Kelowna European delis and specialty shops are a true gem within the city. I am a European deli addict and when the holidays roll around they offer that cozy feel that you might imagine at a German Christmas market. The best comfort food in town can be found at these excellent European foodie shops. Each one has a unique feel, from mom and pop shops to busy delis and markets where you’ll find every walk of life looking to get a taste of great grandma’s goodies.
These places can be very old school so it can be hard to find them on social media and many are only on Facebook (if any presence at all!). Show them some love if you decide to visit any of these European emporiums and do not forget to tag me on IG or Facebook on your foodie journeys!
Portugal: Matadora Cafe y Taperia
This shop is brand new to Kelowna and unlike anything in the Okanagan! Located in the Sopa/Pandosy village area on Tutt Street you can find freshly made desayuno sandwiches filled with egg, chorizo (or roasted peppers), arugula, marinated cherry tomatoes and harissa aioli! You can also find authentic conservas (did you see Somebody Feed Phil eating them at the Time Out Bar in Porto?) like that they serve in petisco bars in Portugal.
England: Limey Shop
Brand new to Kelowna as of October 8th is this British specialty shop offering treats and cooking items that you can only find in the UK. Housed in the Landmark district of Kelowna this unique little store is going to make a great addition to this budding foodie neighbourhood of Kelowna.
https://www.facebook.com/illichmanns/posts/3309720092403708
Germany: Illichman’s
A classic stop for any local looking to make an impressive charcuterie board or get some authentic German chocolates and cookies for Christmas. You can also find harder to source specialty butcher cuts. Next door to the deli is their bakery where you can also purchase freshly baked bread, cookies, and desserts.
https://www.facebook.com/mediterraneanmarketltd/photos/a.480885111922525/1614574081886950
Mediterranean: Mediterranean Market
If you’re looking for the best sub sandwich in Kelowna then grab their spicy sub usually available in the fridge. If they are sold out you can order one freshly made but there may be a line up. This is Kelowna’s not so secret gem that us locals adore. Cheese, meat and specialty items you can only find in Europe!
https://www.facebook.com/646398808752610/photos/a.2116857171706759/3467502199975576
Italy: Ferrara’s Italian Foods
Frequented by Canadian Sons of Anarchy star Kim Coates, Ferrara’s is a taste of true Italian classics from homemade meatball sandwiches to take home dinners and desserts. Sometimes when I pop in there’s a patron sipping an afternoon cappuccino slowly smiling at whomever pops in. The family who runs the place is very helpful and their service will keep you coming back.
https://www.facebook.com/valoroso.foods/photos/a.376063882541166/1233967026750843
Italy: Valoroso Foods
Not without their controversy when you mention Valoroso Foods (they were accused of tampering with expiration dates back in 2015, but locals never abandoned this family institution. THE place to go during the holidays for the Italian holiday tradition Panettone and grand espresso machines. I also love their selection of traditional regional cookies and treats from Venice to Naples. Grab a cup of their rich hot chocolate on your way out!
https://www.facebook.com/PearsonsEuropeanDeli/photos/a.1423468021053702/1443087782425059
Europe & More: Pearson’s European Deli
The perfect lunch option when you are looking for something nourishing yet comforting. Tucked away behind an Arby’s across from Orchard Park Mall, this Kelowna European deli serves breakfast and lunch. It’s my go-to when a customer (from my day job) requests a healthy yet satisfying lunch brought to them. Warm service and kinbd
Germany & Switzerland: Woodfire Bakery
Pictures is their famously large cordon blue sub sandwich with bubbly cheese after it has been run through the oven. It is an institution with no social media presence which means all by word of mouth. Busy can be an understatement on the weekends so be sure to get there before or after the lunch rush. I say German & Switzerland because it has that ski chalet food characteristic that makes sense after you’ve hit the slopes or a day of shopping, with hearty servings and warm comfort foods.
Eastern Europe: L&D Meats and Deli
It is so sad to report that some !$$ hole tore through the storefront looking to heist a bitcoin machine. Little did the perp know that he was driving through the wrong store front! The Bitcoin machine was next door all along at Mike’s Produce. Now the community is coming together to help this family shop during these difficult times as they rebuilt and restore refrigeration. Fresh meat, excellent sandwiches and soup, sometimes even goulash, can be ordered to go. It is an essential part of the Guisachan Village and if you can I urge you to go and support L&D Meats!
Bonus location: World Cheese Selection from Perseval & Young Cheesemongers
I add Perseval & Young Cheesemongers as a bonus selection because they don’t quite fit into the deli category, however, they do provide one of the best cheese selections from around the world within the Okanagan Valley. You can also find Canadian made crackers, local chocolate & honey, and other preserves to make your charcuterie or cheese board the best it can be!
