Best Aboriginal and Winery Restaurants in Kelowna
Kelowna is really an awesome place if you’re into Indigenous-inspired food and winery dining. Whether you’re into trying local ingredients, experiencing traditional Indigenous dishes with a twist, or enjoying a great meal with wine, this city has some pretty cool options. Let’s take a look at four of the best places you should totally check out:
| Restaurant | Where to Find | What to Try | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kekuli Cafe | 307-3550 Carrington Rd, West Kelowna, BC | Bannockwiches (Salmon, Back Bacon), Tipi Tacos, Pow Wow Frybread | 4.5/5 |
| 31 Charkay | 2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC | Spiced Pear Bannock, Squash Ravioli, Filet Tenderloin Steak | 4.4/5 |
| Home Block Restaurant | 5445 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC | Spring Salmon a la Plancha, Miso Black Cod, Wood-Grilled Flat Iron Steak | 4.6/5 |
| Red Fox Club (Closed) | Indigenous World Winery, West Kelowna, BC (closed) | Bannock, Bison Tartare, Candied Salmon | 4.3/5 |
Kekuli Cafe: Indigenous Food with a Modern Twist
📍 Address: 307-3550 Carrington Rd, West Kelowna, BC
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (Google Reviews)
What It’s About
If you haven’t been to Kekuli Cafe, you’re really missing out on some fantastic Indigenous food. This place is super casual, super friendly, and serves up the best bannock (a traditional Indigenous bread) in town. Bannock is what makes this cafe stand out, and they do it in all kinds of cool ways – both sweet and savory. You’re basically getting the best of Indigenous culture wrapped in a modern, easy-to-enjoy format.
It’s a super cozy spot, and the atmosphere makes you feel right at home. Perfect for grabbing a bite with friends or even on your own if you want to chill and enjoy some Indigenous flavors in a laid-back environment.
What to Try
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss from the Kekuli Cafe menu:
- Bannockwiches: Imagine sandwiches but with bannock instead of regular bread – super tasty. Try the salmon bannockwich or the back bacon bannockwich.
- Tipi Tacos: Tacos on bannock! They’re filled with great stuff like venison, black beans, or BBQ chicken.
- Pow Wow Frybread: This fried version of bannock is topped with salsa, sour cream, and cheese – so good.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll really love Kekuli Cafe if you’re into trying new flavors but in a chill, friendly spot. The use of fresh, local ingredients makes the food taste great, and it’s an easy way to dive into Indigenous cuisine without any fuss. Plus, their bannock is out of this world! It’s definitely a place to visit if you want to explore West Kelowna food and enjoy something unique.
31 Charkay: Family-Style Meals with Local Flavors
📍 Address: 2550 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna, BC
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Reviews)
What It’s About
31 Charkay is all about those super cozy, family-style vibes. Inspired by Grandma Helen’s recipes, this place feels like you’re gathering around the family table, but with a modern twist. It’s located in West Kelowna, and their menu mixes Canadian comfort food with creative touches.
Whether you’re dining with friends or family, you’ll really feel at home here. The food is fresh, made with local ingredients, and the restaurant’s welcoming vibe makes it perfect for sharing meals together.
What to Try
On the 31 Charkay menu, these are the dishes you’ve gotta try:
- Spiced Pear Bannock: A super cool sweet and savory dish with brie, pears, and spiced apple honey.
- Squash Ravioli: Delicious vegetarian ravioli that’s full of flavor and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Filet Tenderloin Steak: A really tasty steak paired with grilled veggies and a port wine sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
31 Charkay is the perfect spot for enjoying family-style meals with friends or loved ones. The dishes are super creative, and they work with local ingredients to make everything fresh and flavorful. Oh, and did I mention they pair everything with wines from Grizzli Winery, making it one of the top West Kelowna wineries? So, if you’re in the mood for some cozy vibes and great food, this place is a must-visit.
Home Block Restaurant: Great Food Paired with Local Wines
📍 Address: 5445 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)
What It’s About
At Home Block Restaurant, it’s all about pairing awesome food with the perfect wine. This place is part of CedarCreek Estate Winery, and they make sure that every dish pairs beautifully with the wine they produce. Chef Neil Taylor is the mastermind behind the food, and he’s super into using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The vibe here is pretty laid-back, but still feels like a special treat. You can come for a casual lunch or go all out with a fancy dinner. If you’re into winery restaurants Kelowna, this one definitely needs to be on your list.
What to Try
Here are some of the best things from the Home Block menu:
- Spring Salmon a la Plancha: This dish is really fresh and paired with braised kale and chorizo vinaigrette – delicious.
- Miso Black Cod: If you love cod, you’ll be super into this one, served with shiso oil and herb salad.
- Wood-Grilled Flat Iron Steak: This steak is so good, paired with rapini and a horseradish cream sauce.
Special Dining Experiences
- 5-Course Wine Pairing: This is a super cool experience where each course is paired with a different wine from CedarCreek.
- Trust the Chef: Feeling adventurous? Let the chef surprise you with seasonal dishes, and you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love It
Home Block is where you go if you’re really into good food paired with great wine. The views of Okanagan Valley are stunning, and the food is always seasonal and super fresh. It’s perfect for wine lovers or anyone who just enjoys a good meal in a beautiful setting. This is a standout among the winery restaurants Kelowna offers.
Red Fox Club (Closed): Legacy of Indigenous Cooking
📍 Address: Located at Indigenous World Winery, West Kelowna, BC (now closed)
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews, before closure)
What It Was
Before it closed in August 2020, Red Fox Club was a total gem at Indigenous World Winery Kelowna BC. The restaurant took Indigenous cooking and gave it a modern twist, using local ingredients and Aboriginal flavors to create a truly special dining experience. The Red Fox Club menu was full of cool dishes that really highlighted what Okanagan has to offer.
What People Loved
Even though the Red Fox Club is no longer open, people loved its unique mix of Indigenous and local flavors. Some popular dishes on the Red Fox restaurant menu included:
- Bannock: Traditional fry bread that was served in creative ways.
- Bison Tartare: A rustic yet refined dish made with local bison.
- Candied Salmon: Super flavorful salmon, highlighting the local fish.
Though the Red Fox Club is no longer around, its legacy still lives on. It made a huge impact by combining traditional Indigenous cooking with modern flavors, giving guests a taste of Canadian Indigenous culture in a way that was fresh and exciting. Its influence on West Kelowna food and the local Indigenous winery scene is still felt today. It was definitely a standout among the many West Kelowna wineries. While the Red Fox Club hours are a thing of the past, it left a lasting impression on the local dining scene, and its spirit lives on through similar Indigenous World Winery experiences.
Kelowna is a wonderful place to explore Indigenous food and winery dining. Whether you’re visiting Kekuli Cafe for a modern twist on bannock, enjoying a family-style meal at 31 Charkay, or savoring a wine-paired dish at Home Block Restaurant, you’ll find plenty of delicious options. Even though the Red Fox Club is closed, its influence lives on as a reminder of the importance of Indigenous cuisine in the region.
These restaurants show the best of local ingredients, Aboriginal traditions, and wine culture. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t miss the chance to experience these winery restaurants in Kelowna and the rich flavors they offer.