Shuswap’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of local produce and global flavours. From lakeside cafes offering Oceanwise salmon to bistros serving farm-to-table delicacies, there’s a gustatory adventure at every turn.
Blind Bay
Timber Shuswap offers a farm-to-table experience with multi-award-winning chef Chris Whittaker. Some favourites include the Timber 2.0, The North Shore, Summer Squash Risotto, and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
Rancher’s Pizzeria and Bar, known for their pizza and beer, is another must-visit in the same complex. My favourites are the Chicken Bacon Alfredo and The Works. If you are looking for a non-pizza option, the Donair is also delicious and has a plant-based alternative.
Although closed through the winter, Finz Bar and Grill offers unparalleled sunsets, unique cocktails, and delicious food, the most popular being the Buddha bowl and Artichoke dip.
Sprokkets Café has delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches, and pastries. You won’t want to miss out on their delicious Cinnamon Buns. They are definitely worth a stop on your way. They also offer coffee, tea, and refreshers, but like Finz Bar and Grill, are only open throughout the summer and early fall.
Sorrento
If you are looking for Greek food in the Shuswap, you must try Stratis Mediterranean Grill. While the prices are on the higher end, the portion sizes are incredible, and the food is some of the best in the Shuswap. It is usually best to make a reservation here as it is a small restaurant open only in the evenings.
Tappen
Tappen Co-op’s ice cream is sure to be a hit for those with a sweet tooth. A summer hotspot, you surely will not be disappointed, especially with the serving size!
If you are looking for authentic Korean, Tappen Esso is the place to go! They also offer traditional Canadian breakfasts, fish and chips, and burgers.
Salmon Arm
Salmon Arm has excellent restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for a local pub, the Barley Station Brew Pub is a great spot. The Barley station has house-made kombucha, beer, and a delicious menu. The Spinach and Wild Salmon Salad and Sriracha Lime Chicken Rice Bowl are my favourites.
Namaste Authentic Indian Cuisine has some of the best Indian food I have ever had. Standouts are the Paneer Fingers, Chicken Pakora, Cheese and Spinach Naan, Palak Chicken, and, of course, the Butter Chicken.
For an elevated dining experience, Nineteen05 has a newly renovated interior and a gorgeous patio looking out toward Shuswap Lake. This is an excellent spot for breakfast and lunch, with eggs benny, bento boxes, sandwiches, and more!
If you’re looking for Asian noodles, Hungry Panda is by far the best. The Peanut Satay is my go-to.
Across the street from Hungry Panda is Hanoi 36 for classic Vietnamese. Usually, I will get the Pork and Spring roll Bun or rare beef pho. If you have not had Vietnamese Iced Coffee, you have to try one while you’re here, but make sure not to have it too late in the day, or you will be up all night!
Of course, this list only scratches the surface of the amazing restaurants the Shuswap has to offer, and I encourage you to explore as many of the local restaurants you can. The Shuswap, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has a lot to offer when it comes to local dining experiences. Eating at local restaurants in the Shuswap not only excites the palate with unique flavors and dishes, but it also plays a pivotal role in sustaining the local economy. Each meal consumed at a local eatery contributes directly to the livelihoods of local farmers, employees, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the financial circulation stays within the community.
Furthermore, by choosing to dine locally, patrons are given the privilege of savoring dishes that are prepared using fresh, local ingredients, often resulting in more nutritious and flavorful meals. This direct farm-to-table approach promotes sustainable agricultural practices and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. Additionally, local restaurants often capture the essence of the Shuswap’s rich cultural and culinary traditions, providing diners with an authentic and enriching experience that goes beyond just a meal. In essence, supporting local restaurants in the Shuswap is not only a delight to one's taste buds, but also an act of community building and environmental stewardship.
With its multifaceted dining options, the Shuswap offers more than just a travel destination. It’s a mosaic of experiences, waiting for explorers to piece together their own unique memories. Whether it’s the allure of nature, the warmth of its communities, or the tapestry of its cultural offerings, the Shuswap promises a journey like no other.