Penticton is lucky to have not only great wine, but great food. For a such a small city, Penticton sure packs in a lot of outstanding places to eat. From food trucks, to pizza joints, breweries, winery bistros to fine dining, we invite you to explore everything our city has to offer.
To start, we’ve made a short list of six must-visit restaurants in Penticton, each offering a unique experience that showcases the city’s culinary charm:
1. Elma
Modern Turkish Cuisine
994 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC
Nestled on Lakeshore Drive, Elma is a gem for foodies seeking bold flavours and artistic presentation. With a modern twist on Turkish cuisine, their menu features dishes like grilled octopus and lamb köfte, all crafted with local Okanagan ingredients. Elma’s has you covered with a quality selection of drinks, perfect for food pairing or sipping by the glass. With a diverse collection, there will surely be something for everyone. The lakeside views make the dining experience even more enchanting.
2. Salty’s Beach House
Seafood with a View
1000 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC
For a laid-back yet upscale dining vibe, Salty’s Beach House is a go-to spot. Known for its seafood-centric menu, favourites include their coconut prawns and halibut tacos. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail while taking in the picturesque beachside views of Okanagan Lake. The wine list is sure to delight, with a fantastic selection to pair with their mouthwatering menu, from New Zealand whites, to California reds and local stock, they’ve got you covered.
3. Socialẽ
Cozy Italian Fare
950 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC
SocialÄ“ delivers the essence of Italy with an intimate ambiance and exquisite , fresh, handmade tapas dishes. Their signature cacio e pepe and tiramisu are crowd-pleasers, and the warm, inviting setting makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or catching up with friends. Passion for Italian cuisine translates to their beautiful wine list of Italian wines, along with a well represented selection of local premium and well prices wines.Â
4. Theo’s Restaurant
Authentic Greek Cuisine
687 Main St, Penticton, BC
Theo’s has been a staple in Penticton for years, offering classic Greek dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and grilled lamb. The restaurant’s traditional decor and friendly service make you feel like you’ve been transported to a taverna in Greece. A cozy and eclectic place to visit any time of year! Cheers to any occasion with one of their Greek cocktails, Ouzo or pick from a wide range of wines available by the glass or bottle.Â
5. Black Antler
Comfort Food & Craft Drinks
215 Winnipeg St, Penticton, BC
A rustic-chic hangout, Black Antler is the spot for hearty dishes like bison burgers, pulled pork poutine, and crispy fried chicken sandwiches. Their extensive drink menu, featuring craft beers and creative cocktails, pairs perfectly with the cozy, laid-back atmosphere. And, don’t worry, they also have a well-stocked wine list full of sparkling,w hites and reds.Â
6. The Hooded Merganser
Farm-to-Table Elegance
21 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC
Perched right on the water, The Hooded Merganser combines farm-fresh ingredients with stunning lake views. Their seasonal menu includes standout dishes like steelhead trout and duck breast, all prepared with local produce from the Okanagan Valley. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion or refined evening out. The Hooded Merganser has just had their grand re-opening and is celebrating their 20th year! Be sure to check out their stunning lake view (you can’t get any more lake view than literally ON the water!), newly updated space, menu and wine list.Â
Pictured: A Hooded Merganser. Now, we’re talking about the restaurant above, but the name does come from this flashy looking little bird. Keep an eye out on lakes, streams and ponds for this small wetland bird.Â
These six restaurants highlight the best of Penticton’s food scene, offering everything from global flavours to local farm-to-table cuisine. Whatever your cravings, you’ll find something to savour here!
Stay tuned for more inspiration for your next visit as we explore delicious eats and treats all through the South Okanagan.
