Brunch in the Okanagan carries its own kind of charm. The air feels softer, the light seems brighter, and everything moves at a pace that invites you to take another sip, another bite, and another lingering look at the lake. OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar, perched right on the Kelowna waterfront, leans into that feeling beautifully. It is casual enough to feel welcoming, but polished enough that you know you are in capable hands the moment you sit down.
Image courtesy of OAK + CRU
Our recent private group brunch took place in The Cellar, the restaurant’s intimate wine room that houses more than 2,800 bottles of local favourites. It is the kind of space where you instantly feel a little spoiled in the best way. The staff were warm, friendly, and thoughtful, offering just the right amount of attention. It felt less like being served and more like being genuinely hosted.
Brunch Begins With Bubbles
A welcome pour of Exhilerat!on Brut Rosé from Mission Hill Winery set the tone. Nothing says brunch like bubbles, and this one delivered bright notes of raspberries, peach, and fresh watermelon. Crisp, refreshing, and lively, it was exactly the kind of glass that encourages you to settle in and enjoy the morning at a leisurely pace.
A Three-Bite Starter With Personality
Our amuse bouche arrived as delicate focaccia crostini topped with cashew cream cheese, marinated plums, and tiny beet leaves. Each bite carried a satisfying balance of crunch, sweetness, and gentle tang. It was small, polished, and quietly delightful—the perfect introduction to what the kitchen had in store.
A Fresh & Colourful First Course
Next came a bowl of balsamic-dressed fresh vegetables layered over savoury quinoa. Colourful, crunchy, and unmistakably tied to the region’s produce, it tasted like a snapshot of the valley. Paired with Mission Hill Family Estate’s Estate Series 2022 Chardonnay, the dish lifted even further. The wine’s notes of pineapple, mango, vanilla, and warm spice gave the plate a subtle richness while still keeping things bright and brunch-appropriate.
Carrots That Shine Naturally
The grilled carrots, finished simply with olive oil and fresh parsley, were a quiet star of their own. Their natural sweetness deepened from a delicate steaming, and the simplicity allowed the ingredients to do all the talking. It was a reminder that some of the most memorable brunch dishes are the ones that rely on quality rather than complication.
The Hearty Brunch Centrepiece
The cauliflower steak with romesco sauce, toasted pine nuts, and silky parsnip purée arrived as the hearty highlight of the meal. Its mix of textures and warmth felt generous and satisfying without being heavy. The pairing of Martin’s Lane Simes Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir brought balance and depth, grounding the romesco and enhancing the charred edges of the cauliflower. A red wine at brunch may seem unexpected, but it worked beautifully.
A Light, Fruity Finish
Dessert struck the perfect brunch note: a coconut panna cotta resting on house-made granola with fresh berries and a bright raspberry coulis. Light, fragrant, and playful, it closed the meal with ease. The Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer, full of stone fruit and orchard blossom notes, matched the panna cotta’s freshness without overpowering its subtle coconut profile.
Leaving Sunlit & Completely Satisfied
What stood out most about our brunch at Oak + Cru was the feeling of genuine care. We were never hurried, always looked after, and constantly treated to thoughtful touches from the team. The experience struck the perfect balance of education, ease, and enjoyment—exactly what brunch in the Okanagan should embody.
OAK + CRU delivered a meal that was bright, relaxed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. It is the kind of place that reminds you why the Okanagan continues to be such a wonderful region to explore, one brunch at a time.
Interior photography by Helen Siwak / Exterior photography by Oak + Cru
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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