Fine Italian Kelowna Restaurant

The founders, Franco Coccaro and Lillo Santamaria, after traveling throughout most of Canada, fell in love with the beautiful City of Kelowna nestled in the valley along Okanagan Lake. After that, it was just a matter of time before they established La Bussola Restaurant. In fact, La Bussola means compass in Italian and one can therefore appreciate its appropriate name.

The first Italian fine dining experience in Kelowna was an immediate success. Franco and Lillo offered traditional Italian meals made with the finest local ingredients as well as an extensive wine list including both Italian and Okanagan wines. Signature dishes such as Scampi La Bussola style brought people near and far to this quaint Italian restaurant in downtown Kelowna.

In 1990 Lauretta Coccaro, Franco’s wife, took over and became head chef and co-owner of La Bussola. Lauretta not only continued the tradition of La Bussola’s signature dishes but also brought new and innovative items to the menu by expanding the boundaries of a traditional Italian dining experience to include more local culinary treasures.

One will usually find both Lauretta and Franco together at the restaurant. Their expertise and passion for food and wine allows them to offer guests a truly unique and wonderful culinary experience in an elegant yet comfortable setting.