Charlottetown 
Credit: Tourism PEI / Yvonne Duivenvoorden
Prince Edward Island is incredibly diverse. With the highest immigration rate in the country there are countless vibrant communities and plenty of delicious opportunities to sample delicacies around the world – all without leaving the Island.
The Island’s first residents
Before any settlers arrived, the Mi’kmaq of the Island were dining well off the fruits of the land, including berries and fish and shellfish. Take a look at these recipes for traditional Mi’kmaq foods like eel pie or Luskinikn, the east coast version of a no-yeast quick bread similar to bannock. If you would rather eat out (literally), sign up for the hands-on experience at Lennox Island where your bannock and shellfish supper will be cooked over an open fire on the beach.
An Acadian flair
Like most of the region, many of the first settlers arrived from France, and many of their cooking traditions continue. At La Trappe Resto-Bar in the Village Musical Acadien in Abram-Village you will find
Acadian food like rapure, meat pie and chicken fricot plus Poutine à trou (served with brown sugar sauce) and Pudding Chômeur for dessert.
View this post on Instagram
Go International at the Market
In one fun, easy stop at the Charlottetown Farmers Market you can tour the world, sampling fare from Asia, Mexico, Holland, Poland, Africa, Lebanon and India! Fancy a spring roll, followed by some samosas, guacamole, or perogies, topped off by delicious Dutch poffertjes? One-stop shopping and tasting!
Founders Hall
Another one-stop tasting experience awaits at Founders Food Hall & Market right on the Charlottetown Waterfront where you might grab a locally roasted coffee, or pressed raw juice to go with your fancy doughnut or PEI Potato Fudge.
View this post on Instagram
Fresh fish in PEI leads to – Sushi of course!
In Summerside Yumi Sushi prides itself on the finest of ingredients, presented in traditional Japanese style – the menu includes Nigiri, Sashimi, Uramaki, Temaki, Hosomaki and rolls.
In Charlottetown, you have your choice of half a dozen sushi or Japanese-style restaurants.
View this post on Instagram
Indian-style Fare
In recent years PEI has been pleased to welcome many newcomers from Southeast Asia, and now there are at least five Indian restaurants in Charlottetown. Check out the Trip Advisor reviews to help you choose!
- Himalayan Indian Cuisine – 39 Eden St Unit 5, Charlottetown
- Taste of India – 29 Kent Street Charlottetown
- Spicey Chef Restaurant – 85 Belvedere Ave, Charlottetown
View this post on Instagram
Early Lebanese settlement in PEI leads to great food choices
In the late 1800s, many settlers arrived in PEI from Lebanon, and those families formed the basis of a widespread and successful resident population today who own and manage many popular restaurants and food outlets. Check out Cedars Eatery and Shaddy’s Lebanese Cuisine for top-notch Felafel, Shawarma, Tabbouleh, Yabrak or Hummus.
View this post on Instagram
Looking for Halal?
Sadat’s Cuisine in Charlottetown offers a wide range of Afghani and Middle Eastern food including many vegetarian options and is currently the only authentic halal restaurant in the province. On the menu – kabobs, chalow, turnovers and samosas. Try the traditional Middle Eastern dining area or relax in standard seating.
View this post on Instagram
And from Italy there is –
… an abundance of pizza options all around the Island of course! Some of the favourites include Famous Peppers and Piatto. For a nice sit-down meal in a cozy Italian-style restaurant drop by Buono Mangia, where they specialize in made-from-scratch pasta, breads, cheese and desserts.
View this post on Instagram
Chinese restaurants
PEI is proud to offer a great selection of Chinese-style restaurants in Charlottetown, as well as excellent options in Souris, Stratford, Montague, Cornwall and Summerside!
Craving Pad Thai – Try Thai Pad!
This food truck is a long-time popular fixture in Charlottetown. Thai Pad is proud of its healthy menu of authentic Thai Food made from freshly grown produce from Prince Edward Island.
View this post on Instagram
We can’t forget the Celts!
At Riverdale Orchard you can take a stroll of the apple orchard first, then test out some of Anne Jamieson’s large range of baked goods from Scottish Highlander Shortbread, to Oat Biscuits and Scotch Pies washed down with one of their refreshing “2 Scots and a….” apple cider brands! And the Olde Dublin Pub is not only about the rousing music and the Harp Lager, but the Charlottetown Irish pub menu offers a Paddy Burger and a Steak Guinness Pot Pie.
View this post on Instagram
Feel more like staying in?
Ten Chef PEI is an innovative new program that allows talented local cooks to share their favourite dishes, delivered to your door Thursdays and Fridays! The lineup in May, 2021 included Caribbean, Mexican, Syrian and Kenyan dishes. Truly a way to travel the world without leaving home!
View this post on Instagram
