Where to eat in Vernon, BC?
Vernon, British Columbia is often overlooked when it comes to its food scene. But it is the home of the Vernon Winter Carnival, the trail capital of British Columbia and is surrounded with hills of orchards. Vernon, BC has character and history, as you’ll plainly see throughout the downtown core, as murals proudly display its past.
As Taryn and I discovered, Vernon has a fantastic food scene with many of the locations in downtown Vernon and within walking distance of each other. This makes for an easy DIY food tour!
Check out our video for 10 of these 12 stops on our list. The only reason we couldn’t visit Eatology is due to time constraints and as for Cambium Cidery, it wasn’t open for the season until the following week.
Otherwise, let us know if you think we missed any great stops in the comments!
Eatology
When it comes to brunch in Vernon you have one of three great places to choose. One of them is Eatology.
The menu at Eatology features a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary needs and preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the new creme brulee waffles, roasted cauliflower steak, quinoa power bowl, and vegan mac and cheese.In addition to its focus on cozy food, Eatology also has a diner style interior decorated with rustic, farmhouse-style furnishings.
The Okanagan Eatery
Update:
Where should you eat your brunch in Vernon? Here! The Okanagan Eatery is another classic brunch hot spot for locals in the know. The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the flavours and ingredients of the region, including fresh produce, meats, and cheeses sourced from local farms and artisanal producers. Some of the standout dishes on the menu include their famous smash burgers, Pickle Rick’s (insane cheese pull!), More than OK eggs Benny with shaved brisket, and mimosa flights.
In addition to its commitment to using local ingredients, The Okanagan Eatery also has a focus on sustainability, with a menu that emphasizes plant-based and vegetarian options. The restaurant’s interior is bright and airy, with a welcoming atmosphere that invites diners to sit back, relax, and watch the chefs prepare their meals in the kitchen that shares its space with the diners.
Diner on 6
Diner on 6 is the third option for a great brunch in Vernon. Beloved by locals for its classic diner fare and healthy portions at great prices. You can find dishes like eggs benny, skillets and even steak and eggs piled high on your plate.
La Carraia Gelato
I have been trying to fill the gelato shaped hole in my heart that QB Gelato left since they closed earlier this year. La Carraia in Vernon is one of those great places to do so. Their gelato is made in house and offers a slice of Florence in the downtown core. Baked goods, coffees and numerous gelato flavours like the incredibly decadent dark chocolate. The shop owners couldn’t be nicer and offer tastings if needed as it is hard to choose just one!
Wedge Cheesery
Where to eat great charcuterie in Vernon? Leave it to Wedge Cheesery! This small shop packs some big flavours with cheese from around the world with specialty cheeses brought in for special events and occasions. We were able to sample the Guacamole Gouda made with avocados the shop owner brought in special for St Patrick’s Day. Get your charcuterie boards to go or enjoy in the store. Also peruse through the extensive British Columbian and Canadian made products available to enhance your charcuterie board.
Teassential
I love a good tea shop and I am happy to report you can find an excellent tea shop in Vernon, BC! Teassential offers quality teas available to bag or brewed as well as tea accessories. You can also get a bubble tea to go or bubble tea kits to take home.
Marten Brewing
I must confess, as a craft beer lover, especially those of British Columbia, I have never heard of Marten Brewing before our visit…and we have friends who live in the area! I mean, why didn’t they tell me? Did they want to keep it a secret? Did they know I’d write about it and tell the world of how great it is?
Anyways, Taryn and I were both blown away at the size of the brewery and eatery. Next time I am in the area I will head here for lunch and a few more pints! The atmosphere was cozy and casual with an extensive craft beer list.
Cambium Cider Co.
You might not expect such a refined menu from a cidery in the Okanagan but this popular stop for locals gives rustic elegance paired with locally made apple cider. You can find cider flavours like Earl Grey or Haskap Berry to be paired with dishes that utilize their wood fired oven – expect pizzas but also halibut, short rib & pork belly.
Okanagan Spirits Distillery
I am no stranger to Okanagan Spirits Distillery as they have a Kelowna location on Bernard Ave. in the heart of downtown. They serve killer cocktails and is a great spot to grab a drink before dinner reservations. However, Vernon is their flagship location and offers tours of the distillery, the centre distillery as seen in the video is the largest in Canada and there is only one other like it in the world!
As a local they are known for their Laird Fintry Whiskeys, fruit liqueurs made from local fruit and are actually healthy for you, as well as their Taboo Absinthe.
Shabbang Food Truck
If there was one takeaway from our 24 hours of eating in Vernon it was our discovery of the Shabbang Food Truck. We split their Bang-wich special of the day which was a crispy chicken sandwich but most incredible part of this sandwich is the exterior. The bread is grilled with cheese on the outside so that the cheese becomes crispy adding an extra flavour layer that is purely genius. Shabbang is where to eat in Vernon! Seriously, you must go!
Kin + Pod Chocolate
This sweet chocolate shop is located just a 3 minute drive from the Okanagan Spirits Distillery, so you’re in the industrial area. It’s worth a stop as their chocolates are made in house and they focus on quality, sustainable and ethical beans. Vegan and gluten free options are available. You’ll be able to find their chocolate sponge packs in Save on Foods!
Intermezzo Wine Bar & Restaurant
We arrived right at the start of happy hour so it was just us on an early spring Friday afternoon sipping $6 glasses of local wine and discounted happy hour food items. The vibe was quiet but I suspect on a summer evening it picks up. A solid choice as many locals told us. We’ll have to go again to experience it at its peak.
Ratio Juice Wall
If you’re wondering where to eat in Vernon, this is it!
If you only have time for one meal in Vernon make it Ratio Juice Wall for evening or Ratio Coffee & Pastry in the morning. Located in the historic train station building, Ratio is known of their excellent coffee, donuts and pastries. However, they are also the best wine bar and restaurant in the area offering an impressive list of natural wines from around the world with the most incredible food. I mean, the video shows it all.
Since our visit they have switched menus as they have been specializing in pizza for some time…and perfected it. But now they’re spreading their wings with gnocchi, schnitzel and pork belly to name a few new menu items.
Tell us if we visited or missed your favourite places to eat in Vernon, BC!
