For such a relatively small city, Penticton has a surprisingly large and diverse food scene. This is particularly true with the last few years in mind, with so many new restaurants opening in the downtown core.
With such a variety of options, narrowing down the best Penticton restaurants is quite a challenge. After years of living here, however, we do have our favourites.
Looking for the best Penticton restaurants with patios? We have a dedicated patio post for that! We also have a best vegan restaurant article, a fine dining post and best breakfast restaurants guide.
Last updated December 2024. For the most up-to-date information, contact individual businesses before visiting. There may be affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase, we may receive a small percentage of the sale.
Kin & Folk
Kin & Folk ranks high in our list of the best restaurants in Penticton. Located in the 500 block of downtown, this upscale contemporary Asian-fusion venture is relatively new but has made a big impact so far.
The menu showcases ingredients and inspiration from Korean, Japan and China, with a hint of Italy. The dishes are playful, particularly during happy hour.
Hints of chilli are included in most dishes. Meat takes the focus of many dishes, but there are some innovative vegetarian and fish options too. Keep in mind, however, that portions are on the smaller side.
The atmosphere is modern with clean lines, yet remains warm and inviting. The backlit bar serves as a focal point of the dining area, complementing the inventive cocktail menu. We love that attention has been given to non-alcoholic drinks as well (not just soda).
In the summer, the spacious patio is a great added feature. If you can, visit during happy hour (3-5 pm or after 8 pm). It’s a great opportunity to sample more dishes and drinks for less, including some of the more adventurous cocktails that we may not have tried otherwise.
Phone: 778-531-6170
Address: 557 Main Street (click for directions)
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Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana
For authentic, Neopolitan style pizza (soft, thin crust with slight char) straight from the rock oven, look no further than Tratto. The slightly chewy pizzas are topped with quality Italian ingredients like capicollo (cured spiced, smoked pork shoulder) and cacciocavallo (buttery stretched cheese).
Served with scissors (as per the traditional way), Tratto’s pizzas are easy to share between friends.
Due to this, we’ve managed to munch our way through most of the menu pretty easily. Our current favourites are the Prosciutto and Argula (they definitely don’t scrimp on the meat!) and the Quattro Formaggi.
Phone: 250-493-0080
Address: 256 Westminster Avenue (click for directions)
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Loki’s Garage
If perfectly cooked poached eggs on fresh bread, covered with homemade hollandaise and accompanied by a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth hash browns sounds like your idea of brunch, you’ll love Loki’s Garage! Not keen on Eggs Benedict? The Chicken & Waffles is a worthy alternative.
Such attention to detail, use of quality ingredients and generous portions make Loki’s Garage our absolute top pick for breakfast and brunch in Penticton.
The location of Loki’s may be a little strange for those unfamiliar with downtown Penticton (I find it a hard place to direct people to). It sits behind Front St, accessed from there or Backstreet Boulevard. As well as almost a dozen tables inside, Loki’s has a sunny patio out front.
Phone: 250-770-7890
Address: 52 Front Street #84 (click for directions)
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Ginza Sushi & Poke
Ginza is the ‘new-old’ sushi restaurant on the block. Closed after a fire in 2017, the restaurant reopened in 2020 with a stunning new look.
The upscale, modern style perfectly compliments the 100 year old heritage building. A beautiful open staircase transports guests up to the main dining area, which features a gleaming wooden ceiling and private seating.
And it isn’t a case of style over substance at Ginza. The comprehensive menu includes plenty of Japanese favourites as well as poke bowls and some Korean dishes, a node to the heritage of the owners. The pricing is a little higher than some other downtown sushi restaurants, but we feel that it is worth it.
Phone: 250-493-0303
Address: 74 Front Street (click for directions)
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Katsu Heaven
Specialising in just one Japanese dish, Katsu Heaven is one of Penticton’s more unique restaurants. Katsu is a short form of the word ‘katsuretsu’ which means cutlet. It Japanese cuisine, it is a chicken or pork cutlet coated with panko bread crumbs and deep fried. Think super crispy, wonderfully comforting and so more-ish.
Katsu Heaven serves five different types of katsu, with three being vegetarian friendly (tofu and cheese). There is a curry katsu option as well, my favourite, which comes with a side of Japanese curry. The menu also features tempera and some Korean dishes such as bulgogi, fried chicken and bibimbap.
A sister restaurant to Sushi Heaven on Main Street, a loud ‘irrashaimase’ (welcome) is provided at both destinations and there are a few design similarities as well. I love Katsu Heaven’s modern style, with private booths and window bar.
Sushi Heaven is our second favourite sushi spot in Penticton so you really can’t go wrong when choosing between them.
Phone: 250-490-0252
Address: 203 Martin Street (click for directions)
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Elma
Elma is a beautiful destination for an upscale dinner or special occasion. The huge floor to ceiling windows showcase the prime lakeshore location while also allowing the spacious interior to remain wonderfully airy and bright.
The owners are from Turkey, a factor which inspires, but not defines, the menu. Okanagan ingredients and style are infused to provide a more familiar, yet still adventurous, dining experience.
Guests can choose to share small meze plates and/or larger vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes. The oval shaped Pides (flatbreads) are a definite highlight.
Phone: 236-422-3562
Address: 994 Lakeshore Drive (click for directions)
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Cannery Brewing
Small bites are the name of the game at Cannery Brewing, designed to compliment their wide variety of craft beers. The nachos are undoubtedly the best in town, with three different versions available (vegan, vegetarian, chicken), so everyone can enjoy.
Stuffed with cheddar and served with dijon mayo dip, the Pretzel Bombs are another highlight on the Cannery’s appetizer-forward menu. Charcuterie boards, sandwiches and hummus plates are other mainstays, with 3 or 4 rotating options rounding out the list.
Phone: 250-493-2723
Address: 198 Ellis Street (click for directions)
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Penticton Indian Cuisine
For a long time, Lachi (see below) held our favour for best Indian restaurant in Penticton. But a few years ago, our allegiance switched to Penticton Indian Cuisine.
The reason? Each dish we have received from Penticton Indian Cuisine has been absolutely bursting with flavour. And there’s complexity too. Combined with perfect sauce consistency, tasty appetizers and decent portions, Penticton Indian Cuisine is a winner.
Phone: 778-476-2683
Address: 325 Main Street (click for directions)
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Lachi
Still our second favourite Indian restaurant in Penticton, Lachi has been dishing up delicious food for over 10 years. The lunch and dinner specials are particularly popular, as are the wonderfully soft naan breads.
The restaurant recently moved to a new corner location, just down the street. This newly renovated space is bright and modern, offering extra capacity and a more upscale dining experience.
Phone: 778-476-5665
Address: 504 Main Street (click for directions)
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Happiness Thai
This unassuming place on Main St is just what you need when you’re craving Thai comfort food dishes like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew. Curries and stir fries are also available.
Portions are generous at Happiness Thai, offering excellent value for money. Expect to enjoy some leftovers the next day!
Happiness Thai is primarily a take-out restaurant. If you don’t want to eat in your hotel or Airbnb, head to Gyro Park or Marina Way Park. There are plenty of picnic tables available with a view.
Phone: (236) 422-2228
Address: 535 Main Street (click for directions)
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Jeffer’s Fryzz
Be sure not to underestimate this humble food truck! Jeffer’s Fryzz has been serving fresh cut french fries at its Main St location for more than 35 years.
At the request of local Quebecois farm workers in the 80’s, the owner sourced cheese curds (a difficult feat at the time) and became one of the first places in British Columbia to serve poutine.
Made with homemade gravy and fries, Jeffer’s poutine remains just as authentic and tasty today. The fish and chips are also a hit with locals.
Phone: (250) 462-6587
Address: Corner of Main Street and Nanaimo Avenue (click for directions)
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Neighbourhood Brewing
Perched on the corner of Westminster and Winnipeg, Neighbourhood Brewing is Penticton’s most prominent craft brewery. It is also one of the busiest and often has the most amount of beers on tap. Small plates make up most of the menu, with Mexican and Canadian fusion as the theme.
Some of the dishes retain authentic Mexican flavours (like the Al Pastor tacos), while others have fun Canadian twists (such as the Tachos – nachos made with tater tots). Five different hot sauces are provided so you can up the spice and flavour level to your own taste.
The large misted patio is very dog friendly, so Neighbourhood is a great option if you have a furry friend with you!
Phone: 778-380-0841
Address: 187 Westminster Avenue W (click for directions)
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The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
Even before arriving at the restaurant, dining at Poplar Grove feels like a pretty special experience. Located on the slope of Munson Mountain (home of the Penticton sign), even the parking lot has fantastic panoramic views!
Whether you choose to dine indoors or outdoors, both options offer abundant opportunities to indulge in the stunning scenery.
The menu is concise yet impactful, emphasizing a commitment to local farmers and incorporating foraged elements. Just as the vegetable selection aligns with the seasons, the choice of fish is also guided by sustainability principles. The chef team honed their expertise at the Naramata Inn and it shows.
Phone: 250-493-9463
Address: 425 Middle Beach Road N (click for directions)
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Hooded Merganser
Lakefront restaurants always offer impressive views….but what a restaurant that is literally on the lake? The Hooded Merganser sits directly on Okanagan Lake, elevated by use of ‘stilts,’ offering incredible uninterrupted views towards Summerland, Naramata and Okanagan Mountain Park.
The large patio wraps around the restaurant, offering multiple viewpoints. Facing north, it always faces away from the sun and never gets too hot.
There are large floor to ceiling windows to enable interior guests to enjoy the panoramas as well. Keep in mind that you do pay a few extra dollars for the view.
The Hooded Merganser is currently being renovated and will reopen in February 2025 with a new team, new look and new menu.
Phone: 250-487-4663
Address: 21 Lakeshore Drive W (click for directions)
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Wayne and Freda
Lovingly named after the owner couple’s grandparents (who happened to live in the same Okanagan care home!), Wayne and Freda has quickly become downtown’s most popular coffee spot.
The simple but comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu is on the healthy side, featuring toasts, sandwiches, grain bowls and soup (great choice for vegetarians and vegans!)
Bright, airy and modern, Wayne and Freda is a wonderful place to sit, eat and people watch. It’s less than a block away from the beach as well!
Phone: 236-422-2900
Address: 249 Westminster Avenue W (click for directions)
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The Bench Market
The Bench Market is a Penticton institution. Not just a destination for coffee, the Bench serves healthy, seasonally inspired dishes made with local ingredients.
Think house made granola, toasted sandwiches, veggie burgers and salads. Brunch is also available on weekends and statutory holidays.
Located in a residential area just a short walk from downtown, the Bench Market is an ideal stop if you’re heading up to the KVR Trail. The Vancouver Place trailhead (which leads below the Penticton sign) is only five more minutes up the hill.
Phone: 250-492-2222
Address: 368 Vancouver Avenue (click for directions)
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