🍝 La Bussola in Kelowna is a family-owned Italian fine dining restaurant known for its warm hospitality and authentic cuisine. Guests enjoy handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood, premium steaks, and elegant antipasti, paired with an extensive wine list featuring local Okanagan and imported Italian vintages. Located in downtown Kelowna near the waterfront, La Bussola is a top choice for romantic dinners, celebrations, and anyone seeking an elevated dining experience in the heart of the city.
La Bussola menu in Kelowna:
Antipasto
Artisanal cheeses and charcuterie paired with olives, crostini, pickled vegetables, and a seasonal compote.
Bruschetta
Toasted house bread topped with vine tomatoes, garlic, Italian parsley, oregano, and basil.
Zuppa del Giorno
Lauretta’s comforting soup of the day.
Insalata Caprese
Imported Buffalo mozzarella layered with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, cracked pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Insalata Barbabietola
Diced beets with Carmeli’s goat cheese, mixed greens, and vinaigrette.
Insalata dell’Orto
Crisp garden salad with carrots, fennel, and watermelon radish tossed in Lauretta’s house dressing.
Raw Oysters
Half-dozen fresh oysters on the half shell with lemon, hot sauce, and mignonette.
Lauretta’s Classic Scallops
Baked scallops with aromatic herbs, breadcrumbs, garlic butter, and crostini.
Three Cheese Tortelloni
House-made pasta filled with ricotta, Parmigiana, and mascarpone, finished with a sage butter sauce.
Polpette di Bison della Nonna
Nonna’s signature bison meatballs in Lauretta’s tomato sauce.
Venison Carpaccio
Thinly sliced venison marinated in red wine, served with fresh greens and zabaglione sauce.
Gnocchi alla Lauretta
House-made ricotta gnocchi in tomato marinara, touched with cream and Parmigiano.
Cavatelli ai Funghi
Handmade cavatelli pasta with Lauretta’s tomato sauce. (Vegan)
Spaghetti Carbonara
Classic Roman-style with pancetta, egg yolk, Parmigiano, and cream.
Lasagna al Forno
Baked lasagna layered with ricotta, veal, Parmigiano, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Ragù del Giorno
Slowly braised meat of the day simmered in tomato marinara and served with handmade cavatelli pasta.
Risotto del Giorno
Creamy Northern Italian risotto made with Arborio rice, seasonal ingredients, and Lauretta’s signature touch.
Eggplant Parmigiano
Lightly breaded eggplant pan-fried and baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Served gluten-free.
Fish of the Day
Daily market selection of fresh fish, served with mixed seasonal vegetables.
Chicken Piccata
Chicken scallopini with lemon, white wine, and cream, paired with seasonal vegetables.
Veal Marsala
Veal scallopini in Marsala wine with mushrooms, parsley, and a touch of cream. Served with vegetables.
New York Steak
Alberta Angus beef grilled to your preference, topped with port wine mushroom reduction, and served with vegetables.
Rack of Lamb
Herb-crusted lamb rack with sweet vermouth and garden mint sauce, served alongside seasonal vegetables.
Tomahawk Steak
A show-stopping 1.5 kg Alberta Angus beef with an 8–12 inch bone, grilled to perfection and served with vegetables.
Antipasto Platter
A shareable board of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, olives, crostini, and seasonal compote.
Insalata Caprese
Imported Buffalo mozzarella paired with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Three Cheese Tortelloni
Handcrafted pasta filled with ricotta, Parmigiana, and mascarpone, finished in sage butter sauce.
Spaghetti Carbonara
A rich, creamy Roman classic with pancetta, egg yolk, and Parmigiano.
Rack of Lamb
Herb-crusted rack of lamb with a sweet red vermouth and mint sauce, paired with seasonal vegetables.
Eggplant Parmigiano
Pan-fried breaded eggplant layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Tomahawk Steak
A dramatic 1.5 kg Alberta Angus cut, bone-in and grilled to perfection for sharing.
Elegant, upscale Italian dining with a focus on authentic Northern and Southern Italian recipes.
Intimate indoor seating with a warm, traditional ambiance and white tablecloth service.
Fine wines and handcrafted cocktails complement the carefully curated menu.
Ideal for date nights, family celebrations, or business dinners.
Street parking is available directly on Ellis Street and nearby side streets.
Additional paid parking lots are located within a short walking distance.
Kelowna Regional Transit has bus stops within a block of the restaurant, making it easily accessible without a car.
The venue is wheelchair accessible with step-free entry.
Centrally located in downtown Kelowna on Ellis Street.
Just steps away from the Kelowna Art Gallery and Prospera Place.
A short walk from the Waterfront Boardwalk and Okanagan Lake.
Close to boutique shops and nightlife, perfect for pairing dinner with a night out.
Dine-in with full table service.
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Limited takeout available for select dishes.
Group bookings and private dining can be arranged for special occasions.
Highly praised for its authentic Italian flavors and consistent quality.
The service team is described as attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming.
Guests often highlight the wine list, which features carefully chosen Italian and Okanagan selections.
Known as a Kelowna fine-dining institution, often recommended for special occasions.
Some reviewers note it can be on the pricier side, but the experience is considered well worth it.