Maritimes Road Trip | In and Around Charlottetown Guide
Eat & Drink
Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar
In the striking Peake-Carvell building, at the corner of Queen and Water Streets in downtown Charlottetown, this gem makes Murphy Hospitality’s love for showcasing historic architecture apparent.
When we arrive, our waiter Chad, locally born and bred, sums up Prince Edward Island. “It’s alive in summertime, and cozier in winter. After a while, you catch your eyes on all the familiar faces. A very nice aura is how I usually explain the vibes here.”
It’s late afternoon and the bustle of the lunch crowd is winding down. We begin with a cold pint of Gahan House lager to accompany the starters: classic PEI mussels and large triangle of buttery, herby ciabatta for dipping; addictive corn ribs slathered with vegan red pepper aioli and smoked paprika. The plates are polished off in minutes.
We are in seafood country after all, so we’re obliged, of course, to order half dozen baked oysters followed by a buttery lobster roll with a smattering of celery, lettuce, chives and mayo – they don’t skimp on lobster meat in the East!
23 Queen St., Charlottetown;
MR Seafoods
Since 2007 the retailer and wholesaler has supplied a wide variety of fresh and frozen seafood products to consumers, restaurants and fish markets all year round. The quality of fresh live lobster can’t be beat. Pick up a few crustaceans and enjoy them like they do on the island, with drawn butter and boiled potatoes.
61 Thompson Dr, Charlottetown;
Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
Eclectic purple banquette, tufted red velvet and leather sofa chairs and an old-world bar conjuring Cheers! It’s the setting for this popular steakhouse on Queen Street in downtown Charlottetown.
Known for its island steak with cuts of Chateaubriand and Côte de Boeuf, the restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list. There are pages of old and new world offerings from more than twenty countries like Domaine Joel Delaunay Casca Orange from the Loire Valley and small-production South African Cavalli Wine & Co.
Tonight, we’re in the mood for seafood (steakhouses, after all are known for their surf and turf). We order the Atlantic halibut, served with roasted butternut squash and mushroom couscous and end with a quirky ‘Cheese from here and there.’ It consists of a nice selection of cheese, lemon shortbread, local honey, and an addictive port-like gastrique.
86 Queen Street, Charlottetown;
Detour: Eat & Drink | Rustico, PEI
Blue Mussel Cafe
Christine McQuaid and her husband Steve Murphy made the permanent move to the East Coast in 2013 taking over a popular seasonal café in Rustico, with little prior restaurant experience. Over the years it’s become a roaring success.
Though McQuaid has roots in the area, she wasn’t always a fan of the restaurant’s namesake shellfish, that is until she tasted it fresh. “Imagine the fisherman coming to your doorstep. Same with the farmers. We’re spoiled with food. We had produce from a 20-kilometer radius at one point.”
The casual décor and convivial atmosphere allow the beautiful views to shine and sets the stage for fresh seafood with clever mashups like chowder poutine and seafood bubbly bake, alongside classics like a gigantic, well-stuffed lobster roll and the can’t-take-it-off-the-menu seared halibut.
Ask anyone who knows the Maritimes, and this stalwart will be at the top of their list. Look for a new location in the 2026 season.
This original article first appeared in the WINTER 2025 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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