The best accompaniment to outdoor adventure? Great food and drink! The city of Vernon delivers on both fronts, a reason why it’s one of our favourite weekend destinations in British Columbia.
In this post, I’ll share our top picks for the best restaurants, cafes and breweries in Vernon, located at the northern end of the Okanagan Valley.
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go for picnic supplies, post-hike drinks and celebratory meals.
JR and I live just a few hours drive from Vernon and have visited many times in the last few years. Although I can’t claim that we’ve eaten everywhere in Vernon, we’ve had a good go!
Part of our comprehensive series of posts about Vernon, this local food guide reflects our own experiences.
Vernon is located on the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation. We have visited multiple times independently and also in partnership with Tourism Vernon.
Where to eat in Vernon: Our favourite restaurants
Thanks to an abundance of fresh, local produce and ingredients, Vernon boasts a vibrant and diverse dining scene. It’s getting better all the time as well, with new restaurants opening regularly.
When planning your trip, check the opening hours of each business first. Some restaurants have reduced opening hours/days from October to April.
All featured restaurants and local producers are featured on the map below.
Eatology: The best breakfast and brunch
The epitome of the perfect brunch destination, EATology serves creative dishes made with local ingredients in a modern yet quirky setting.
And I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so highly of this place since EATology operates a waiting list at busy times (i.e. most days). Take the time to explore Vernon’s downtown area after providing your contact details to a server inside.
EATology also serves lunch and caters well for those with dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free).
BNA Brewing: Great drinks, atmosphere and games
BNA Brewing is a welcome addition to the Vernon dining and nightlife scene. Located in an old autoshop, this brewery has a playful and family friendly vibe. There is a huge patio, relaxed lounge area, quieter dining room and a top floor bowling alley.
This is the second location for the family owned BNA Brewing, with the first being in Kelowna. The brewing facility in Vernon is a lot bigger, however, so all the beers on the menu are brewed right on site.
Similarly, everything on the food menu is made from scratch as well. BNA is best known for its Smash Burger, with the rest of the menu leaning towards pub favourites with Asian twists, alongside pizzas and some innovative vegan options.
Intermezzo Restaurant: Celebrations and special occasions
Though it may be unassuming from the outside, Intermezzo’s elegant interior provides the perfect environment for any special occasion. Multiple private (or almost private) spaces enable a cosy, intimate ambience.
Intermezzo’s menu features many classic Mediterranean dishes, alongside their take on Canadian favourites such as Butter Chicken and Steak and Lobster. This is upscale dining with a comfort food twist.
All dishes are made in house, from scratch, with local ingredients where possible. The wine list is extensive, favouring wines from the Okanagan Valley.
Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana: The best pizza in town
This relatively new downtown restaurant is almost always busy. And rightfully so, since Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana makes the best pizza in town. Actually, make that some of the best pizza I’ve had anyehere in Canada!
The centerpiece of the ultramodern dining room is the authentic wood oven, which burns local applewood. The pizzas are baked to perfection; chewy, with a little char on the crust. My favourite is the Docle Fumo, featuring chili garlic crisp, smoked honey, roasted onion and goats cheese. Delish.
A small anti pasti menu is also offered, with salads, burrata, bruschetta and carpaccio. Seasonal dishes come and go – we enjoyed a roasted spouts dish in early spring.
Cambium Cidery & Restaurant: Upscale yet relaxed farm dining
Apples have been cultivated in the Vernon region for over a century, and Cambium Cider Co. proudly carries on that legacy at their third-generation orchard, crafting premium and innovative ciders.
With the stylish restaurant and patio located right alongside the orchard, a visit to Cambium is an experience in itself. It feels much further away from the city than it really is! They often have live music in summer.
Tasting flights are a great way to explore Cambium’s range, from classic dry cider varieties (my personal pick) to more creative, botanically infused options.
Cambium isn’t just about the cider—the food is exceptional, too. While simple in design, the dishes are packed with flavour. The menu changes often to reflect the season and they use locally sourced meat too. I’d recommend sharing a bunch of different dishes if you can.
Ratio Coffee: Tasty pastries, brunch and coffee
Vernon has a host of great coffee shops to choose from, with Ratio Coffee being one of the best. This cosy spot is well known for its excellent coffee as well as homemade pastries and cakes.
Everything is made on-site, from the croissants, pain au chocolat, scones, brownies and cookies. On Fridays, Ratio serves a dozen different donut flavours. Be sure to pre-order!
Ratio is also a good pick for brunch, with the menu featuring turkish eggs, muesli, Eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches and toast options (avocado, mushroom).
Midtown Bistro: Perfect for lunch downtown
This downtown spot specialises in fresh, creative dishes made with as many local ingredients as possible.
While Midtown Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner, I think it’s the perfect midday destination, with soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps being the highlight of the menu.
The menu isn’t extensive but that is intentional. It’s designed to be consistent, to provide a perfect experience every time. With 24 hours notice, they can also create charcuterie boards with local cheeses, meats and bread.
Gerni’s Farmhouse: For a unique dining experience
For something completely different, take a trip to Gerni’s Farmhouse at Sparkling Hill Resort. Located just outside the main building, Gerni’s offers a true taste of Austria.
Even before reaching Gerni’s itself, the views of Okanagan Lake are sure to impress. But that is nothing compared to the restaurant’s remarkable structure. The original 16th-century wooden building was carefully dismantled in Weeberg, Austria, then transported and reassembled in Canada.
Inside, the dining area is split into several smaller wood panelled rooms. Lively Austrian folk music plays in the background. The generously sized dishes include many classic Austrian options like bratwurst, sauerkraut, pork knuckle and spätzle.
For drinks, there is a great choice of wheat beers, pilners and radlers, along with wine spritzer cocktails and schnapps. In the warmer months, a patio showcases the lake views. Amazing!
The Edge Restaurant & Bar: Amazing views with local food
Looking to make an impression? The Edge Restaurant has you covered! This upscale new restaurant is part of the Rise Resort, a golf destination to the west of Vernon.
Located 300m above the city, the restaurant enjoys spectacular panoramas across Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. The wrap around patio really gives that ‘on the edge’ feeling. Inside, the tall ceilings and plush furnishings feel grand.
But this isn’t style over substance. The elevated food menu is excellent too, focusing on farm to table cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. And it’s not as expensive as you may expect either. All in all, a really special place to dine in the Vernon area.
Other restaurants we love
- Phoenix Steakhouse: Perfectly cooked steaks, upscale ambience, rooftop patio
- Los Huesos Restaurant: Longstanding Mexican restaurant with live music often on weekends
- Silverstar Brewing Co: Downtown brewery with pub fare including platters perfect for groups
- Two Donkeys Bakery: New cafe with German and Swiss breads, cakes, studels and tarts
- Kawakubo: Our favourite sushi spot, friendly and busy vibe with fresh fish
- RANGE restaurant: Scenic restaurant overlooking Predator Ridge golf course
- The Fig: Vernon mainstay with healthy lunch options, including bowls, soup, sandwiches
- Triumph Coffee: Airy, modern downtown spot with large coffee menu
- The Roxy Cafe: Downtown vegetarian/vegan cafe with coffee, homemade sour dough bread
- Rail Trail Café & Market: Convenient for Kal Beach, the Rail Trail
Foodie destinations
Vernon is chock full of local producers, making everything from fruit, honey and gin to cheese, sour dough bread and gelato. Here are our favourites!
For more ideas, head to Tourism Vernon’s Farm & Flavours Trail and Pour & Explore Loop.
Davison Orchards
This fifth generation family farm includes a local produce market, café, bakery, playground, petting zoo, seasonal U-pick and artisan ice cream shop. Phew!
With free entry, it’s the perfect all-in-one destination for families. Even for adults, it’s an incredibly wholesome experience.
Foodies should make a beeline for the Farmhouse Café. Located in the original 1940’s farmhouse, most of the menu items are made from ingredients grown and prepared on the farm.
Planet Bee Honey Farm
With hives located right on-site, Planet Bee really takes the farm shop experience to new levels!
But it doesn’t stop there. As well as producing 100% raw honey, Planet Bee also curates the highest quality, cruelty free honey bee products from around Canada.
A true family owned and operated business, you’ll likely meet one of the Noweks in the Planet Bee shop. Founder and father, Ed, began his beekeeping career at 16 years old.
The Planet Bee Honey Farm also features an educational centre with an indoor glass observatory hive, Honeymoon Meadery (another Vernon Tasting Trail destination) and beautiful pollinator gardens.
Olive Us Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room
Olive Us is on a mission to elevate the simple pairing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The centerpiece of the store is the tasting bar, which offers the chance to taste, pair and compare ultra premium (single varietal) olive oils, traditional style condimento balsamic vinegars and 100% naturally flavoured infused olive oils.
I’ve noted our favourite combination below but we also loved the butter infused (vegan!) and wild mushroom olive oil varieties too.
Hot Bread Shoppe
Blink and you may miss the Hot Bread Shoppe, a small batch artisan bakery perched on 31st St. Once inside, however, you will be held captive by the heavenly smell of bread and cinnamon buns.
The Hot Bread Shoppe’s irresistible array of baked goods is made completely from scratch with organic flours from a local mill. No preservatives, dough enhancers or other synthetic additives are used.
Vegans rejoice, there are options for you here too!
Wedge Cheesery
Wedge Cheesery showcases high quality dairy delights from around the world as well as local varieties.
In addition to selling artisan cheeses by weight, Wedge Cheesery creates tasty custom charcuterie boards including specially selected cheeses, crackers, fruit, nuts and locally made condiments.
Planning to explore one of Vernon’s hiking trails? Packaged into a box as standard (you can rent or buy a board instead), these charcuterie platters are perfect for picnics.
Other great places to visit
- Vernon Farmers’ Market – Held twice a week beside Kal Tire Place, all products are made, baked or grown locally. The outdoor season runs from mid April to the end of October.
- La Carraia Gelateria – More than 60 flavours of authentic Italian gelato for a real taste of Florence in Vernon! Gluten-free and vegan options available.
- Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen – Quality artisan meats sourced from local producers, sold with Central European flair. The on-site bistro serves hot deli sandwiches and borscht
- Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery – 30+ different varieties and variations of gin, vodka, whiskey and other liquors, all made with 100% locally grown fruits and grain. Walk-in tastings are available as well as signature distillery experiences.
- The Perch Winery – Vernon’s first winery, best known for Pinot Noir. Beautiful Swan Lake views and picnic area, open for tastings May to September.
- The Scenic Sip – more info below!
The Scenic Sip
Vernon sits at the top of the Okanagan Valley, one of the best wine growing regions in Canada. Just a short drive south of downtown is the Scenic Sip, a collection of eight wineries in the Lake Country area.
Six of these wineries are clustered above Okanagan Lake, where the vineyards slope towards the sparkling water below. The long summer afternoons help the vines receive almost 2000 hours of sunlight per year.
Lake Country best known for white wines, particularly Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Riesling. Rosé and Pinot Noir rounds out the collection. Grapes for other varietals are sourced further south.
The best way to tour the Scenic Sip wineries is to join a wine tour. That way, everyone gets to fully enjoy the experience!
We visited five wineries with Wine Boss Tours, guided by owner Gerry. Our relaxed tour a long stop for lunch at Gray Monk’s Lookout Restaurant (I’d recommend making this a priority!)
Gerry, a Vernon local, seemed to know every winemaker and wine server personally, which only enhanced our experience. Congenial and knowledgeable, Gerry loves this area (and wine!) and wants you to love it too.
- Intrigue Wines: This laid back winery is both budget friendly and fun, especially if you like bubbles
- O’Rouke’s Peak Cellars: Upscale, modern tasting room with long wine tasting list (all estate grown) and stunning views
- Gray Monk Estate Winery: First winery to plant Pinot Gris (also the origin of the winery’s name)
- Ex Nihilo Vineyards: Stylish yet down to earth, this passion project has an excellent story
- Arrowleaf Cellars: Family owned winery producing high quality terroir-driven wines with elegant style
Read these these related posts next:
52+ Fun Things to Do in Vernon, British Columbia
3 Days in Vernon, BC: The Perfect Spring Weekend Itinerary
What to See, Do and Eat in Vernon in Fall
Sparkling Hill Resort: Where Wellness and Nature Meet
Predator Ridge Hiking: Best Trails + Essential Info
16+ Fast and Fun Vernon Hiking Trails
Check out these recently published posts:
One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!