Feeling hungry about midday? Or want to plan your lunch stop now? I’ve got you! This post showcases my top picks for the best Penticton lunch spots.
The following restaurants and cafés serve lunch, usually with a choice of indoor or al fresco seating. Of course, these restaurants and cafés will offer take-out as well, if you’d prefer to eat in a local park or even on the beach (explore our picnic location guide!)
Most of these recommendations are pretty casual (like Penticton in general). While I have included one upscale option at the end, you could also check out our local fine dining guide as well.
No matter your tastebuds, you’re sure to find a Penticton lunch place to suit. After almost 10 years living here, we certainly have our favourites. Time to share!
Please contact individual businesses for the most accurate information. There may be affiliate links in this post. We may earn a small percentage of any resulting sales or bookings.
Best lunch restaurants in Penticton
Time to get started on this list of the best lunch restaurants in Penticton, as recommended by a local. Use the map below to locate each suggested lunch spot.
The Bench Market
The Bench Market is a Penticton mainstay. Located on Vancouver Hill, on the way to the Naramata Bench, it is worth the detour from downtown. Lunch here is all about healthy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients – specifically soup, sandwiches and salads.
As well as being a lunch destination, the Bench is very popular for coffee. They use locally roasted coffee beans. I don’t personally drink a lot of coffee but when we have friends visit, this is their favourite place to go! There is a small patio at the front.
Another popular coffee and lunch spot is Wayne & Freda. This super modern and airy café is only a block from Okanagan Beach and has a large patio. The lunch menu focuses on toast, sandwiches and bowls. The latter are my top pick if you’re looking for something on the healthy side.
Location: 368 Vancouver Avenue, V2A 1A5
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Stillfood Bistro & Cappucino Bar
Penticton is host to one of the best plant-based eateries in the entire Okanagan Valley – Stillfood Bistro. And it’s certainly not just for vegans. I would guess that a lot of visitors do not initially realise that there is no meat on the menu.
Coffee and pastries are the star of the show for anyone who prefers a light lunch. If, like me, you prefer something a little more filling, Stillfood serves brunch until 3pm. So not only do you have the lunch dishes to choose between (salads, bowls, wraps and burgers) but the excellent brunch one as well!
For me, the Eggs Benny is a must try. It features an eggless ‘Stillfood egg’ and dairy-free hollandaise. It looks and tastes amazing!
Location: 75 Front Street, Penticton
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Cannery Brewing
Cannery Brewing is my top pick for a relaxed lunch with a beer. It’s my preferred Penticton brewery in general. I love how they have bar service so you can simply pick up your drinks, order food and unwind. There are two patios to choose from during the warmer months.
The highlight of the menu at the Cannery? The nachos – the best in town! There are three different versions available (vegan, vegetarian, chicken), so everyone in your group can get in on it.
My other top pick is the Pretzel Bombs, which are stuffed with a generous amount of cheddar and served with dijon mayo dip. Yum! The appetiser-forward menu is perfect for sharing.
Address: 198 Ellis St, V2A 4L5
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The Prague Café
For a light bite with a view, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Prague Café. It sits directly opposite beautiful Marina Way Beach on Okanagan Lake. A collection of Adirondack chairs are set up to enjoy the best views in town.
The café has recently been taken over by new owners but it’s always been well known for homemade Czech inspired pastries (hence the name). Lunch options included sandwiches, soup and cake. I need to re-visit to check the new menu and then I will update this guide!
Address: 102-250 Marina Way, V2A 1H5
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BRODO Kitchen
Craving a soup, salad or sandwich? BRODO Kitchen has you covered. Operating for over 10 years, this family owned eatery is well known for championing local produce and other local businesses.
As already mentioned, the concept is simple. Freshly made soup, salads and sandwiches, made with in-season ingredients and sold at reasonable prices. They are best known for offering a flight of soups – three different vareties served with a salad/sandwich.
The name ‘BRODO’ is the Italian word for ‘broth’. During the warmer months, there is a small but sunny patio to enjoy.
Location: 483 Main St, V2A 5C4
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Ginza Sushi & Poke
We’re fortunate to be spoiled for choice when it comes to sushi in Penticton. While the city may be inland, the quality is still pretty good.
My favourite sushi spot for lunch is Ginza, situated in a 100 year old heritage building on Front Street. They have great lunch boxes, which include at least one roll as well as tempura, gyoza, salad and teriyaki/nigiri. Poke bowls are available as well.
If sushi isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider Katsu Heaven instead. It’s also located downtown but specialises in Japanese style breaded cutlets. Owned by a Korean family, they also serve bulgogi and bibimbap. Portions are big!
Address: 74 Front Street, V2A 1H1
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Neighbourhood Brewing
One of the most prominent breweries (and restaurants in general!) in Penticton is Neighbourhood Brewing. Situated on the corner of Westminster and Winnipeg, it’s usually pretty busy, especially on sunny days. The large west facing patio is dog friendly.
Neighbourhood is popular for lunch as it serves a lot of very shareable small plates in addition to larger meals. The menu is Mexican- Canadian fusion, with dishes like Tachos (nachos made with tater tots) alongside more traditional favourites like Al Pastor tacos.
As for the beer, Neighbourhood usually has as many as 17 different brews on tap. They also make their own seltzer (8 different varieties!) and serve local cider and wine.
Location: 187 Westminster Ave W, V2A 1J7
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Petrasek Artisan Bakery
If you’re the kind of person who is very happy with a coffee and a pastry for lunch, let me direct you towards Petrasek Artisan Bakery. This European-style family owned bakery has recently moved to a larger space on Main Street with a sunny patio.
Everything is made from scratch and crafted to a high standard, with local ingredients used where possible. The owners are originally from Slovakia. As the story goes, they fell in love with Penticton after visiting during Peach Fest one year.
Choose between crossiants, pain au chocolat, freshly baked sour dough bread, pizza buns, cinnamon buns, pretzels and more.
Location: 364 Main St, V2A 5C3
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Penticton Indian Cuisine
Penticton has a great range of Indian restaurants, especially downtown. Penticton Indian Cuisine is our favourite, for consistency, portion size and flavour.
The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife team from Nepal. They learned to cook in New Delhi in India and have also worked in Cyprus and Japan.
Penticton Indian Cuisine has a good value lunch special, including rice, naan, salad and a choice of one type of curry. The price varies on whether you choose chicken, vegetarian or lamb/beef. There is a small patio outside.
Location: 325 Main St, V2A 5B7
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The Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery
Feeling fancy? The Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery is my top choice for an upscale lunch in Penticton. It’s the closest winery restaurant to downtown, so it doesn’t mean driving all the way along the Naramata Bench to get there.
Situated on the slopes of Munson Mountain (just below the Penticton sign), the lake and vineyard views are ridiculously good from every seat.
As for the menu, it’s fairly short and succinct, with a clear vision of showcasing ingredients from local farmers, with foraged elements. Think fresh, vegetable forward, small and large plates to share or enjoy alone.
Location: 425 Middle Bench Road, V2A 8S5
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