West Coast Seafood and Raw Bar

Located in downtown Kelowna, steps away from the bridge to West Kelowna and across from scenic City Park, you will find West Coast Seafood and Raw Bar. 

Through the entrance of Prestige Beach House Kelowna, a 4-star hotel, you walk straight into the restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. And yes, they also offer daily happy hour specials. 

A great place to enjoy some fresh seafood and BC wine. If you are more into meat, they’ve got you covered with some delicious options.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Stoyan, assistant restaurant manager, who is passionate about BC wine and is also dedicated to ensuring every guest has an exceptional experience. 

Q: What do we need to know about your wine list?

A: Our wine list features local, Okanagan Valley, wines and we seasonally rotate the wines. We are proud to sell and support local wines and vineyards. This is one beautiful, unique wine region.

Q: If you could choose just one BC wine from your wine list, which one would it be and what makes it stand out for you?

A: That is a good question, but a very difficult one at the same time. There are a lot of very good wines. We have a very good Chardonnay, a nice Pinot Noir, but also very rich and robust blends. 

Q: If you could pick two amazing BC wine and food combinations from your menu list, which pairings would you choose and why? 

A: Well, we are primarily a seafood restaurant. I would definitely single out the West Coast Tower containing raw oysters, maguro sashimi, tuna tataki, a choice of sushi from the raw bar and prawns. A nice local Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris would go excellent with this. 

And for mains I would mention the steak and seafood. Adding a lobster tail to it makes it perfect. A nice red from the list is what it needs. We all know that there are universal ‘rules’ for food and wine pairing, but nobody will judge you if you like light, white wine with your short rib. We are here to serve you. 

Q: Now, if you could add another BC wine to complement your current wine list, which one would it be and why?

A: To be honest, it would be best if we could add all the wines from this Valley to our wine list, but it is practically impossible. Putting together a wine list is a blessed, though difficult, and noble work.

Q: Every day, you go the extra mile for your customers. What keeps you motivated to show up and give them a great experience?

A: My love for good wine, good food and presenting that to the customer is my passion. There is no better way to present a destination than through food and wine. Living in a wine region is an advantage. 

Q: Could you make an instant change that would benefit the whole BC wine industry, what would that change be and how would it impact things?

A: I would love for BC wines to be seen and tasted all over the world, but I guess the capacity of the region wouldn’t allow that. That’s why this Valley is like a jewel. You discover it only when you visit the place, and you fall in love instantly, especially if you are a wine lover. 

Q: The Okanagan Valley is the perfect back drop to enjoy some great BC wine. If you could enjoy your favorite BC wine at another destination, where would that be and why?

A: I would love the people from Europe to experience the BC wines. Not many people over there are aware of the quality of the wines over here. Myself, I would love to enjoy a glass of BC wine at lake Ohrid in Macedonia. 

Q: In your experience, what’s the best kind of conversation to have over a bottle of BC wine?

A: I would say, let the wine lead the conversation. You intervene only for balance. The wine becomes conversation, and the conversation becomes wine.  

Q: What does the act of raising a glass of BC wine with others symbolize for you?

A: Celebrating life. Cheers.

West Coast Seafood and Raw Bar also has a speakeasy – called 27 Lounge, that is situated on the main floor of the hotel as well. Here you can enjoy BC wines by the glass accompanied with tapas style food.

Website: https://www.westcoastrawbar.ca