Island Eats
Eat Your Way Around the World in Charlottetown
Prince Edward Island prides itself on being Canada’s Food Island, bountiful in both land and sea. While the Island is rich in exceptional ingredients, the island is also rich in its people and culture, from the lively Acadian community in Evangeline to the vibrant Mi’kmaq community on Lennox Island. Throughout the years, thousands from all over the world have chosen to make PEI their home, many bringing with them a wealth of traditions, customs, and of course, those tried and true recipes that bring comfort and joy to so many.
The city of Charlottetown is host to a vast array of diverse cuisine. Come along as we take you on a trip around the world – all within our own backyard!
A Feast from the Middle East
Fresh, wholesome, aromatic — comfort food that feels good right to the soul. Cedar’s Eatery was the very first to introduce the flavours of Lebanon back in 1979, showcasing traditional family recipes passed down for generations, and continues to be a culinary icon in the community. Just across the street, you’ll find Shaddy’s Lebanese Cuisine, another great spot serving up Lebanese staples. When the weather is nice, opt to dine in their back patio, underneath a romantic canopy of real grape vines.
The Diverse Flavours of East Asia
From establishments serving your late night takeout order (Combo A with an extra egg roll, please!) or those serving more traditional dishes for enjoying family-style, you can find a wide selection of restaurants in Charlottetown specializing in Chinese cuisine. If you like a place with choice, Noodle House‘s extensive menu of classic take-out and traditional meals is perfect for you and your party. Dine like the locals in Hong Kong do at Hong Kong BBQ House on St. Peter’s Road! Looking for delicious vegetarian and vegan options? You’ll find plenty at Splendid Essence and the Waterfront Deli, with each also offering an irresistible dimsum selection.
Hojo’s Japanese Cuisine on Kent St. opened its doors in 2019, famous for their authentic Japanese dishes, especially their ramen with noodles made fresh and broth made low and slow. Innovative and authentic, with a focus on fresh ingredients and genuine unwavering hospitality, it didn’t take long for Hojo’s to become established as a local favourite!
Located in a little strip mall along University Avenue, aptly-named Seoul Food has been a Charlottetown staple since 2010. Try their Dolsot Bibimbap served hot and sizzling in a stone bowl or grab a serving of their Korean Fried Chicken to share. Find their famous Kimchi stocked in stores across town as well as Sobeys locations in Atlantic Canada. Haru KBBQ is the newest restaurant on the block! Here you can enjoy a taste of the Korean barbecue experience where your barbecue is served perfectly grilled and still sizzling away.
You can also find a handful of restaurants offering up a blend of Japanese and Korean cuisine! Pick from the many delicious maki rolls at Ta-Ke Sushi or check out Mr. Sushi for their ever popular 16-piece combos. Wander to the top floor of the Confederation Court Mall and treat yourself to take-out from Ichiban Kimchi and Sushi, a one-man run food court stall serving up a little bit of everything.
Sláinte to Celtic Fare!
Nestled on one of the most beautiful streets in Downtown Charlottetown, you will find the Olde Dublin Pub, PEI’s original Irish pub established in 1983. ODP has been proudly serving Islanders for almost 40 years, with classic Irish and East Coast fare! With delicious food and an oyster happy hour, incredible live music almost everyday, and a year-round countdown to their foot-stompin’ St.Patrick’s Day party, the Olde Dublin Pub is definitely the place to be for a roaring good time.
That Perfect Balance
South East Asian Cuisine is known for having that perfect balance of savoury, sweet, sour, and spicy and these Charlottetown restaurants totally deliver!
Thai Pad PEI, currently parked on Allen St. by the Missions Thrift Store, has been serving authentic Thai food out of their truck since the summer of 2014. Try their mouthwatering papaya salad or curries using in-season Island-grown vegetables from their small organic garden! Khoaw Pon Authentic Thai brings together an incredible culinary team hailing from the Northern provinces of Thailand giving customers an authentic taste of the country’s regional flavours. Family-owned, Lai Thai, serves up classic Thai dishes that’ll keep you coming back for more — no fuss, with all the flavour.
Looking for something a little lighter? You’re in luck! With at least 5 locations in Downtown Charlottetown alone, the options for authentic Vietnamese cuisine are in abundance. Scope out your favourite bowl of Phở and fresh spring rolls at The Son Vietnamese Restaurant, Saigon Pho, Pho Vietnam, Pho Queen, or Saigon Cuisine. Don’t forget to stop at ALAMBE, for delicious Vietnamese coffee and a Banh Mi to go.
Spicing Up the Charlottetown Food Scene
If you ask any Charlottetown local, they’ll most likely have a go-to spot for authentic South Asian cuisine. But we simply love them all.
Indulge in a heaping serving some of the best Biryani at Bombay Cuisine. Order a round of Momos to share before diving into your Saag Paneer at Himalayan Indian Cuisine, now with two locations in Charlottetown. Head over to Taste of India and try a traditional Thali lunch and awesome culinary events. Spicey Chef, located uptown, serves a blend of Indian, Hakka, and Nepalese fare and features menu items from other parts of the world.
A True Taste of Italy
Wine and dine on Napolitan pizza at Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca in their beautiful location in the heart of downtown Charlottetown! Made with ingredients and procedures vetted by an actual Italian governing association that aims to preserve the traditional methods of pizza-making traditional to Naples, experience the south of Italy
A little outside of the downtown core, head to St. Avard’s on Mount Edward Road, for a hearty Italian meal. From the bread to the pasta, and cheese to desserts, made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients is what Buono Mangia is known for.
Global Eats at One-Stop Shops
Established in 1984, the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market has flourished into a warm and welcoming community-centred co-op and the weekly Saturday morning stop for many. Here you can find fresh local meats and produce and locally made artisan products, as well as a delicious array of authentic food from around the world! From Kaffateria’s Dutch Mini Pancakes to El Sabor de México’s delicious house-made tacos and enchiladas, and from Out of Africa‘s handmade samosas and hearty African meals to delectable pastries at Angelika’s German Bakery — the market is a total treasure trove of international flavours not to be missed.
Not feeling like dining out? Tenchef‘s got you covered! A new service in Charlottetown that provides individuals an opportunity to cook and share their food story without committing to an actual business of their own. Tenchef operate on the basis that chefs can be anyone, and anyone is welcome to try, whether it’s the family member who always has the best dish at the weekend potlucks or the aspiring chef with years of professional kitchen experience under their belt.
From take-out establishments and hole-in-the-walls to market stalls and dine-in restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious opportunities to enjoy international dining experiences right here in Charlottetown. The diversity on our little island is one of the many things make PEI so beautiful and though we all come from different cultures and backgrounds, across oceans and continents, food remains a constant and a language that we can all speak.
For more tantalizing local eats, check out 11 PEI Dining Experiences You Can’t Miss, City Life with Island Style, and We Scream for Ice Cream.