From Farm to Table: 5 Vernon Restaurants that Support Local
By guest blogger, Loretta Friedrich, Your Food Story
Welcome to a taste of Vernon’s farm-to-table scene, where locally sourced ingredients are always in the spotlight. These five restaurants aren’t just great places to eat – they’re dedicated supporters of our local farmers, growers, and producers, making the most of what’s in season right here in our community. They offer dishes that reflect the land and the people behind it. Come along as we visit these spots that highlight the best of our region, offering food that’s not only delicious but also rooted in supporting our local economy and environment.
1. The Edge
Situated high on a mountainside in Vernon, family-run The Edge at The Rise Resort offers a unique culinary experience focused on locally sourced food and drinks. Whether enjoying dinner, lunch, or a snack after a round of golf, The Edge’s culinary team is committed to showcasing meals that not only taste exceptional but also supporting the families who provide the local ingredients. While the indoor dining ambience is beautiful, the outdoor deck provides the perfect setting for the incredible views. The Edge is also an ideal venue for private weddings and special events.
“For us, supporting local isn’t just about using fresh ingredients—it’s about sharing the stories behind them and celebrating the amazing people who grow, raise, and produce our food. We want every dish to feel like a little taste of the Okanagan.” - Terra, president.
We suggest:
- Halibut: BC coast halibut, local vegetables and microgreens, and Planet Bee bee pollen
- Charcuterie: Hot Bread Shoppe bread, Helmut’s Sausage meat, and cheese selections from Village Dairy, and more.
- Drinks: Okanagan wine selections, cocktails, and mocktails featuring local fruit from Davison Orchards and a nearby haskap farm.
Visit The Edge
2. Midtown Bistro
Nestled in the heart of downtown Vernon, Midtown Bistro has been a local favourite for years. Known for consistently serving up delicious meals that showcase the best of locally sourced ingredients, this family-run eatery works closely with nearby butcher shops and farmers to feature meats and produce in many dishes. Their charcuterie boards are a popular choice as well. The warm and cozy atmosphere adds to the experience. It’s a perfect space to enjoy an intimate meal for two or with a larger group. Midtown also rents out the space for parties and provide catering for events.
Co-owner Hardik believes “it is important to support local farmers and businesses as they are families just like us trying to provide the best for the Vernon community.”
We suggest:
- Meatloaf: lunch or dinner size featuring Griller’s beef and bacon, and potatoes and/or salad greens with house dressing using Olive Us balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Soup and Salad: seasonal ingredients with Sweet Caroline’s bread and local greens.
- Charcuterie: custom-made boards, whether savory or sweet, all sizes, Helmut’s meats, local cheese including Village Dairy, and Sweet Caroline’s bread.
Visit Midtown Bistro
3. Ratio’s Juicy Burger
Ratio, known as a go-to spot for ethically sourced coffee, house-made pastry, and brunch, has expanded to include evening meals under their branding Juicy Burger, offering not just juicy burgers but also “juicy wine and juicy beer.” Located in the historic train station in downtown Vernon, this cozy and energetic venue is dedicated to supporting area farmers. Their burgers feature locally sourced meats and fresh produce, with an ever-growing list of local suppliers, making it a place to watch for its creativity and commitment to honest, tasty food and drink! You can dine in or order take out, Wednesday to Fridays 5:30pm to 9pm.
Owner Andrew says “supporting local is investing in your community and having the chance to uniquely highlight what our area has to offer to locals and travelers.”
We suggest:
- Burgers (of course!): ground beef from Yankee Flats Meats. Enjoy with local BNA craft beer or Okanagan wine, among other selections.
- Mushrooms: featuring local mushrooms from Okanagan Valley Mushrooms.
- Short Rib Poutine: Yankee Flats short ribs, Zelaney Farms potatoes, and Village Dairy cheese curds drenched in house made gravy.
Visit Juicy Burger
4. Cambium Cider Co.
Cambium Cider Co. is a multi-family operation on the outskirts of Vernon in the BX foothills. The apples from their orchard produce delicious ciders available for purchase both on-site and in various stores throughout the region. From March to December, you can dine at their farm-to-table restaurant that offers stunning views of the orchard. Whether you enjoy a wood-fired pizza on the patio at a summer concert or an 8-course meal during a fall harvest long table event, each dish is created using seasonal ingredients from hyper-local farms. From fruit, honey and microgreens to vegetables, dairy and meat, you can’t get more local than this! Please contact Cambium for private events too.
At Cambium, they feel that supporting local “adds to the vibrance and economy of our local community as well as reducing carbon footprint.” ~ Chef Christian, co-owner
We suggest:
- Cider (of course!): made with their orchard apples, freshly pressed and bottled onsite.
- Seasonal dishes: re-imagined dishes using seasonal goods from nearby farms including Silverstar Veggies, honey, microgreens, meat, dairy and more.
- Seasonal desserts: Cambium apples or other local fruit star in delectable treats.
Visit Cambium Cider Co.
5. Masiero
Locally-owned Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana in downtown Vernon draws people in not just for its authentic Neapolitan pizza – thin, pillowy-crunchy crust topped with local seasonal ingredients – but for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to creating memorable flavours. It’s where the Okanagan meets Italy! You can watch the culinary team wood-fire pizza creations in the impressive handmade oven. Whether it’s antipasti, pizza, or a special holiday multi-course meal, you’ll find local pride in every bite. Open for lunch or dinner Wednesday to Sunday, with happy hour from 3 to 5, they also offer convenient online ordering for takeout.
Masiero owner, Alex, shares that “we're proud to use only the finest ingredients, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by choosing local suppliers. This allows us to build direct relationships with the producers, and strengthens the sense of community, ensuring we know exactly what we're bringing to our menu. Additionally, it's a natural way for us to support the local economy and fellow small businesses.”
We suggest:
- Pizza (of course!): like the Funghi, featuring mixed mushrooms from Okanagan Mushrooms and Tanto Latte mozzarella.
- Antipasti: like burrata from Tanto Latte served with local seasonal produce or Beet Salad featuring Silverstar vegetables.
