iN WINE: Moor & munch at these 7 Okanagan lakefront restaurants
Finding parking, traffic congestion, tourists everywhere — summer driving in the Okanagan can be a drag, especially if all you want is to get some dinner. Why not skip the traffic jams and hit the lake for a bite to eat?
These seven restaurants are all located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, with easy-access public docks where you can moor your vessel and grab a bite. Set sail to waterfront patios and amazing views from one end of the lake to the other.
Vernon
Outboard Waterfront
The Outboard Waterfront Pub is named after an outboard motor, the machine that keeps the boat whirring along and the memories flowing. If you like Caesars, this is the place to go. Their signature drink is the Bacon Jalapeño Caesar with house infused bacon-jalapeno vodka. If you’re all about the garnish, look no further than the Pickleback Caesar, with jameson irish whisky, vodka, pickle juice, horseradish, lea & perrins, franks & garnished with farmers sausage, pickle, onion & olive. And don’t even get us started on the Revved Up Caesar (pictured above). We’re halfway out the door already.
Kelowna
Hotel Elorado
If you’re looking for wine with dinner, the El is the place to go, as they feature more than 150 different labels. If you’re out on the water in the morning, try their famous brunch buffet for $39.95 per person. After your meal, walk the docks along the lake, and head over for a photo in front of Manteo's staple colourful beach chairs right next door.
Smack DAB at Manteo Resort
Their name comes from the location - smack dab in the middle of Kelowna’s waterfront district, right on the water. Smack DAB is known for their craft beer selection, because honestly, it’s huge. Choose from 12 taps and 20 beers by the bottle, all brewed by British Columbia and Pacific Northwest producers. If you’re out for an evening boat ride, you can stop by Smack Dab as late as 11 p.m. for a late night drink in the lounge.
West Kelowna
Bonfire Restaurant at The Cove Lakeside Resort
Local ingredients are a big priority for the Culinary Team at Bonfire. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bonfire is a good choice any time of the day. If you’re a fan of pancakes, it’s time to ditch the usual and try the Cinnamon Bun Pancakes. They’re drenched in maple syrup drunken raisins, cream cheese Chantilly and maple whipped butter. Don’t worry about the calories, you could always just swim home.
Peachland
The Blind Angler Grill
Winner of the Food Industry Excellence in the Peachland Business Awards 2018, the Blind Angler serves handmade burgers, flash-fried Calamari, Pernod mussels, fresh salads, Buddha Bowls, lettuce wraps, and tacos. The evening has Entrees featuring Fresh Seafood from local provider Cod Fathers in Kelowna. There's nothing better than eating fresh seafood on a lakefront patio. Just add some local wine and you're all set.
Gasthaus on the Lake
The Gasthaus first opened its doors in 2000 and has become an Okanagan staple in the years since. There’s plenty of entertainment throughout the year, including live jazz nights and holiday celebrations like Oktoberfest. The Gasthaus is the place to go for authentic German food, serving classics like Schnitzel, goulash and assorted roast meats.
Penticton
The Hooded Merganser
Not only does the Hooded Merganser have a great view, but they also boast a great vegan menu. Their plant-based selection features a unique and varied selection, from pulled jackfruit pizza to vegan “cheese” fondue to red Thai curry with coconut sauce. They’re open for lunch and breakfast too, also serving fruit smoothies and organic, fresh juice.
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