*Updated April 18th, 2024

Wine country is coming to life and with it, Penticton is gearing up to unveil a wave of new restaurants and wine bars.

The food scene in Penticton is evolving. It's quickly becoming dynamic, with an influx of new restaurants and wine bars that have breathed new life into revamped spaces and concealed warehouses.

Whether it's great food and expertly crafted cocktails, Spanish tapas accompanied by a rotating selection of Iberian wines, or a coffee and natural wine bar with a kissaten influence, Penticton restaurateurs are upping their game.

New Restaurants in Penticton

Kin & Folk

Newly opened, the idea for Kin & Folk originated around Chef and Partner Zac Chan’s kitchen island. Kin & Folk, is an extension of that island, where Partner and GM Mack Davis and Zac can welcome the community to connect and celebrate over a refined neighbourhood dining experience.

The concept revolves around an elevated but fun food, beverage and service experience. The food program, including both lunch and dinner, is driven by chef’s Asian heritage but also draws inspiration from global cuisines, contemporary techniques, fresh ingredients and local producers. Think shareable dishes like Soy Half Chicken, with pickled onions and scallion cashew cream and Ginger Scallion Crab with crispy garlic, fermented black bean and ramen noodles.

Their courtyard patio bumping energetic yet eclectic tunes is the perfect little escape in the middle of Penticton and the Burnt Peach Margaritas won’t stop flowing until late. 

- 557 Main St, Penticton, BC V2A 9A6

Soe Wine & Sound Bar

Led by Thuy Bui and Ryan Grifone, Soe (pronounced so-eh) is part coffee concept, part wine bar, and part hi-fi listening lounge that opened in the spring of 2024. Inspired by Japanese kissaten, which are audio-focused lounges and coffee shops, and modeled after the cave â manger natural wine bars in Paris, Soe is a contemporary yet casual concept for the Okanagan. 

Soe is BIPOC-led and comes out of the current and lasting need for connection and belonging. Thuy and Ryan’s purpose is to connect our communities - serving thoughtfully chosen coffee, small plates, and natural wine that reflect the sensitivity of the seasons and the tireless efforts of the people that work the land. 

With its penchant for groovy sounds and curated coffee, this new concept of coffee by day, and wine bar by night gives off warm, welcoming vibes. 

Soe is currently open Thursday through Monday from 8 am - 3 pm. Wine nights are coming soon!

- 105-285 Westminster Ave, Penticton, BC

Chulo Tapas

Owned by Chris Royal, restaurateur and long-time actor, and spearheaded by Chris himself, Chef Pierre Geronimo of Origine Catering and bar manager Shawn Dalton, Chulo is a tiny 28-seat restaurant at 124 Estabrook Avenue.

Opened in the summer of 2023, Chulo was conceived as a vibrant tapas and Barcelona gin joint. Chulo will offer traditional Spanish tapas, fused with North American ingredients. The tapas will be complemented by an array of handcrafted cocktails curated by Shawn Dalton, the mastermind behind Marrow Vermouth. Guests will also be able to enjoy Sherry, vermouth, and a small selection of rotating Iberian wines. 

For vibe, think wine cave seamlessly intertwined with a curio shop. Chris Royal's ventures are always a celebrated addition, aiming to establish a flourishing food scene in Penticton that rivals the exceptional quality of its wines and locally-grown produce.

Visit Chulo for the pintxos and stay for a perfectly crafted gin and tonic.

- 124 Estabrook Avenue, Penticton, BC BC V2A 1G3

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Penticton is changing, and with it comes a whole slew of places to hang out this summer. These three restaurants represent the most exciting openings of the year. With cool concepts from restaurateurs old and new, these are the spots you should plan to visit next time you're in town.