There are so many wonderful eateries in Kelowna, but choosing between the many can be overwhelming. So, a couple of food lovers here at KelownaNow thought it might be helpful and fun to offer a few suggestions.
We've deemed ourselves the KelownaNow Foodie Dream Team, and as the self-appointed dream team, we'll feature a few fantastic food and drink joints on a bi-weekly basis. Some eateries are hidden gems, others may be more well-known, either way, we think you gotta eat here.
Kicking off the inaugural series, four fantastic foodie safe havens in the downtown region will be featured. Thus, without further adieu, let's begin!
Starting out as one of Kelowna's local food trucks, Chef Neil Schroeter has permanently stationed his culinary delights in Kelowna's north end. Okanagan Street Food is owned and operated by Chef Schroeter and aside from his delightfully delicious selection of freshly prepared pasta dishes and breakfast items, Schroeter prepares a variety of soups, sauces, and stocks for take-home purchase.
Everything is made from scratch and the prices won't break the bank, need there be more said?
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Location: 812 Crowley Avenue—a hidden gem in Kelowna's north end.
Must tries: seared fish tacos; brown sugar braised, pulled pork sandwich with fries and home-made blackberry ketchup and truffle mayo; and the eggs benny, which is served on Saturdays only.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Next up is a restaurant that's been a Kelowna staple for decades. Now in the hands of Crystal Dougan and Stephen MacDonald, the Little Hobo Soup and Sandwich Shop in downtown Kelowna is attracting lots of business with their classic cuisine.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Walking into the Little Hobo is exactly like going home to granny's for lunch. The food is prepared with love and care, and everything is made from scratch and locally sourced. Using recipes passed down for generations, the Little Hobo Shop is classic home-made cooking: clean, simple, delicious.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Location: 438 Lawrence Avenue
Must tries: their daily soups, the pulled pork sandwich with homemade BBQ and slaw, meatloaf, and the turkey dinner sandwich with homemade cranberry sauce.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Salted Brick in downtown Kelowna is a wonderful local eatery serving in-house cured meats and charcuterie. Sourcing their meat from local distributors, Chef and owner Jason Leizert butchers, prepares, seasons, and cures his own meat in creation of a reasonably priced and deliciously paired charcuterie board.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Keeping things fresh and local, Leizert and his team change up the feature menu on a daily basis, and the open-concept kitchen creates an aura of connectivity between chef, food, and visitors.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Location: 243 Bernard Avenue
Must tries: dates with cheese, daily charcuterie, chicken confit, and any of their daily sandwiches.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.
Lastly, we have Central. To call this place a modern day Cheers would be an understatement. Sure, everyone knows your name, but they're so much more than just a bunch of really friendly faces. Offering exceptional food at reasonable prices, owners Jared Lee and Devon Murray have managed to create and facilitate a great local eatery where the staff genuinely cares.
Photo credit: Central Instagram.
At Central, it's all in the details, such as remembering your drink order or your favourite menu item. Food is prepared fresh, burgers are made from scratch, and every order is arranged with care. It's a little space, but it's got a big heart.
Photo credit: Central Instagram.
Photo credit: Central Instagram.
Location: 1155 Ellis Street, inside the sports complex.
Must tries: any of their burgers—ground and seasoned in-house, these burgers have an addictive quality; chicken wings—they're fried perfectly without being too greasy, the combination is perfect and they're served with homemade dipping sauce.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.; Friday until Sunday, 12:00 p.m. Until 12:00 a.m.
Well, there yeah go, folks. We hope you enjoy.
Check back in two weeks for another foodie feature, and if there's a place you think we should check out, let us know at news@kelownanow.com
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