The History of La Bussola

La Bussola – Since 1974

After travelling throughout much of Canada, La Bussola’s founders, Franco Coccaro and Lillo Santamaria, fell in love with the beauty of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. It was only a matter of time before they established La Bussola Restaurant in downtown Kelowna. Fittingly, “La Bussola” means “compass” in Italian — a name that reflects both direction and journey.

As Kelowna’s first Italian fine dining experience, La Bussola quickly became a local favourite.

Franco and Lillo served traditional Italian cuisine made with exceptional local ingredients, alongside an extensive wine list featuring both Italian and Okanagan wines. Signature dishes such as Scampi La Bussola brought guests from near and far to this intimate downtown restaurant.

1990 – Today

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 introduced new and innovative menu items that expanded the boundaries of traditional Italian dining while celebrating local culinary ingredients. In 2004, La Bussola moved from Leon Avenue to its current location on Ellis Street.

In 2006, after graduating from the University of Alberta, Franco and Lauretta’s son Luigi Coccaro became an integral part of La Bussola.

Following in his father’s and mother’s footsteps while also completing his diploma in wine and spirits, Certified Sommelier exam, and Bachelor of Management, Luigi helped carry the restaurant’s next chapter forward. Today, the family’s passion for food, wine, and hospitality continues to shape the La Bussola experience.

Following in his father’s and mother’s footsteps while also completing his diploma in wine and spirits, Certified Sommelier exam, and Bachelor of Management, Luigi helped carry the restaurant’s next chapter forward. Today, the family’s passion for food, wine, and hospitality continues to shape the La Bussola experience.