2012 Best Restaurants PDF

readers' choice
Our readers choose their favourites in a host
of categories and Okanagan Life brings you
the results. Welcome to the 18th Annual
Best Restaurants issue. Perhaps above all
others, this is the keeper magazine of the
year. Readers try new restaurants all the time
and you can expand your dining experience
by referring to these listings throughout the
year. Get ready to dine — Okanagan Life style!
BEST CULTURAL DINING
Best Local / Regional Restaurant
Central
1RauDZ Regional Table
2Cactus Club
3La Bussola
3Fixx Cafe
North
1Anchor Inn (Armstrong)
2Allora (Silver Star)
3Range at Predator Ridge
3The Phoenix Steakhouse
South
1Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland)
2Hooded Merganser
3Firehall Bistro (Oliver)
Best Northern European
2012
Quickly becoming one of the
great destinations of the
South Okanagan, Miradoro
at Tinhorn Creek showcases
the culinary talents of
chef Jeff Van Geest.
Unless otherwise stated:
Central = Kelowna
North = Vernon
South = Penticton
Central
1Gasthaus on the Lake (Peachland)
2Wood Fire Bakery
3Bouchons Bistro
North
1Isidore’s Cuisine (Silver Star)
2Crush Bistro
South
1Bogner’s of Penticton
2Mekong
3Hoang Gia Vietnamese
North
1Pho Fusion
1Bamboo Beach Fusion Grille
2Temptasian
3Amarin Thai
South
1Benja Thai
2Isshin
3Saigon on Main
Best Indian
Central
1Dawett
2Poppadoms
3Da Tandoor
3Chutney
North
1The Palace
2Curry Pot
South
1Best of India (Oliver)
2Navratan
3Haveli
Best ATMOSPHERE
Best Mediterranean
Best Décor
Central
1Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen
2Olympia Greek Taverna
3Yamas Taverna
North
1Intermezzo
2Eclectic Med
3Dorian Greek Taverna
South
1Theo’s Restaurant
2La Casa Ouzeria
Central
1Joeys Kelowna
2RauDZ Regional Table
3Vintage Room
3The Yellow House
North
1Earls
2Intermezzo
3The Pheonix Steakhouse
South
1Theo’s Restaurant
2La Casa Ouzeria
3The Cobblestone (Naramata)
Best Mexican / Latin
Central
1Hector’s Casa
2Fernando’s Taqueria
3DJ’s Mexican Restaurant
North
1Little Tex
2Los Huesos
3Rio Grande
South
1Vallarta Grill
Best Asian Fusion
Central
1Yamato’s
The amazing taste sensations at Dawett have delighted diners
in Kelowna's downtown for many years. Always a close category
in the voting, Best Indian finalists delight the senses.
Best Winery Restaurant
Central
1Old Vines at Quails’ Gate (West Kelowna)
2Grapevine at Gray Monk (Lake Country)
3The Terrace at Mission Hill (West Kelowna)
South
1Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek (Oliver)
2Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl (Oliver)
3Hillside Winery Bistro
Best Restaurant With A View
Central
1Grapevine at Gray Monk (Lake Country)
2Earls
2The Harvest Grille
3Old Vines at Quails’ Gate
(West Kelowna)
North
1Blue Heron Waterfront Pub
2Alexander’s Beach Pub
3Freddy’s Patio at The Rise
South
1Hooded Merganser
2Lost Moose Lodge
3Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek (Oliver)
Best Dining With Live Music
Central
1Minstral Cafe
2Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen
3The Blue Gator
North
1Monashee’s Bar & Grill
2Lorenzo’s Café (Enderby)
3Crush Bistro
South
1Dream Cafe
2Zias Stonehouse (Summerland)
Facing page: PhotoS by Chris Mason Stearns Photography Above: Photo by Lydia ross)
okanaganlife.com May 2012
19
readers' choice
Best Place For A Party
Central
1Kelly O’Bryan’s
2The Harvest Grille
2Gasthaus on the Lake (Peachland)
3Cabana Grille
North
1Monashee’s Bar & Grill
2Kelly O’Bryan’s
3Eclectic Med
South
1Theo’s Restaurant
2Salty’s Beach House
3Firehall Bistro (Oliver)
3Camp Creek Station (Naramata)
Best Patio Dining
Central
1Earls on Top
2Eldorado Dining Room
2The Harvest Grille
3Sunset Bistro at Summerhill
North
1Alexander’s Beach Pub
1Range at Predator Ridge
2Sir Winston’s Pub
3Blue Heron Waterfront Pub
South
1Salty’s Beach House
1The Patio at Lake Breeze (Naramata)
2Sage & Vines Bistro
3Hooded Merganser
Best Romantic Dining
Central
1Eldorado Dining Room
2The Yellow House
3Earls on Top
North
1Intermezzo
2Eclectic Med
South
1Hooded Merganser
2Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland)
3Bogner’s of Penticton
Best Place For A Meeting
When true pizza lovers crave great pizza, they come to Bordello's Italian Pizzeria and watch the dough fly. Put
a little dough down and come enjoy what our readers say is the Best Pizza in the Central Okanagan.
Best MEAL SPOTS
South
1Valentini’s Café
2Pasta Factory
3Il Vecchio’s
Best Breakfast
Best Dinner
Central
1The Jammery
2Cora
3Bohemian Café
North
1Friesen’s Country
Tyme Gardens
2Dinner on Sixth
3Bean There Bistro
South
1Valentini’s Café
2Local Lounge • Grille
(Summerland)
3Bears Den Restaurant
Central
1Chop Steakhouse Bar
2The Keg
3RauDZ Regional Table
North
1Intermezzo
2Italian Kitchen
3Tita’s Italian Bistro
South
1Theo’s Restaurant
2Zias Stonehouse
(Summerland)
2Hooded Merganser
3Firehall Bistro (Oliver)
Best Lunch
Best Casual Dining
/ Bistro
2The Copper Cup
3Medici’s Gelateria (Oliver)
Central
Central
1Eldorado Dining Room
1Joey Kelowna
1The Harvest Grille
2Bohemian Café
2Chop Steakhouse Bar
3Earls
319 Okanagan Bar + Grille (West Kelowna) 3Wood Fire Bakery
North
North
1Vernon Lodge (Best Western)
1Earls
South
2Dorians Greek Taverna
1Theo’s Restaurant
3Original Joe’s
Authentic Indian Cuisine
3011 Pandosy Street, Kelowna
(250) 762.9300
www.chutneyrestaurant.ca
The Ultimate in Fine Indian Cuisine
Fresh Seafood Market
& delicious eat-in or
take-away fish n’ chips.
Two great locations to serve you better.
Central
1Minstral Cafe
2Le Plateau Bistro
3The Fixx
North
1Earls
2Crush Bistro
3Talkin Donkey
West Kelowna - Governors Market
2231 Louie Drive
250-768-3473 (FISH)
Penticton - Apple Plaza
150-1848 Main St.
250-492-3474 (FISH)
www.buythesea.ca
Photo contributed
20
May 2012 okanaganlife.com
1435 Ellis Street, Kelowna
(250) 717.1668
www.dawett.ca
Savour the Flavours of India
At the corner of Hwy 97 & Pandosy
1687 Pandosy Street, Kelowna
(250) 869.4809 • www.datandoor.net
Perfectly placed
to make
fine wine and
good friends.
Canadian Concert Series
May 26th - The Boom Booms
June 23rd - Acres of Lions
July 28th - Redeye Empire
August 25th - Said the Whale
Sept 8th - Grand Finale - SLOAN
Presented by the Georgia Straight
R E S TAU R A N T
tinhorn.com
okanaganlife.com May 2012
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readers' choice
Best Late Night Bite (After 9PM)
South
1China Palace
2Isshin Sushi Bar
3Beijing
Best Wine Bar
The historic allure of the Yellow House Restaurant presents a rewarding dining experience made extra special
by the charm of co-owners Rob Ahlgren (L) and Darren Stanfield (R) and sommelier Brooke Biro (C).
South
1Sage & Vines Bistro
2Opus Café Bistro
3La Casa Ouzeria
Best Family Restaurant
Central
1Red Robin
2White Spot
2Moxie’s Grill
3Montana’s
North
1Boston Pizza
2KTs Heritage Restaurant
3Red Robin
South
1Boston Pizza
2Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe
3Zias Stonehouse
(Summerland)
Best Buffet
Central
1Manhattan Point
2Grand Bay Café
3Buffet King
North
1Royal Garden
2BX Creek Bar & Grill
3 Yat Sen Restaurant
Central
1Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar
2Rotten Grape
3Sunset Bistro at Summerhill
3Old Vines at Quail’s Gate
North
1Intermezzo
2Crush Bistro
South
1The Cobblestone
(Naramata)
2Bufflehead Pasta
& Tapas Room
3Local Lounge • Grille
(Summerland)
Best Sports Bar / Pub
Central
1Dakoda’s
2Dave’s Sports Bar
3Rusty’s
North
1Kal Sports Bar
2Checkers Bar & Grill
3Sir Winston’s Pub
South
1Best Damn Sports Bar & Grill
2Kettle Valley Station Pub
3Peacock’s Perch
3Barking Parrot
Central
1Boston Pizza
2Joey Kelowna
3Kelly O’Bryan’s
North
1Original Joe’s
1Boston Pizza
2Sir Winston’s Pub
3Kelly O’Bryan’s
South
1Peacock’s Perch
2Earls
3Breeze Bar & Grill
(Osoyoos)
Voted Best Golf Course
& Best Wedding Venue for 2011
Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Best Tapas / Appies
Central
1Cactus Club Cafe
1 Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar
2Joey Kelowna
3The Yellow House
North
1Italian Kitchen
2Sir Winston’s Pub
3Crush Bistro
3Allora (Silver Star)
South
1Bufflehead Pasta & Tapas Room
2Local Lounge • Grille
(Summerland)
2Salty’s Beach House
3Peacock’s Perch
Best Soup
Best Salad
A farm-to-table hot spot, fresh and local fare is what you'll find at RauDZ
Regional Table. Share one of chef Rod Butters’ creations at the communal
table — there’s a seat waiting for you. (Did we mention the cocktails?)
Casual setting, spectacular view…
& a menu to tempt every palate
Best CRAVINGS
Central
1Wood Fire Bakery
2McCulloch Station
3The Bike Shop Café
North
1The Sprouted Fig
2Brown Derby Cafe
(Armstrong)
3Sunshine Corner Cafe
South
1Sage & Vines Bistro
2Opus Café Bistro
3Valentini’s Café
Take delight in a meal on the Peachland waterfront with an authentic European experience
like no other. The Gasthaus on the Lake’s Jörg Hörath, Stefan Pimenta, Werner Fischer, Jon
Zimmerman, Devin Smith and Isabelle.
Harvest
Grille
The
Harvest
Grille
Central
1Joey Kelowna
2Cactus Club Cafe
3The Chopped Leaf
3Twisted Tomato
The Harvest… Everyone Welcome
RESERVE TODAY
- 250.862.3177 - www.harvestgolf.com
YOU LIKE ME, YOU REALLY LIKE ME.
- sally field
Thank you for recognizing us in the latest edition of Okanagan Life’s Best Restaurant issue.
Thank you to all of our wonderful friends and neighbours who have joined us in the past year.
A big thanks to our passionate farmers, ranchers and artisans who provide the freshest
ingredients any chef could ask for. And above all thanks to
everyone for supporting local - buy local, eat and drink local.
©
- Chef Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao
Open 7 days a week from 5:00 p.m.
1560 Water Street, Kelowna
RauDZ
REGIONAL TABLE
FRESH • LOCAL • COMFORTABLE
250•868•8805
www.raudz.com
E
njoy fine casual dining
at the Yellow House
Restaurant & Catering
Company seven nights a
week and for lunch Monday
through Friday and a
delicious la carte Brunch
on Sundays... in a heritage
house setting, courtyard
patio, summer concert
series two rooms, great
250.763.5136
place for private parties and
experienced party planning #526 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna
and catering services.
www.theyellowhouse.ca
photos contributed
22
May 2012 okanaganlife.com
okanaganlife.com May 2012
23
readers' choice
www.cactusclubcafe.com | 250.763.6752 |
thank you!
for your loyalty to Cactus Club Cafe Kelowna
PUB
Here’s Breakfast!...
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN - CLASSIC PUB FOOD
and We Cater!...
KELOWNA’S NEWEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE
OPEN UNTIL 2:00 AM DAILY
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR WEEKLY FEATURES
DAILY SPECIALS AND FULL MENU
ALSO THE LIVE AT FERNANDO’S SCHEDULE
fernandospub.ca
facebook.com/FernandosPub
FERNANDO’S PUB
279 BERNARD AVE. 778.478.0330
24
May 2012 okanaganlife.com
North
1The Sprouted Fig
2Monashee’s Bar & Grill
3Crush Bistro
South 1Fresh Healthy Café
2Isshin
3Iyara Thai Restaurant
Best Seafood
Best Sandwich / Wrap / Panini
Central
1Christopher’s
2Codfathers Seafood Market
2The Keg
3Ric’s Grill
North
1Joey’s
2C-Lovers
South
1Salty’s Beach House
2Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe
3Buy the Sea
Central
1Subway
2Mediterranean Market
2Wrap Zone
3Jugo Juice
North
1Wrap Zone
2The Sprouted Fig
3Extreme Pita
South
1Dolci Artisan Fare
(Osoyoos)
2Valentini’s Café
3The Bench Market
Best Poultry
Central
1Cactus Club Cafe
2Montana’s
3Twisted Tomato
3Old Train Station Pub
North
1Brown Derby Cafe (Armstrong)
2The Italian Kitchen
South
1Amante Bistro
Best Steak
Here’s Lunch!...
twitter.com/FernandosPub
North
1Earls
2The Phoenix Steakhouse
3Wendy’s
South
1Earls
2Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland)
3Zias Stonehouse (Summerland)
Central
1The Keg
2Chop Steakhouse Bar
3Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen
3RauDZ Regional Table
North
1The Pheonix Steakhouse
2Intermezzo Restaurant
3Cattlemen’s Club Restaurant
South
1Sage & Vines Bistro
2Black Iron Grill
& Steakhouse
3Theo’s Restaurant
Best Vegetarian
524 Bernard Avenue
Downtown Kelowna, BC
Phone: 250-862-3517
www.bohemiancater.com
Central
1Dawett
2Pho Soc
3Poppadoms
Best Burger
Central
1Gorgeous George’s
2Five Guys (West Kelowna)
3Fat Burger
3 Burger Baron
North
1Kal Sports Bar & Grill
2Anchor Inn Pub
(Armstrong)
3Earls
South
1Burger 55
2Peacock’s Perch
3White Spot
Best French Fries
Central
1Bouchons Bistro
2McDonald’s
3Gorgeous George’s
3Burger Baron
North
1Kal Sports Bar
2McDonald’s
3Squires Four Pub
South
1Jeffers Fryzz
2Spud Brothers (Summerland)
2Burger 55
3Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe
Best Fish & Chips
Central
1Shady Rest British Fish & Chips
2Lord Chumley’s Fish & Chips
3Codfathers Seafood Market
North
1C-Lovers
2Joey’s
3Junction Cafe (Armstrong)
South
1Buy the Sea
1Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe
2Salty’s Beach House
3Sinbads Seafood Café (Oliver)
Best Pizza
Central
1Bordello’s Italian Pizzeria
2Boston Pizza
3DunnEnzies Pizza
3Mr. Mozzarella
North
1Boston Pizza
2Jim’s Place
3JJ’s Pizza Plus
South
1Mykono’s Pizza & Spaghetti House
1Papa Murphy’s
2Murrray’s Pizza
3Prima Pizza
North
1Marble Slab Creamery
2Garden Ice Cream Parlour
3Dairy Queen
South
1Tickleberry’s
(Okanagan Falls)
2Summerland Sweets
(Summerland)
2Ogos Ice Cream
3Medici’s Gelateria (Oliver)
Best Dessert
Central
1Moxie’s Grill & Bar
2Bonfire Grill at The Cove
(West Kelowna)
3RauDZ Regional Table
North
1Crush Bistro
2Eclectic Med
3Bean to Cup
South
1Bogner’s of Penticton
1Zias Stonehouse
(Summerland)
2La Casa Ouzeria
3Accent Chocolate
Best Sushi
Central
1Momo Sushi
2Ozeki
3Aomi Sushi
3Genji
North
1Wasabi
2Mahoroba
2Bento & Sushi
3Vernon Tokyo Sushi
South
1Isshin
2Ginza Sushi
3Just Delicious Bistro
(Summerland)
Best Ice Cream
Central
1Marble Slab Creamery
1Moo-Lix Ice Cream Shop
2 Foothills Creamery
2Annegret’s
3Okanagan Fudge & Sundae
Meet Tod Melnyk, owner of Tree Brewing in Kelowna, offering
up the perfect bevvy to quench your thirst.
photo contributed
okanaganlife.com May 2012
25
Est. 1996
Best OF THE REST
when you’re done with wine...
visit Kelowna’s only Craft Brewery
HOURS
Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 11am - 6pm
June to August - Sundays: 11am - 6pm
TASTINGS
Daily 11am - 5:45pm
TOURS
Please call for times.
ASK ABOUT
OUR KEGS
FOR SALE!
1083 Richter St. Kelowna, BC
1-800-663-4847 www.treebeer.com
Only 20 minutes from downtown Kelowna,
but a world away...
Best Bakery
Central
1Specialty Bakery
2Tripke Bakery
3Okanagan Grocery
North
1Sweet Caroline’s Bakery
2COBS Bread
3Okanagan Bake House
South
1Wouda’s Bakery
2Cake Box Bakery (Summerland)
3Blue Icing Dessert Bakery
North
1Nature’s Fare
2Simply Delicious
3The Sprouted Fig
3Choice’s Market
South
1Whole Foods Market
2Food Emporium
Best Coffee / Tea House
/ Herbs & Spices
Central
1Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
2Old Town Farm Market
2Quality Greens
3 Paul’s Produce
North
1Quality Greens
2Swan Lake Nurseryland
3Nature’s Fare
South
1Quality Greens
2Old Town Farm Market
Central
1Second Cup
2Bean Scene
2Blenz Coffee
2Lake Country Coffee House
3Abby’s Spice & Tea Store
3The Jammery
North
1Bean Scene
2Blenz Coffee
3Bean to Cup
South
1The Beanery Coffee Company
(Summerland)
2The Bellevue Café
3Fibonaccci Roastery & Cafe
3Medici’s Gelateria (Oliver)
3The Bench Market
Best Health / Natural Foods Store
Best Caterer
Central
1Nature’s Fare
2Choices Market
Central
1Bohemian Café
2Jimmy Ho’s
2Deli City
3The Bread Company
North
1Gumtree Catering
2Bento & Sushi
3Ora
South
1Joy Road Catering
2Valentini’s Café
3Murray’s Pizza
Best Place To Buy Fruit & Veggies
Like us on Facebook for your chance to win
the Okanagan Life summer getaway!
/LakeOkanaganResort
Best Fast Food
2751 Westside Road, Kelowna, BC V1Z 3T1
Ph: (250) 769-3511 Fax: (250) 769-6665 Tf: 1-800-663-3273
Fun and funky, The Bohemian Café — known to locals as
The Bo — offers a menu as fresh as its artistic décor.
HERE WE GROW AGAIN
HERE WE GROW AGA
Visit www.peacocksheridan.com to start building your plan now!
Wealth Plans. Estate Plans. Business Plans.
WEALT H ACCUMUL AT I ON | I NSURAN CE I N N OVAT I O N
YOUR PSG TEAM:
• 205-1180 Sunset Drive, Kelowna B.C. V1Y 9W6 P. 250.869.1451 F. 250.869.1452 •
YOUR PSG TEAM:
Greg Carter, CFP, GBA, CHS
Krystal Herie
Marc Gaucher, MBA
Sasha Carter, B. Ed
Darcy Letendre,Grant
ACS, AIAA
Sheridan, BA, CHS
Doug Deschner, CFP
Michelle Muhlbach
Brent Peacock, BA, CHS
Dustin Serviss, CFP,
Grant Sheridan, BA, CHS
Rusty Bracken, CLU, CFP
CHS
Brent Peacock, BA, CHS
Rusty Bracken, CLU, CFP
Greg Carter, CFP, GBA, CHS
Krystal Herie
Marc Gaucher, MBA
Sasha Carter, B. Ed
Darcy Leten
Doug Deschner, CFP
Michelle Muhlbach
Dustin Serviss, CFP,
CHS
Central
1Jimmy Ho’s
2Wendy’s
2Subcity Donair
3Five Guys
(West Kelowna)
North
1Wendy’s
2Extreme Pita
3Bento & Sushi
www.lakeokanagan.com
PhotoS contributed
26
May 2012 okanaganlife.com
okanaganlife.com May 2012
27
readers' choice
South
1Burger 55
2Taco Time
3Subway
Best Local White Wine
Central
1Quails’ Gate Chasselas
1Gray Monk Latitude 50
2Summerhill Gewurztraminer
3The View Gewurztraminer
3Mission Hill Chardonnay
North
1 Recline Ridge Siegerrebe
2 Sunnybrae Turner Road
3 Larch Hills Mad Angie
South
1La Frenz Sauvignon Blanc
2Haywire Pinot Gris
38th Generation Pinot Gris
3Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip
3 Wild Goose Vineyards Pinot Blanc
Best Local Red Wine
Central
1Mission Hill Merlot
2CedarCreek Pinot Noir
Refined, yet friendly, the Cactus Club offers a menu to tempt even the finest
palette and a staff that will make you right at home.
Best Local Beer
2Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir
3House of Rose Hot Flash
North
1 Recline Ridge Grande Pinot
2 Granite Creek Meritage
3 Celista Maréchal Foch
South
1Red Rooster Meritage
2Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc
3Black Hills Nota Bene
3Laughing Stock Portfolio
Central
1Tree Brewing Thirsty Beaver
2Mill Creek Lord Nelson’s Pale Ale
3Big Surf Beer Laid Back Lager
North
1Okanagan Spring Pale Ale
2Crannog Ales Back Hand of God Stout
South
1Barley Mill Mustang Pale Ale
2Cannery Brewing Squire Scotch Ale
3Tin Whistle Peaches and Cream
European Fine Dining
...in a remarkable dining room housed in a log
cabin creating an atmosphere that you will only
find in Bavaria. The pub offers a casual, yet classy
ambiance and spotlights Oktoberfest, medieval
feasts and holiday celebrations.
Golden Mile
Oliver, BC
Okanagan Valley
250-767-6625
250-495-4991
5790 Beach Ave. Peachland, BC
Located in the heart of the Okanagan, 20 minutes from Kelowna
and 25 minutes from Penticton, the Gasthaus on the Lake pub and
restaurant provides a year-round dining destination.
You are sure to have an unforgettable experience
at the Gasthaus.
www.castorodeoro.com
CastorodeOro
@CastorodeOro
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May 2012 okanaganlife.com