The Ultimate Okanagan Road Trip for Foodies

Kelowna-native and Top Chef Canada contestant Evelynn Takoff shares her favourite Okanagan spots for foodies.

Top Chef Canada contestant Evelynn Takoff is that rare breed of Okanagan chef—she’s actually from here. The Micro Bar Bites chef grew up on a farm outside Kelowna, so we knew she was the one to task with finding the best foodie spots in the Okanagan Valley.

Oliver/Osoyoos

Covert Farms 600 acres of agri-tourism with an on-site fruit and vegetable stand, U-pick, a corn maze and (during the Tomato Festival) mini golf!Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Winery Chef Jeff Van Geest commits to a thoughtful use of seasonal products and sustainable practice like few others in the Valley. I love practically everything that emerges from his authentic forno oven. Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Winery in Oliver. (Photo by Miadoro.)

Naramata/Penticton

God’s Mountain Estate B&B Sure, there are breathtaking views of Skaha Lake and great Italian-themed accommodation, but it’s the use of the full kitchen (to cook all those gems you’ve bought) that sets this lodging apart.Naramata Bench Tailgate Party If you’re here on September 13, this is the party not to miss: 25 wineries, eight restaurants, music and huge crowds of people having the best time. It’s at Poplar Grove this year and always sells out—book your tickets now.

Summerland

Silkscarf Winery This is a small winery that’s not very well known, but they make a great rosé, Saignee, which is one of my favourites, and they treat you like family when you visit. A hidden gem.

Kelowna

Old Meadows Organic Farm Farmer Jeff is a favourite among Kelowna residents and chefs for his top-quality organic fruit and veggies available rightin town.Knifewear Kelowna That Kelowna has this temple for knife nerds tells you all you need to know about the food culture here.Illichmann’s Delicatessen A fourth-generation business in Kelowna that produces all their own sausages and cured meats from only the best-quality livestock. You’ll still find customers placing orders in German in this traditional “metzgerei.”Wasabi Izakaya Simply put, this is the best Japanese cuisine in the Valley.Salted Brick Charcuterie Jason Leizert used to helm Vancouver’s Boneta, but here he creates a daily menu using local livestock, and has a small shopfront for take-home meats, too.Mustard Tiger Food Truck They make donut burger sliders and Korean short rib tacos—it’s the best street food around, served by two handsome gentlemen. Takoff says 50th Parallel Winery has some of the best pinot noir in the Valley. (Photo by 50th Parallel Winery.)

Lake Country

50th Parallel Winery Curtis Krouzel and Sheri-Lee Turner-Krouzel make lovely, aromatic white wines, but I love the winery for some of the best pinot noir in the Valley.Lake Country Coffee House They make their food daily from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. The fresh-baked muffins, made with berries from Second Wind Farms, only minutes away in Oyama, are my absolute favourite in the Valley.

Vernon

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park This fine example of north Okanagan grassland, dotted with ponderosa pine and groves of Douglas fir, is the perfect stop for a hike, a swim and a picnic featuring all the amazing things you’ve picked up on your road trip up here. Kalamalka Lake is the Okanagan hot spot for water sports, hiking and picnics. (Photo by Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.)