Vernon offers a diverse and evolving food scene that reflects its rich agricultural heritage and multicultural community. The city's culinary offerings cater to various tastes, from artisanal coffee shops to authentic international eateries.
Artisanal Coffee and Pastry Shops
Ratio Coffee
Vernon's coffee culture thrives, with establishments like Ratio Coffee leading the charge. Known for its handcrafted espresso drinks and freshly baked pastries, Ratio transforms into a wine bar on select evenings, offering salads, share plates, and pizzas accompanied by selections from their curated "juice wall." This dual concept allows patrons to seamlessly transition from a morning coffee to an evening dining experience within the same inviting space.
A highlight of Ratio's weekly offerings is their "Donut Fridays," where a limited batch of artisanal donuts is made available. Flavours such as Earl Grey, Raspberry Almond, and Mango Caramel have garnered a dedicated following, often leading to pre-orders to secure these sought-after treats. This initiative showcases their baking prowess and fosters a sense of community anticipation and engagement.
Ratio's dedication to quality extends to their sourcing practices, emphasizing local and organic ingredients in their pastries and menu items. Their breakfast offerings include fresh daily breakfast sandwiches and wraps and lighter options like granola, yogurt, and berry parfaits. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of Drumroaster Coffee beans from Cobble Hill, BC, ensuring a premium coffee experience.
Triumph Coffee
Another notable spot is Triumph Coffee, which combines minimalist aesthetics with high-quality brews. Beyond coffee, Triumph serves seasonal beverages like raspberry limeade and authentic traditional chai tea. Triumph Coffee has become a central hub for coffee enthusiasts and community gatherings. The café is celebrated for its commitment to serving outstanding third-wave coffee, offering a variety of espresso-based drinks crafted with precision and care.
The interior of Triumph Coffee is designed to foster a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. With ample seating, including booths and communal tables, it accommodates individuals seeking a quiet workplace space and groups looking to socialize. The minimalist décor, complemented by local artwork, adds to the café's inviting ambiance, making it a popular spot.
In addition to its in-house offerings, Triumph Coffee provides an online ordering system, allowing customers to place orders for pickup conveniently. This service ensures patrons enjoy their favourite beverages and meals with minimal wait times, enhancing the customer experience.
Authentic International Cuisine
Los Huesos Restaurant
Los Huesos Restaurant delivers authentic Mexican flavours, with dishes like Chimichangas and Enchiladas Divorciadas receiving high praise. The restaurant's deep-fried Dulce de Leche ice cream is a must-try dessert.
Los Huesos Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the local dining scene since its establishment in 2008. Specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes traditional dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, and chimichangas. Patrons frequently praise the rich flavours and generous portions, highlighting the establishment's commitment to delivering a genuine Mexican dining experience.
Occasionally, live music performances are featured on Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., enhancing the dining atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to contact the restaurant to confirm live music schedules.
The restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity has solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination for those seeking traditional Mexican flavours in the Okanagan region.
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
For those craving Asian cuisine, Wasabi Japanese Restaurant offers a variety of freshly prepared sushi and traditional Japanese dishes. Their Nigiri Combo and Signature Combo are particularly popular, providing a satisfying sushi experience.
The restaurant's menu features a wide array of traditional Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and various rolls, all prepared with fresh ingredients to ensure quality and flavour.
Patrons often praise the restaurant for its friendly and attentive service and its cozy and inviting atmosphere. The establishment provides both dine-in and takeout options, catering to different dining preferences.
In addition to its extensive sushi offerings, Wasabi Japanese Restaurant also serves a variety of other Japanese specialties, such as tempura, teriyaki, and donburi dishes. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality has made it popular for those seeking Japanese cuisine in the Vernon area.
Farm-to-Table Experiences
Davison Orchards
Embracing its agricultural roots, Vernon offers farm-to-table dining experiences highlighting local produce. Davison Orchards features a market with farm-fresh produce, homemade jams, and baked goods. Everyone can enjoy fresh fruit, soft serve, apple cider slushies, and other treats while exploring the orchard's family-friendly attractions.
Davison Orchards offers a variety of food options that highlight their farm-fresh produce and homemade specialties. The Farmhouse Café, located in the original Davison family home, serves breakfast and lunch daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Breakfast options are available until 11:00 a.m., featuring items like freshly baked cinnamon buns and muffins. The lunch menu includes soups, sandwiches, and pies made with ingredients grown and prepared on the farm, ensuring minimal food miles and an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Adjacent to the café, the Farmhouse Bakery offers a selection of baked goods, including pies, scones, and bread, all made using the farm's produce. Visitors can also enjoy natural fruit ice cream and the orchard's renowned 100% pure apple juice, freshly pressed from their apples. For those interested in preserving the farm's flavours, the market features a variety of jams, syrups, and butter made in their cannery, allowing guests to take home a taste of Davison Orchards.
The Old Brick Press, another on-site venue, serves specialty coffees and ice cream, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a treat while taking in the orchard's scenic views. People can choose their preferred dining environment with indoor and outdoor seating options. The combination of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to homemade quality makes Davison Orchards a notable destination for food enthusiasts seeking authentic farm-fresh experiences.
Specialty Food Shops
The Wedge Cheesery
The Wedge Cheesery stands out as a destination for cheese enthusiasts. The shop offers a curated selection of cheeses, including plant-based options. Knowledgeable staff provide insights into each cheese's origin and pairing suggestions, enhancing the shopping experience.
Emphasizing support for Canadian cheesemakers, the store features various products from various provinces, including British Columbia and Prince Edward Island. People are encouraged to sample unique and flavourful cheeses, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of different varieties.
In addition to its extensive cheese offerings, The Wedge Cheesery provides a variety of accompaniments to elevate the tasting experience. These include charcuterie, specialty crackers, and other gourmet items that pair well with their cheese selections. The shop also offers curated charcuterie boards, such as the Wedge Charcuterie Board, which features a selection of fine cheeses and meats, ideal for gatherings or personal indulgence.
The Wedge Cheesery offers a "Cheese of the Month" subscription for those looking to expand their cheese palate. Subscribers receive a selection of three fine cheeses chosen by the head cheesemonger, accompanied by descriptions and suggested pairings or meal inspirations. This service caters to seasoned cheese enthusiasts and newcomers eager to explore a variety of flavours.
Hot Bread Shoppe
Complementing the cheese offerings, the Hot Bread Shoppe provides freshly baked bread and pastries made from locally milled organic flour. Their preservative-free baguettes and seasonal fruit scones are perfect accompaniments for any meal. The Hot Bread Shoppe is a small-batch artisan bakery and gift shop that has become a cherished part of the local community.
The bakery is renowned for its commitment to quality, using high-quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques to ensure taste and freshness. Their product range includes a variety of fresh baked goods, focusing on artisanal bread and pastries. Customer favourites include sourdough bread and cinnamon buns, which have received high praise for their flavour and texture. The bakery also offers seasonal items, such as cherry scones made with locally grown cherries, reflecting their dedication to incorporating local produce.
In addition to their baked goods, the Hot Bread Shoppe operates as a gift shop, providing a selection of items that complement their bakery products. The bakery's warm and friendly atmosphere and high-quality products have made it a beloved destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic artisanal baked goods in Vernon.
Conclusion
Vernon's culinary scene reflects its rich cultural diversity and commitment to local, high-quality ingredients. If you're a coffee aficionado, an international cuisine enthusiast, or someone who appreciates farm-fresh produce, Vernon offers diverse dining experiences that cater to all tastes.
