Vernon Food Trails: Gluten-Friendly Eats & More

Directly on Vernon’s main street, Bamboo Beach Fusion Grille offers a consistently wonderful blend of gourmet “east meets west”, Asian-Canadian fusion cuisine. Locally owned by Chef Yuki and Amanda, this long-time beloved downtown eatery is like being in a dear friend’s company.

Appreciation for both the food and the eater are evident in their diverse creations, including gluten-friendly and vegan dishes. Miso soup, a variety of donburi (rice bowl) dishes and most of their salads are just some of the gluten-friendly options, while other dishes can be made gluten-friendly or vegan by request. 

One standout gluten-friendly dish is the Thai Basil Beef Salad, a texture-rich meal salad with tender beef, crisp greens, cucumbers, cilantro and more topped with spicy Thai dressing. They source the freshest and in-season local ingredients—and they understand how to make food sing!

Bamboo Beach currently offers take-out, with full dining available again soon. Locals may also know of a hidden gem—their in-house private room downstairs is available for groups. The space is private and attractive whether for business meetings or parties. Offering another place for gathering this place showcases the sense of community that is so important to Chef Yuki and Amanda. 

Whether looking for one of the tastiest bites in town or to host a gathering, we highly recommend Bamboo Beach Fusion Grille!

Unfortunately they are temporarily closed and it is unsure when they will open again.

This newly modernized landmark store in Vernon offers more than groceries and wellness products—it’s also a local favorite for their gluten-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian meal kits and grab-and-go food solutions. With ample parking, fast service, and a central location, Nature’s Fare is an attractive option on the way to or from the day’s activities—whether that’s work, the beach, or a picnic in Polson Park.

First founded by a local family, Nature’s Fare has been in Vernon for years and was one of the first of several locations to open exclusively in the Okanagan valley. The local inspiration shows in their selection of mains, snacks, and drinks; their fresh-squeezed juices to chia seed pudding, to eclectic bowls, wraps, and vegan kale Caesar salad are all great picks for tried-and-true consistency and freshness. 

One clear favorite gluten-friendly option is the scrumptious Coconut Buddha Bowl: chicken, noodles, edamame, almonds, etc. are complimented with a perfect amount of savoury coconut sauce. Portions are also generous providing a large serving for one or modest servings for two. And you can feel good about the take-out: the packaging is environmentally friendly as part of their eco-mission. 

Nature’s Fare is the local spot for fresh, fast, affordable food—you’re in and out in minutes, ready to eat food you can feel good about.

A highly favoured breakfast and lunch bistro in downtown Vernon, The Fig’s goal is to “not just feed but truly nourish our customers”. Local owners, mother and son team Bea and David, are passionate supporters of community—and this extends to their food. They provide fresh, tasty, in-season dishes with ingredients from local businesses and farms. The Fig also uses their own baked bread and smoked/roasted meats made in-house. 

The menu selection is vast and gluten-friendly, vegetarian, or vegan choices are no exception; power bowls, sandwiches, soups, baked goods, drinks and more satisfy all ages and dietary restrictions. Customers flock from all corners of the valley for the piled-high, fresh sandwiches and from-scratch daily soup. Their quick service does not compromise quality and taste.

Their gluten-friendly California Bowl, for example, is a generous savoury sensation that includes a choice of meat or falafel, rice, coleslaw, lettuce, peppers, cucumber, seaweed, avocado and more with lip-smacking seasoned dressing. The colorful presentation is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate! 

They also offer catering services for meetings and parties.

Whether in the friendly meeting place inside, on their cute sidewalk patio, or to go, the creativity and community at The Fig stands out.

Lucky us! Popular Namaste has opened another locally owned and family-run location in Vernon after their success in Salmon Arm. This authentic Indian restaurant offers a taste adventure for all ages, serving many dietary requirements. The location is conveniently accessible from downtown with plenty of parking—and because they're open late, they’re a great choice after the cinema or a day of skiing.

Namaste’s vast selection—gluten-friendly or otherwise—showcases their intimate knowledge of spices which are always freshly ground in-house. They do not use peanut oil and make almost everything from scratch. Gluten-friendly selections include their Paneer Fingers, Chana Masala, and crowd-pleasing Butter Chicken. 

One show-stopping feature is their generously portioned gluten-friendly Namaste Special Biryani. The dish is awake with layers of flavour: saffron rice, lamb, shrimp, and chicken are deliciously seasoned, with rose water and mint adding depth and a pleasant after-taste. Several different heat-levels are available for the beginner to the adventurous, but all can be made without the kick.

While their dining area and eye-catching waterfall fireplace feature are inviting for the diner, they also offer a range of other seating options for many occasions. How about a chai tea or mango lassi date with a friend in a cozy corner or on the patio? 

You’ll want to frequent Namaste to sample the extensive menu that excites most taste buds, gluten-friendly and beyond!

Articles and Images by
Loretta Friedrich
@foodstoryhost