations that aren’t popular commercial chains but locally owned and operated small businesses.

1. Frankie We Salute You!

One of Kelowna’s most stylish and hip foodie hangouts is Frankie We Salute You!. The husband and wife team, Brian and Christina Skinner, behind this beloved plant based restaurant hails from Vancouver and previously co-owned Acorn. Looking for the je ne sais quoi of the Okanagan lifestyle and affordable restaurant venues they chose Kelowna to open FWSY! and how lucky we are.

The chickpea fries and delicious Frankie burger  always calls me back but they have an ever changing menu that includes vegan sushi, gorgeous plant-based desserts and cauliflower wing Wednesday that will convince any carnivore to consider eating their greens first. I loved the bao buns with fried and crispy eggplant (above you’ll see me marvelling at how crispy it is!).

Watch this video where we take a visit to Frankie We Salute You!

2. Krafty Kitchen & Bar – Closing December 22nd, 2024

The menu isn’t 100% plant based, far from it, but Krafty Kitchen is well known for their vegan options from their weekend hip hop brunch to late nights. Try their WILL.I.AM is Vegan benny for brunch or classic vegan brunch bowls. For dinner, general Tso tofu, the jackfruit “crab” cake and charred caesar will keep your vegan belly happy.

3. Naked Cafe

100% plant based vegan menu with plenty of gluten free options at a charming little cafe in downtown Kelowna. From a kid’s menu to cocktails this is Taryn’s favourite place to grab a bite when she is looking for healthy comforting food – FYI my sister is also not vegan but loves vegan dishes done right!

4. Pick Thai

Pick Thai is perhaps Kelowna’s best Thai restaurant and it is conveniently located on Bernard Ave in downtown Kelowna. It is perfect during the cooler months for their personal sizes of hot pots or enjoy a group hot pot with all you can eat options for only $35! Tofu and vegan options are available! They also have a delicious and affordable cocktail menu. Don’t sleep on this one.

5. Zabb Thai Restaurant

One of my favourites in the Pandosy area for both vegan and non-vegan options is Zabb Thai Restaurant. The pad thai is the best in the city and many dishes can be made into vegan options with tofu. This is another one for your carnivorous and vegan friends to gather together in foodie harmony.

6. Friends of Dorothy

This is a great night life spot in Kelowna but is also famous for their drag brunch. Friends of Dorothy is Kelowna’s first and only LGBTQ+ friendly bar and restaurant. Always lively with fun entertainment, the food also delivers for carnivores and vegans alike. The very unique menu is developed by Chef James affectionately known in the industry as “Chefypoo”. Try the Creamcicle which is an unexpected dish of marinated beets, orange snow, herb cream cheese with wine syrup.

7. Nature’s Table at Summerhill Winery

This is my neighbourhood winery and their new menu is a welcomed addition for when my husband and I wonder where we should go for date night. It is well suited for vegans in Kelowna with a vegan cheeseboard, vegan calamari (I mean fried local mushrooms is a crowd pleaser) and their Dan Dan Noodles shouldn’t be missed!

Added bonus: Not in Kelowna, but Lake Country, check out The Salty Caramel Kitchen for a 100% plant based menu featuring incredible sweet and savoury items from gorgeous cakes and cookies to breakfast and sandwiches.