The best Penticton restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner showcase the quality and authenticity of local cuisine in British Columbia, with a stellar cocktail scene. We also love Penticton breweries! You don’t want to miss a visit to this relaxing alternative to Kelowna! In this article we will tell you where to eat in Penticton and be sure to watch the video for even more tips + where to shop in Penticton! If you’re looking for tips on visiting the Naramata wine bench then please click here.
Breakfast & Brunch + Good Coffee Too!
Bench Market
The Bench Market is arguably one of the best Penticton restaurants for breakfast. In the summertime it is a popular place for its patio and breakfast dishes like eggs benny, waffles and vegan options. However you can grab house made items – muffins, cookies, scones, etc – to go.
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Black Antler
Where to eat in Penticton during brunch? In the brewery hub of the city you’ll find Black Antler kitty corner to Neighbourhood Brewing, Slackwater Brewing and YellowDog. It’s a popular spot to dine from morning until night but we love the breakfast options. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday at 10 am until 2 pm. The Brunch menu is well rounded so there’s something for everyone from crepes and French toast to a hefty Uncle Buck breakfast.
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Honey Toast
On the lighter side you can find Honey Toast on the quaint and historic Front Street. It stands out with its baby blue awning and has a small outdoor seating space for people watching in the warmer months. While the menu may be small – they mostly offer baked goods and cupcakes – it is mighty. From the banana split yogurt parfait to crepes or keeping it simple with honey toast, it is a great breakfast stop.
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Still Food Bistro and Cappuccino Bar
We had the pleasure of stopping by in the video during the 3rd annual Okanagan Hot Chocolate Festival. We grabbed a toasted s’more hot chocolate as well as an orange chocolate cupcake. I literally had no idea it was plant based! Still Food opened up to provide the community with vegan and plant based options and we are super impressed! Grab something to do or stay in their vibrant dining room. Their patio is large and is a huge hit during the warmer months.
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Wayne & Freda
Perhaps the most popular answer when you ask a local where to eat in Penticton – Wayne & Freda is a local favourite for locals and tourists alike. They roast their own coffee beans in house and so good coffee is the cornerstone of their menu. You can also get smoothies, breakfast or lunch sandwiches and bowls. Be a savvy local and order to go on their website so you can skip the line. It’s also a great stop for doing a bit of shopping in their gift shop.
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The Nest
The Nest is another local’s favourite for an elevated brunch although you can visit for lunch or dinner. However, the brunch menu eclipses the other menus with croissant eggs benny, chorizo hash, sourdough French toast and more. They are only open for brunch on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm currently but follow social media for reopening closer to tourist season.
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Penticton Farmers’ Market Stops
The Farmers’ Market in any community is a great place to support local farmers and promote sustainable food practices while also tasting what the area is known for. You can’t get any more local than this and perhaps this is the where to eat in Penticton since locally owned restaurants work so closely with their local farmers. You’ll find a lot of produce from our local farmers at the market as well as on your plate in a restaurant. It’s a place to grab some snacks, stock up for a winery picnic or fill your fridge in your AirBnB.
Find the Penticton Farmers’ Market in downtown Penticton in front of the Penticton Lakeside Resort each Saturday from 8:30 am to 1 pm from April 20th 2024 to October 26th 2024.
This stop provides root vegetables, flowers and general goodness from Cawston, BC in the neighbouring Similkameen Valley.
Yes you can sip liqueurs and liquors at the farmers market! Try gin, absinthe, vodka and liqueurs made locally.
Sip on fruit wines from the Similkameen Valley at the Penticton Farmers’ Market.
Buy locally made balsamic vinegar from the Okanagan and BONUS they ship throughout Canada and the USA!
Find seasonal fruit and vegetables grown on the Naramata Wine Bench. We’ve visited their farm for an event and it was magical!
Penticton Breweries & Wineries Downtown
Penticton breweries shouldn’t be overlooked. Serving some of the creative brews and food with the best patio vibes!
Tin Whistle
Tin Whistle is one of the Penticton breweries with a carbon plan! Tin Whistle is located smack dad in between Skaha and Okanagan Lake. It is British Columbia’s first carbon neutral brewery focusing on their environmental impact. The mural where we began our video was created by Tin Whistle and shows their overall vibe – vibrant and fresh. They’re using some cutting edge technology including using their CO2 to feed algae which in turn produces oxygen. You can also find “wasted grapes” beer where they used the residual of the pressed grapes and turn them into a hybrid beer! Hey, it’s wine country and as a community we all work together to create something special. The newly renovated space adds to the modern and appealing atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot.
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Slackwater
Slackwater Brewing can be found on Martin Street where most of the breweries are located. Not far from the beach, these breweries make for a great lunch stop or grab a tasting flight and sit on any of their patios for a great start to an afternoon. You can also grab some of their beers and head to the beach for a drink. Slackwater has a full food menu and events often so check their social media for the latest.
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Neighbourhood
You gotta go to Neighbourhood Brewing for their tacos and patio! This large two storey brewery has one of the tastiest menus with a huge selection of core and seasonal brews. Like most breweries, cider and wine are also available for the non beer drinkers. This is my favourite of the Penticton breweries for brining friends or date night.
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Yellowdog
This location used to be Bad Tattoo Brewing so if you’re looking for it, know that it is gone. The well established Yellowdog from Port Moody, BC took it over to create a pub and tasting room with an awesome outdoor patio called The Dog Park that feels like a party. One of the most fantastic of the Penticton breweries for a night out.
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Cannery
The Cannery is another one of those places that is popular with the locals. The menu is stock full of flavour food items perfect for sharing or not. Try the nachos (vegan or not), the birria tacos or get a classic charcuterie. My husband and I love Penticton breweries and Cannery is no exception for its atmosphere, food and most of all, beer!
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Highway 97 Brewery
Just a few blocks off Martin Street, a quick walk from Cannery, you’ll find Highway 97 brewing – a family owned brewery. Popular for their comedy events, food and beer, you’ll find locals teaming in the taproom. It’s classic pub far with wings, hearty sandwiches and flatbreads.
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Chronos Tasting Room
The Time Family of Wines offers tastings at the Chronos Tasting room, located inside the Orolo Restaurant and Cocktails building. We recommend reservations to avoid disappointment. This tasting experience is seated inside the cozy tasting room with velvet green booths and flecks of gold. You’ll be tasting in what was once a 1955 theatre so look out for preserved details like the slanted floors of the Chronos Tasting room or the wood ceiling in the barrel and dining room. – watch our video for our experience.
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Penticton Breweries & Cideries on the Bench
Creek & Gully Cider
Located about an 8 minute drive yet still in Penticton is Creek & Gully Cider. A family farm run by generations of farmers pivoted to making cider in 1996. The family, Simonsen-Salting farm currently produces, on average, a million pounds of apples a year and use the fruit with blemished that cannot or won’t be sold due to bruising. This minimizes waste and makes for a tasty cider that locals love.
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Abandoned Rail Brewing
2 minutes away from Creel & Gully Cider is Abandoned Rail Brewing is a family run brewery creating estate grown barley into European beers. The dog-friendly patio is a great place to take in an ice-cold craft beer and BBQ or pizza. There are also picnic tables available for those who prefer outdoor dining options in a relaxed, natural environment.Abandoned rail refers to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail which runs through the mountains and into Naramata. What was once a train track is now a popular hiking and bike trail.
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Main Meals – Where to eat in Penticton including International Cuisine in Penticton
Elma
This is a personal favourite of mine for their pide or Turkish-style flatbreads. I also love their house made hummus and vibrant dishes that make it perfect for sharing. Try a bit of everything, you won’t be disapointed. Elma has also made BC Living’s list for best Penticton restaurants. With two storeys and two bar options you can’t go wrong with this waterfront restaurant.
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Kin + Folk
This is one of the best Penticton restaurants, if not the best and we are not afraid to say it! The seasonal menu is fresh and incredible flavours await you. The cocktails are inspired (as you’ll see in our video) and we can’t wait to go back again and again! Located downtown with a stellar patio that feels like you’re in a Mediterranean destination. Don’t wait to make your reservation! This is where to eat in Penticton!
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Orolo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Orolo has the most incredible steaks aged in their fridge adjacent to the table top seating. We love Orolo for their vibrant and stiff cocktails that get the job done and their menu is perfect for a date night out or celebration dinner.
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Hooded Merganser * has a view!
This is a popular place for those staying in the Penticton Lakeside Resort as it is the resort hotel and has an incredible spot over the Okanagan Lake. If you can, sit outside and enjoy the Okanagan sunsets with a glass of local wine and the duck or lamb!
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Brodo Kitchen
If you’re wondering where to eat in Penticton, this location largely depends on the day! Open on weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm, Brodo is one of those places that locals working downtown enjoy while on their break or locals in the know flock to. I tried Brodo’s catering during the Summerland Grand Sommelier Express and was blown away by their flavours.
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Salty’s Beach House
If you ask a tourist they might say this is one of the best Penticton restaurants It’s iconic with tourists for its waterfront location and party atmosphere. This is a solid choice with a great and varied menu to keep all your pals happy. From sushi to a larger selection of plant based foods, pizza and burgers. You can’t go wrong…if you can get in!
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Socialé Enotecca
If you can’t head into the wine bench for dinner, try and time it so that you can attend a wine makers dinner experience at Socialé. Brought to you by Italian restaurant Villa Rosa (currently closed for renovations), this waterfront location is perfect for
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Koya Japanese
At Koya you can expect healthy, simple and fast so maybe try this one for lunch. The Japanese comfort food joint just off of the lakefront offers sushi burritos, poke bowls, ramen, sushi rolls, and classics like gyoza. If you’re looking for a sit down Japanese restaurant try KOJO Japanese.
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Tratto Pizzeria
Tratto Pizzeria was featured in our video and for good reason. Tratto is considered one of the best Penticton restaurants for pizza. Inspired by Naples and made with quality ingredients, each pizza is made in their wood fired oven. Pair with a wine from Italy or the Okanagan with their unique selection of wines.
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Theo’s Greek Restaurant
Taryn’s favourite Greek restaurant in the Okanagan, Theo’s brings authentic Greek dining to Penticton with a cozy interior that transports you to the Greek Isles. If you’re craving Greek food, you’ve found where to eat in Penticton!
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For a unique venue combining great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere, visit the dream café. This must-visit spot offers a diverse menu and a vibrant community feel, making it perfect for an immersive multi-sensory dining experience.
For an authentic Polish dining experience, try a Polish bistro. Enjoy hearty, traditional Polish cuisine like pierogies and schnitzels, brought to you by passionate owners who deliver an authentic taste of Poland to the local food scene.
Restaurants with a View
Penticton’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets, and many restaurants take full advantage of the stunning surroundings. Offering outdoor seating areas and floor-to-ceiling windows, these dining spots provide breathtaking views that enhance the overall dining experience.
The Hooded Merganser is a prime example, with its location right on the Okanagan Lake, offering diners a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets. Sonetto at Play Winery combines delicious food with panoramic vineyard views, creating a serene and picturesque dining environment. And Salty’s Beach House not only serves great food but also offers a lively atmosphere with views of the lake, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch with friends, Penticton’s restaurants with a view provide the perfect backdrop for any meal, making your dining experience truly special.
Where to eat in Penticton? I hope this question was answered for you by now. Penticton has a cool cocktail scene and the most delicious food inspired by seasonal and local ingredients.
