The 15 Best Restaurants in Charlottetown PEI That You Really Need to Try
Best Restaurants in Charlottetown
If you are wondering what the best restaurants in Charlottetown PEI are, you will be happy to know, the city is actually a foodie’s paradise.
Not only can you find a variety of ethnic eateries, but the number of fresh seafood places will blow your mind! We definitely didn’t go hungry during our stay in Charlottetown!
And considering that we have a bunch of food allergies in our family (namely shellfish for Hubby and dairy for myself), we had no trouble finding a ton of great places to eat.
And it doesn’t matter whether you are travelling as a couple, or with kids in tow, you are sure to find somewhere that serves up all your favourite foods!
We have put together a list of not only our favourites but the best restaurants in Charlottetown PEI that you really need to try.
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We love food! And one of the joys of travelling to new places is to try as many new local dishes as we can.
So whether it’s a ‘mom and pop’ shop, a luxury fine dining restaurant, or a local food truck or stand, we are game!
So while visiting PEI, we found that there were so many wonderful choices for where to eat in Charlottetown.

Whether you are looking for local seafood, a good steak, or a terrific vegan meal, you will definitely find it in this vibrant city.
We would definitely recommend calling ahead to see if you can make a reservation, especially during the summer.
We found that many of the restaurants had long waits for walk-ins when we visited.
The 15 Best Restaurants in Charlottetown PEI for 2022
For this post, we decided to stick to the downtown Charlottetown area when reviewing restaurants.
That’s not to say there aren’t some great eateries outside the downtown core, but we figured that the majority of people visiting the city would want to be where all the action is!
1. Churchill Arms
Calling themselves Prince Edward Island’s only authentic British Pub, the Churchill Arms is the perfect place to go for a British-style meal.
Whether you are looking for classic fish and chips, bangers and mash, steak and Guinness Pie, Chicken Tikka Masala, or just a regular burger and fries, you will not leave disappointed.

The pub is on the smaller side, so you may be in for a long wait during busy times. But the food is definitely worth it!
Address: 75 Queen St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon: 11:30 am-10 pm | Tues-Thurs: 11:30 am-11 pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30 am-12 am | Sun: Closed
Website
2. Piatto Authentic Neopolitan Pizzeria & Enoteca
If you are looking for an authentic wood-fired Neopolitan pizza, then look no further than Piatto.
This family-owned business prides itself on creating incredible pies using fresh ingredients and age-old techniques.
Piatto actually earned its certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), a special Italian governing association working to preserve the traditional methods of “true” Neapolitan pizza-making.

In fact, Piatto was the first pizzeria in Atlantic Canada to receive the prestigious VPN certification!
Piatto also offers a variety of pasta dishes, appetizers, and of course, coffee and desserts (including a dessert pizza!).
This restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery, as well as an online reservation system.
Address: 45 Queen St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Thurs: 11:30 am-9 pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30 am-10 pm | Sun: 5 pm-9 pm
Website
3. Gaia’s Urban Eatery
Gaia’s Urban Eatery has a diverse menu of international vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Offering everything from wraps to bowls, sandwiches, dips, smoothies and desserts, you will find a pretty decent variety of choices for every meal.
Many of the menu items have a middle eastern spin, like their Falafel Wrap, but they also have vegetarian lasagna, Moroccan Vegetable Tajine and Couscous, or Cauliflower Butter Masala.

Gaia’s Urban Eatery even has a kid’s menu with items like veggie burgers and hot dogs, pasta, pizza and grilled cheese.
Address: 62 Queen St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Sat: 11 am-7 pm | Sun: 12 pm-5 pm
Website
4. The Gahan House
The Gahan House is a popular local craft brewery located in the heart of Charlottetown.
This brewpub not only serves beer that is made on-site but also a variety of delicious menu items including East Coast oysters.
From burgers to fish tacos, lentil bowls and steak frites, you are sure to find something that pairs well with your favourite brew.

The Gahan House also has a pretty decent menu for Gluten-free items, as well as a separate kids menu.
This restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery, as well as an online reservation system.
Address: 126 Sydney St, Charlottetown, PE, PEI, Canada
Mon-Wed: 11:30 am-11 pm | Thurs-Sat: 11:30 am-12 am | Sun: 11:30 am-10 pm
Website
5. The Brickhouse Kitchen & Bar
Housed in what was an early 1800s warehouse, the Brickhouse Kitchen & Bar has incredible history and atmosphere.
With three floors of space, including the dining area, second-floor bar and third-floor loft space for live music, this popular fine dining Charlottetown restaurant is sure to impress.

Featuring island beef, farm-raised chicken, fresh seafood, local beer and an extensive wine list, be sure to arrive hungry!
The Brickhouse does offer a small kid’s menu, as well as a few vegan options.
This restaurant offers dine-in or take-out, as well as an online reservation system.
Address: 125 Sydney St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Thurs: 4 pm-9 pm | Fri: 4 pm-10 pm | Sat: 10 am-10 pm | Sun: 10 am-9 pm
Website
6. Olde Dublin Pub
Touted as Charlottetown’s original Irish pub, the Olde Dublin Pub is where you will find a little bit of Ireland in Atlantic Canada.
An Island institution since 1983, people come here to find good food, a lively atmosphere and awesome music.
The Olde Dublin Pub serves up a new spin on Irish and East Coast dishes, as well as local craft beers, and of course, Guinness! And be sure to take advantage of their daily $1 oyster special!

And if you are looking for more than good food, the Olde Dublin Pub is home to the Guinness Stage where in the past, they have welcomed headliners like Great Big Sea, Tommy Makem, Burton Cummings, The Tragically Hip, Bruce Guthro, and The Barra MacNeils.
Address: 131 Sydney St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Thurs: 11 am-10 pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30 am-2 am | Sun: 4 pm-10 pm
Website
7. Leonhard’s Café and Restaurant
Leonhard’s Café and Restaurant prides itself on serving meals made daily from scratch and using local ingredients when possible.
Their philosophy is to serve guests the same quality of food that they would serve their families at home.
Leonhard’s soups and sandwiches are prepared fresh daily, as are the delicious homemade desserts and bread that are baked every day on-site.
You will even find plenty of fresh Gluten-free options as well.

With delicious options like the Marinara Chicken Ciabatta, Quinoa Vegan Bowl, or the Roasted Beet Tart, we had a difficult time narrowing down what we wanted to try first!
To be quite honest, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the menu items.
And although there is no separate kids’ menu, we didn’t have an issue finding something our kids wanted to try. Dine-in or take-out is available.
Address: 142 Great George St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Sun: 9 am-4 pm
Website
8. Kettle Black Coffee
Kettle Black Coffee is a small but inviting cafe located in downtown Charlottetown.
Serving freshly roasted and brewed coffee, as well as a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options, you will be glad you visited.


From Tumeric Lattes to pancakes, breakfast wraps, soups and salads, you will definitely find something that appeals to you.
Kettle Black Coffee also offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan options that are incredibly tasty.
Address: 131 Sydney St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Fri: 8 am-5 pm | Sat-Sun: 9 am-5 pm
Website
9. Receiver Coffee
Located on the popular Victoria Row pedestrian street, Receiver Coffee is a great way to start your day or the perfect meeting place to catch up with friends.
This cafe is warm and inviting with exposed brick walls, and a variety of seating options.
Hubby and I opted to sip our cappuccinos inside, but the outdoor patio would also be a great choice, especially on a gorgeous summer morning.


Receiver Coffee is known for utilizing fresh, quality, local ingredients whenever possible.
Pick up a bag of their coffee, grab a unique breakfast or brunch item, or savour one of many freshly baked goods that are on offer.
Receiver Coffee is family-friendly, even offering a small children’s menu. And if you need a recommendation on what to order, try the Banana Bread French Toast! YUM!
Address: 128 Richmond Street, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Sun-Wed: 7 am-5 pm | Thurs-Sat: 7 am-10 pm
Website
The Best Seafood Restaurants in Charlottetown PEI
Deciding which seafood restaurants to include in this list was no easy task!
There are so many great restaurants in Charlottetown that serve up or specialize in amazing local seafood!
One thing to keep in mind if you are looking for lobster, it is definitely easier to find when it is in season.

Lobster season in PEI usually runs from the beginning of May until the end of June and then again starting in August until October.
10. The Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar
One of our absolute favourites on this list of best restaurants in Charlottetown PEI is the Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar.
This incredible place had plenty of delicious options for everyone in our family.

Located on the corner of Queen Street and Water Street, Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar is within walking distance from Charlottetown’s beautiful waterfront.
And because it was only a short walk from The Great George Hotel where we were staying, the temptation to go every night was real!
Eat in their gorgeous dining room, or enjoy the nice weather out on their sunny patio.
The Merchantman’s menu features items like baked or fresh oysters, chilled lobster dinner, mussels, seafood boil, and salmon or fish tacos.

For land lovers, they offer steak dinners, Nashville Chicken Sandwiches, burgers, portobello bowls, salads, nachos and so much more.
The Merchantman offers a small kid’s menu, as well as a separate menu offering gluten-free options.
You will also find several vegan options on the menu, including one on the children’s menu.

Be sure to make a reservation if you plan on visiting the Merchantman. We waited for almost an hour as a walk-up, mid-week!
The great thing, however, is that we were able to leave our cell number and do a little shopping at the marina, while we waited for a call back that our table was ready.
This restaurant offers dine-in or take-out, as well as an online reservation system. And the service was definitely top-notch!
Address: 23 Queen St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Wed: 11:30 am-10 pm | Thurs-Sat: 11:30 am-10:30 pm | Sun: 11:30 am-9 pm
Website
11. Sim’s Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar
Located in a beautiful three-story brick building from the mid-1800s, Sim’s Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar is one of the best restaurants in Charlottetown PEI to find a steak dinner.
Not only do they pride themselves on using island-raised beef, but they also take care when aging their beef in-house for 45 days.

With a variety of steak dinner options to choose from, the meat lovers in the family will not leave hungry! In fact, even the separate kid’s menu has a steak option listed!
But you may be wondering why we listed a steak restaurant in the seafood portion of our post. This is because Sim’s also offers some amazing dishes from the sea.
From their Award-Winning Seafood Chowder to both fresh and fried oysters, mussels, lobster, shrimp, and crab, you definitely have some amazing seafood options.

Be sure to leave room for dessert! Both the Sticky Date Pudding and the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake are to die for!
This restaurant offers dine-in or take-out, as well as an online reservation system.
Address: 86 Queen St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Sun-Thurs: 11:30 am-10 pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30 pm-10:30 pm
Website
12. Fishbones Oyster Bar & Grill
Another one of the best restaurants in Charlottetown PEI to get awesome seafood is Fishbones Oyster Bar & Grill.
Located in the infamous Victoria Row, this cool restaurant offers both indoor and sidewalk patio seating.

With a menu that features oysters, cold lobster dinners, fish tacos, mussels and fish and chips, you are bound to find something that tempts you.
Of course, if you are not looking for seafood, you will also find burgers, a California Chicken Sandwich, nachos, and salads.
Fishbones also offer some gluten-free and vegan options on their regular menu. They do not have a kid’s menu.
Fishies on the Roof
If you are looking for a unique place to sip a cocktail, head up to Charlottetown’s only rooftop patio at Fishies on the Roof.

An extension of the Fishbones Oyster Bar, the patio is open from 4 pm – 12 am daily (weather permitting).
Although there is no food served at Fishies on the Roof, adults will find a pretty good mix of local craft beer, wines, spirits and unique cocktails.
Address: 136 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Sun-Thurs: 11:30 am-10 pm | Fri-Sat: 11:30 am-9 pm
Website
13. Claddagh Oyster House
Named after a fishing village in Galway City, Ireland, the Claddagh Oyster House serves contemporary and classic cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.
Featuring aged PEI beef, local meats and poultry, fresh seafood, premium local oysters, savoury pasta, seasonal vegetables, and delicious desserts, the Claddagh Oyster House offers an incredible menu which changes seasonally.

The menu is quite small, but there are some incredible options whether or not you are looking for seafood.
We didn’t notice a separate kid’s menu (our kids are too old for one so it’s no longer on our radar), so that may be something to keep in mind.
Address: 131 Sydney St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Fri: 5 pm-9 pm
Website
14. The Cork and Cast
Located at the Charlottetown Seaport Marina, just behind Founder’s Hall, The Cork and Cast provide a unique dining experience.
This ‘floating’ restaurant is situated right on the pier, is family-owned, and has the best views of the Charlottetown harbour.

The Cork and Cast strive to use local island-made, farmed, and harvested ingredients in all their dishes.
Choose from a variety of seafood dishes, salads, burgers and delicious appetizers to satisfy all your cravings.
The Cork and Cast also offer a small kid’s menu. And if you enjoyed your meal, be sure to take home a jar of their signature Cork Jerk Sauce.
Address: 1 Weymouth St, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Sun-Thurs: 11:30 am-8 pm | Sun-Thurs: 11:30 am-8 pm
Website
15. Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, the Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound pride themselves in buying the freshest seafood from PEI wharves and fishermen.
Located in an 1850s historic building (once the Prince Street Grocery), the Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound have both indoor dining, as well as a quaint outdoor patio.
Their menu includes all the fresh seafood dishes you would expect to find in Atlantic Canada, including lobster, mussels, Malpeque oysters, scallops, Haddock, Halibut, chowders, fish and chips, and so much more! The portions are generous and the taste is incredible!

For land lovers, there are salads, burgers, and chicken. You will even find a typical kid’s menu with items that the little ones will love.
What really makes Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound unique, is you can also purchase fresh fish to take home and cook for yourself.
Depending on the season, you can expect to find the finest selection of Live Atlantic Lobster, Cooked Lobster, Northumberland Scallops, Malpeque Oysters, Island Blue Mussels, Steamer Clams, Snow Crab, Salmon, Halibut, Haddock, Canned Clams, Frozen Lobster Meat, Hot Pack Lobster, and Lobster Paste.
Address: 141 Water Street Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Mon-Sun: 9 am-10 pm
Website
The Best Restaurants in Charlottetown PEI – FAQs
Prince Edward Island is a popular destination for seafood lovers. From lobster to crab, scallops, clams, mussels, and fish like trout, haddock, and salmon are popular. However, PEI is most known for its incredible oysters.
Victoria Row is Charlottetown’s most famous street. This is where you’ll find a ton of restaurants, cafes and specialty boutiques.
PEI is famous for lobster, clams, mussels, and oysters. Herring, mackerel, and bluefin tuna are also abundant in PEI.
While some shellfish are seasonal, mussels are not. Instead, they remain flavourful and available all year round.
There are two lobster seasons in Prince Edward Island, Spring and Fall. The Spring season runs from May to June with about ninety percent of the harvest taking place during that time. The Fall season runs from mid-August to mid-October.
Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Charlottetown PEI
With so many amazing places to eat, we hope that we have inspired you to go out and try a few of what we think are the best restaurants in Charlottetown PEI.
Because whether you are looking for an incredible lobster roll, an amazing steak, or a wonderfully creative vegan dish, we know that you will be able to find it in this charming city.
Plan Your Prince Edward Island Getaway Using These Tools!
- ✈️ Book Flights: Skyscanner
- 🏨 Book Hotels: Booking.com | TripAdvisor
- 🏠 Book Rental Properties: VRBO
- 🚍 Prince Edward Island Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- 🚗 Book Car Rentals: Rentalcars.com
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