SOAK UP THE FLAVOURS OF THE CITY

There’s nothing quite like food to bring people together. From shared family-style meals to tapas-inspired tasting plates, the city’s array of inviting restaurants, cafés and pubs reflect the culinary diversity of the city. There are also lots of festivals, immersive experiences, and restaurant competitions to look forward to throughout the year that showcase the Island’s abundant harvest, creative chefs, and incredible ingredients.

VIA REYES' Top 5 Places to Eat in Charlottetown

KIMCHI AND SUSHI THE CONFEDERATION COURT MALLThis is somewhat of a hidden gem. 10/10 takeout spot for authentic Korean and Japanese food. Huge menu, great portions, affordable prices, and SO good.

LEONHARD’S CAFÉ 142 GREAT GEORGE ST - Whether it’s the classic soup and sandwich combo or a smoked salmon bagel, their food is fresh, delicious, made with locally sourced ingredients, and extremely satisfying. Don’t forget to grab a big slice of their famous vanilla roll!

DJ WOK 51 GRAFTON ST - This is one of the only spots in Charlottetown that serves authentic Hong Kong style dimsum and does it so well. They also have an incredible bubble tea menu.

FOUNDERS' FOOD HALL & MARKET 6 PRINCE ST - I mean it when I say I can sit here eating all day. You can find some of the best international food spots here (and only here). My faves are Datcha, Hojo’s Sushi Burrito, Honolulu Shaved Ice, Tekila, and Wenever Pastry.

BOMBAY CUISINE 339 UNIVERSITY AVE - Everyone has their favourite Indian restaurant in Charlottetown and while I do actually like them all, Bombay Cuisine is my go-to. Some personal favourites are their Biryani (highly recommend), Veg Pakora, Curry Chicken, and Shahi Paneer.

Via is a Filipino writer, photographer, and social media manager based in Charlottetown, PEI. She is a food lover through and through and when she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, you can often find her exploring the Island, seeking new flavours or go-to comforts. Find her on Instagram at @aviareyes.

LOCAL RULES - “Farm to table” is not just a buzz word around these parts. Talented chefs across the city build solid relationships with farmers, foragers and fishers across the province in order to create seasonally-inspired menus using the freshest PEI ingredients. While you’ll find plenty of classic dishes like seafood chowder, oysters on the half shell and lobster rolls, you’ll also discover plenty of global, vegan, and vegetarian dishes infused with local twists.

A PATIO DAY - Colourful umbrellas and happy faces enjoying the open air are found on nearly every block of the city centre in the summer months. From rooftop patios to streetside decks to floating docks, the options are pretty well endless for dining in the sunshine. During the winter months, you’ll find a handful of enclosed “snow pods” on select patios, which are a cozy & intimate way to experience the best of both worlds.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES - Food-focused activities like Culinary Bootcamps offer you the opportunity to learn and cook up a feast in the Culinary Institute of Canada’s impressive commercial kitchen. For a food tour or handson experience such as digging for clams or tonging for oysters, PEI Tasting Tours or Experience PEI have got you covered. If lobster fishing sounds enticing, Top Notch Tours and Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours have daily tours out of the Charlottetown Harbour.

2023-2024 FOOD FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• PEI Setting Day Culinary Festival | May 12 - 14

• DiverseCity Festival | June 25 (Charlottetown)

• PEI Fall Flavours Festival | Sept - Oct

• PEI International Shellfish Festival | Sept 14 - 17

• Farm Day in the City | Oct 1

• Street Feast Block Party | Oct 6 & 7

• Winterdine | late Jan to early Feb

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Charlottetown’s original classic Irish pub proudly features craft beer and cider from every PEI brewery. Great food, friendly service and live music. Come check out our two covered patios!