In Penticton, a Turkish Restaurant and Sweet Treats Are Among the Best Delights

Did you know artificial intelligence programs can provide you with a Turkish coffee reading? Coming across tasseography in the Okanagan Valley is one of the most unexpected finds I’ve ever had in my travels. The occurrence took place at Elma, a delightful restaurant that looks like it belongs in a seaside town like Antalya in middle Europe rather than a favourite beach destination in British Columbia. With a chef and a co-owner from Istanbul, Elma is a true expression of Turkey’s cuisine that is distinct because of its confluence of flavours. The most Turkish thing about Elma, though, is likely the coffee.

First, it’s the real deal: Delicious, deep, well-roasted, and served in a decorative cup of which grandmothers anywhere in the world would approve. The fun and unexpected part comes after you’ve enjoyed the java. The server said to take a picture of the inside of the cup with the the lines clinging to the surface and load the image into ChatGPT. I then asked the AI program to provide a reading that draws upon the interpretations of Turkish coffee diviners. Within seconds, my fortune was told — and was hearteningly auspicious.

Best of all, the idea wasn’t a gimmick. It came about spontaneously through a conversation with the server, which only added to the authenticity of Elma.

Lavished by sunlight, Elma’s exterior is instantly reminiscent of the Mediterranean, with white tile and gold-accented sign. Inside the two-level space is a swanky second floor with towering windows that allow patrons to peer onto Lake Okanagan. On the ground floor is the bright and inviting white-walled main dining room. It features an elegant bar and an open kitchen dominated by a wood-fired oven. There are touches of Turkish culture in the plateware and artwork; a photo of Kemal Atatürk hangs on a wall next to the bar. Decades ago, portraits of the leader credited with elevating Turkey’s education and international trade would adorn restaurants, hotels, and businesses throughout that nation.

Like its most famous city, Turkey is a blend of Western Asia and Southern Europe, a mix that creates harmony — sometimes unexpectedly so — on the plate. Elma follows in that direction and it doesn’t shy away from creativity or broader international ingredients. The seared Hokkaido scallops are glazed with a lightly spiced poblano kuymak spread and chicharron, making the serving taste more Spanish than Turkish. Still, there is an earthiness in the flavour — provided from Elma’s grill — that reinforces the connection to the restaurant’s heritage. Among the staple items on the menu are the variety of pide — which are flatbreads, like pizza — that are emblematic of Turkish casual fare.

From the setting on the water, the ambience, and the cuisine, Elma is easily among the leading restaurants in the B.C. Interior.

Other Dining Highlights in the Okanagan Valley

The Terrace at Mission Hill

An utterly enchanting experience, dining at the most iconic winery in the province includes a European-inspired setting throughout. Resembling a terrazzo, the covered terracotta dining space is a long hall filled with tables and a balcony that reveals views of the the lake and the beautiful Mission Hill grounds. The bell tower, built by founder Anthony von Mandl to evoke the notion of a town centre in his native Austria, is constantly drawing your gaze. So is the food.

The plates are marvellous. The summer salad, made with roasted beets and carrots, takes advantage of the bounty of Okanagan produce and tops it with local goat cheese, wild spruce, and gooseberries. Fazzoletti pasta is served with wild morels, arugula, and peas. Dining in an Italian-inspired al fresco space and enjoying pasta with a glass of pinot gris is about as European an experience as you can find in B.C.

The three-course meal is finished with dessert. My choice was the Manjari chocolate cheesecake with blue honeysuckle berries and mint crumble. Each of the dishes is paired with a Mission Hill wine. Before you depart, shop for your favourite bottle in the winery’s retail shop and explore the fantastic collection of artwork that is throughout the grounds.

 

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An enduring hallmark of the best of what B.C. offers, Mission Hill is in a must-visit location in the Okanagan Valley. Kelowna is about 45 minutes from Penticton, making Mission Hill and other wineries in the area easily accessible on a day trip.

Lapin Perdu at the Naramata Inn

A French bistro operating in one of the B.C. Interior’s most beloved and legendary hotels, Lapin Perdu serves quality food in a lovely setting near the lake. Not surprisingly, there’s a stellar wine list with mostly regional selections. The menu has French favourites like steak frites and duck confit, as well as Salt Spring Island mussels served in a broth of white wine, bacon, and herbs. The restaurant’s name means “Lost Rabbit” and perhaps for that reason there’s a rabbit dish on the menu, too. As with other restaurants, Lapin Perdu gets to take advantage of the delicious produce of the Okanagan Valley in its courses.

Crêperie Ooolala

More French flavours can be found at Crêperie Ooolala, a whimsical spot in a small field in front of the lake. Serving from a stationary food truck, the crêperie is run by Parisiennes and the taste will take you to Champs-Élysées. Savoury crêpes are made with organic, gluten-free buckwheat flour, similar to what’s found in Brittany, and the sweet options are offered with delicious fruit fillings. One of the most charming little spots you can visit in the Penticton area, Ooolala typically closes at 2 p.m.

Cannery Brewing

It’s not all about wine in the Okanagan. The craft-beer scene in Penticton is easily one of the best in the country and Cannery Brewing is a pioneer, having opened in 2001. Try the Nut Brown, the flagship beer that’s still hugely popular. The Backyard is a great spot for a laid-back summer evening. In the rear of the restaurant, the Backyard serves hamburgers and gourmet hot dogs, and often live music is playing.

Cherry On Top and Lickety Splitz

The two-in-one sugar attack will make life hard for ice cream lovers to choose. That’s why one family member can opt for the soft-serve over-the-top treats at Cherry On Top Shake Shop and another can go for the more conventional hard ice cream options at Lickety Splitz. The servings are huge; there’s no chance of anyone being unsatisfied.

Where to Stay in Penticton

The Balcomo is among Penticton’s most historic properties. Owned by the Agur family who settled in the area in 1904, the Balcomo is operated by Ramada by Wyndham and overlooks the Penticton Golf & Country Club. Newly renovated, it includes a hot tub and a yoga studio with an immaculate salt room. The pool is a choice place to relax for families after a day of touring. The rooms are large, comfortable, and convenient, with full kitchens and several have balconies. Room Rates: A weekend night in August starts at $367, according to a recent search of the property’s booking engine.