There’s nothing wrong with heading to Penticton and making a beeline for the vineyards. After all, this Okanagan gem is famous for its wines. But you’d be missing plenty if that’s all you honed in on. Penticton’s Italian dining scene mixes old-world tradition with lakeside patios and impeccable pasta. Whether you’re craving a classic carbonara or a modern wood-fired pizza, these spots prove that la dolce vita thrives in BC’s wine country.
Gusto Ferrari
$$ | (250) 493-1288 | WEBSITE
Once you settle into Gusto Ferrari, a family-owned Italian spot in Penticton, it’s hard to imagine leaving. Whether you’re sharing a perfectly portioned Margherita Pizza with its thin, crispy crust and classic tomato-oregano combo, watching chefs prepare meals from start to finish in the open kitchen, or simply soaking up the warm, family atmosphere, the simple decor and friendly service invite you to relax.
Linger over a fresh made-to-order Panini sandwich, stay for a Half Sized Primavera Salad that tastes straight from the garden, and savor every scratch-made bite with perfect blends of spices. A visit to this authentic Northern Italian restaurant makes for a wonderful Okanagan dining experience that leaves you satisfied but not heavy.
Pizza Hut
$$ | (250) 492-8890 | WEBSITE
Around dinner time on any given evening you’ll notice a steady stream of cars winding through the drive-through lane and into the decent-sized parking lot. Not for a fancy sit-down meal, or a gourmet experience, but for a satisfying pizza that hits the spot. The Italian chain has locations everywhere, and while this one is set up for quick convenience, it’s also a reliable choice for families and casual cravings.
Generously topped pies like the Caesar’s chicken and Hawaiian pizza are loaded with fresh ingredients and feature that perfectly crispy crust everyone praises. It’s first-come-first-served on tables, but the service moves quickly and you’ve got a welcoming manager on site who keeps things running smoothly. The Penticton location is also appreciated for its fast, professional service.
Mykonos Pizza & Spaghetti House
$$ | (250) 493-5322 | WEBSITE
There are dozens of Italian spots in Penticton, but Mykonos Pizza & Spaghetti House might just be the best. It’s a family-run joint that’s been serving the community for over 40 years. The staff are still friendly and welcoming, providing quick service that makes you feel right at home. That dining area is a cozy and straightforward space, if fairly simple, but the pizza is something else entirely.
At lunch it feels like somewhere regulars would swap stories, with a line of pepperoni mushroom shrimp pizzas constantly coming out of the oven, and all kinds of fresh, delicious side items to enjoy alongside.
La Casa Ouzeria Restaurant
$$ | (250) 492-9144 | WEBSITE
Penticton is blessed with all kinds of places to eat and drink, and La Casa Ouzeria is where you’ll find the people who like to savor lamb shoulder and talk about their homemade tiramisu. These days it feels like the Greek-restaurant-to-cozy-patio pipeline is well trodden. La Casa Ouzeria, at least, was not a generic spot, but a place with genuine warmth.
Here, it’s hard to imagine an evening that wouldn’t be improved by having a plate on that inviting patio and hyper-fixating on the perfectly cooked beef souvlaki.
Socialē
$$ | (236) 471-9595 | WEBSITE
At Socialē, the patio vibes are fantastic, the playlist lively, and cocktails superb (looking at you, happy hour specials). The Penticton spot is elegant without any of the pretension you might think a high-end Italian tapas restaurant might have. Settle into an interesting yet understated space, order a drink, and graze on Italian-inspired small plates. They’re not all hits, but the buttermilk chicken, beet salad, and kale caesar are ideal for sharing while feeling sophisticated.
Just know that as evening deepens, tables fill with laughter, the atmosphere becomes vibrant, and the main dining room transforms into a social hub.
Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza
$$ | (250) 492-8380 | WEBSITE
From the outside, Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza looks like any other pizza joint in Penticton where one slice turns into a whole pie and you promise to order from them every Friday night. But it isn’t. This is a polished delivery service offering classic Canadian-Italian pizzas like the Canadian Classic or the must-try Donaire and the highly suggested Banana Nutella pizzazz. The staff are charmers, delivering orders and checking in like old friends dropping by, and the pizza is comforting stuff.
Ordering a Canadian Classic, dipping a slice into extra feta cheese with a Greek Salad next to you, listening to a friendly voice recommend their perfect Donair to other callers on the line, is a lovely way to get to know Penticton’s pizza scene.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (250) 493-0329 | WEBSITE
This casual pizza joint always has a steady buzz, which makes it perfectly suited for a laid-back night of good food and conversation. Take a break from chatting with your dining companions to pick out a Pizza Flight (any of the options like the Royal Hawaiian or the classic pepperoni will hit the spot), and order a few favorites from the menu, like the Carbonara pizza with alfredo sauce or the build-it-yourself penne with rosé sauce. The special touches change with the occasions.
We particularly enjoyed the heart-shaped pizzas they offered around Valentine’s Day, and the Fettuccine Alfredo was delicious and perfect for takeout.
Pasta Factory
$$ | (250) 492-6088 | WEBSITE
Pasta Factory is an Italian restaurant where comfort comes in the form of a steaming plate of lasagna. It’s a homey, pasta-and-a-salad kind of place. That said, there are plenty of regulars who settle in for the whole meal. You can sit at a table, but opt to sit near the window or the kitchen pass. Enjoy a local beer and eat the salmon penne, but if you’re after something heartier, the pasta & salad combo with that honey mustard dressing is a satisfying, flavor-packed end to a lunch.
Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana
$$ | (250) 493-0080 | WEBSITE
It’s worth making a short drive from Penticton’s downtown core to discover this pizza gem, and Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana should be your destination after a day exploring the valley. The warm industrial spot—all exposed brick, sleek metal accents, and soft Edison bulb lighting—is a vibrant place to while away an evening while eating some seriously great Neapolitan pizza. The Margherita, a classic tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil pie, should be your go-to, along with the double pepperoni.
It’s no surprise that this energetic charmer is packed come the weekend, so visit on a weeknight when it’s still lively with locals but you’re more likely to snag one of the communal tables.
Caffē al Socialē
$ | (236) 471-9595 | WEBSITE
For those unfamiliar, tapas is a wonderfully social dining tradition. Small plates of flavorful dishes are shared among friends, with each bite offering something new to discover. Caffè al Sociale has plenty on the menu, but its buttermilk chicken and beet salad are the best in Penticton. The location across from Okanagan Lake is full of other people with the same idea come dinnertime.
Sit inside, enjoy the beautiful scenery with some pasta dishes and cocktails, or take your satisfied appetite to your next destination.