Walla Artisan Bakery & Cafe

Reviews

• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  If you're only skimming reviews take away this, I've traveled most of the world and the food Benjamin prepares is among the best. Walla's is a very small bistro in an off-the-beaten-path area of Penticton. It's not the easiest to find. Once there you'll see maybe 5 tables stuffed into a very tiny dining space. You'll be greeted by Ben or his wife who are the owners and geniuses behind the culinary adventure you're about to enjoy. Benjamin is quirky, in a lovable way. When my wife and I first ate there we nicknamed him the Soup Nazi due to his gruff demeanor. But after patiently waiting for our food and showing a genuine interest in Benjamin's passion we were rewarded with a "tour" of our dinner. Benjamin explained how the pickles were made in house, how he personally selected and prepared each spice and made the bread *which is to die for* and how he prepared the various sauces. He even adorably apologized that the Dijon mustard was not made in house but was brought in from France because it pairs perfectly with the meal. Mustard he himself discovered during a recent trip to France. *Insert the worlds most interesting man commercial*. The menu is constantly changing and evolving based on the fresh ingredients Benjamin sources locally and because of the time it takes for him to prepare the food. Such as the pastrami he cures, smokes, seasons for days before it's ready to be presented to the customer. The truly amazing thing about Walla Foods is the level of passion you feel when you talk to Benjamin about his food. He loves what he does and the quality of his work is literally unparalleled. The man is a genius at what he does. You get a real sense that he makes food for people to enjoy and that his uncompromising honor would rather he not make money than serve food to someone that's rude. I often feel a twinge of frustration when I pay for food that was overpriced and unsatisfying. When I leave Walla's I feel I should have paid more. Also I think he's an ex-mossad agent. Make no mistake, there is nothing fast-food about Walla's and this is not a Boston Pizza like place to bring your buddies for some mass produced slop. Dining at Walla's is an experience that in my opinion should be respected and revered. While I no longer live in Penticton my family and I use any opportunity we can to pass through just to see what Benjamin is up to and to be transported to the Mediterranean, if only for an hour. It is seriously an honor to eat this man's food.
  By John Smith, June 05, 2017
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  Best in the business. Do yourself a favor and order some simple focaccia bread. You won't be disappointed.
  By Ben Grantham, February 27, 2017
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  Top notch product! Double check hours before heading over. The pastrami is to die for. Our favourite place to eat in Penticton.
  By R D, August 23, 2016
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  Simply the best. The food is incredible every single time.
  By Bianka Sawicz, August 03, 2016

Photo gallery of Walla Artisan Bakery & Cafe

About Walla Artisan Bakery & Cafe in Penticton