A Memorable Culinary Experience at Waterfront Wines Restaurant

To celebrate our birthdays, my wife and I were treated by my sister to a night out at Waterfront Wines Restaurant in Kelowna. Though it was our first visit, it certainly won’t be our last. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional.

We were warmly welcomed by Sharleen, our server for the evening, whose combination of friendliness, deep menu knowledge, and dedicated service set the tone for the night. We started with two glasses of wine while we decided on our meals. My wife opted for Le Vieux Pin’s ‘Cuvee Violette’ Syrah while I started with Mirabel’s Chardonnay.

We ordered from the Spring Prix Fixe Menu and both opted for the same choices starting with ‘Armstrong Asparagus Turnip Salad with buttermilk aioli, toasted almonds, brown butter croutons and spicy fermented espelette’.

Each element of the dish contributed to a perfectly composed plate—fresh, vibrant, and layered with flavour. It was nothing short of a culinary symphony.

The main course—’Pan-Roasted Dry-Aged Striploin served with local corn and mushroom ravioli, carrots, broccolini, ‘Backhand of God’ jus, and green onion verde’—was another standout. The steak was expertly cooked and seasoned, and every component added depth and harmony to the dish. With this course, I paired Moon Curser’s Border Vines, a bold Bordeaux-style blend that matched the richness of the entrée beautifully.

For dessert, we selected the ‘Warm Rhubarb Beignets, served with lime curd, strawberry purée, coconut sorbet, and a coconut cookie’. When my wife casually mentioned her love for crème caramel, Sharleen offered to swap the dessert for her—an unexpected and much-appreciated gesture. We wrapped up the evening with a latte for her and a Sharleen-recommended Amaro for me.

Every aspect of our visit exceeded expectations. The ingredients were high-quality, the flavors thoughtful and well-balanced, and the prices surprisingly reasonable—especially in contrast to many restaurants offering less for more.

Credit is due to Owner and Executive Chef Mark Filatow and Manager Sharleen Reyden, whose dedication to hospitality and culinary excellence made for a truly memorable evening.

Please note: As Waterfront Wines operates under a Liquor Primary licence (originally opening as a wine bar), guests must be 19 or older to dine in, and corkage is not permitted.

Waterfront Wines Restaurant
📍 #104 – 1180 Sunset Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9W6
📞 250.979.1222
🌐 waterfrontrestaurant.ca

🕔 Hours: 5 PM to close, Tuesday to Saturday
Closed Sunday & Monday

(All photos – Sam Hauck)