From a remarkable range of seafood to locally raised beef to a world-class culinary school, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a foodie’s wonderland. The best place to experience the island’s thriving culinary scene is in the capital city of Charlottetown, where traditional picturesque architecture blends seamlessly with up-to-the-minute dining innovation. If you like trying local foods on your travels then, Charlottetown should be on your radar.

The freshness of the fish and seafood on Prince Edward Island is second to none, and any discussion of Charlottetown dining must start with the delicious and ubiquitous PEI mussels. Grown along the island’s inlets and bays, they account for 88% of Canada’s mussel exports and can be found on menus across North America. But of course, the best place to enjoy them is at the source. Nearly every restaurant in town features a starter of steamed mussels, and whether they’re cooked traditionally or with a creative twist, you’ll appreciate having some grilled bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Other well-known seafood selections include mussels, lobster, clams and oysters, but you can also enjoy mackerel, bluefin tuna and herring when each is in season.

Aside from the quality and freshness of the ingredients, there’s something else driving the spirit of culinary innovation in Charlottetown: the constant supply of budding chefs graduating from the Culinary Institute of Canada. The Institute, located right in Charlottetown, attracts top talent, enhancing the city’s rich dining landscape.

One of the best places in Charlottetown to experience the abundance of seafood is Cladagh Oyster House, known for its oysters Rockefeller and PEI lobster dinner, plus more surprising dishes like Jerk Spiced Crab Legs.

Slaymaker & Nichols is another hot spot, with a fun and festive atmosphere. Their menu casts a wide net, with everything from house smoked fish cakes to a delicious seafood linguine with asparagus – plus some vegetarian and vegan options.

For an authentic and down-to-earth seafood experience, head to Water Prince Corner Shop, a quaint and colorful eatery near the wharf. Locals flock there for chowder, scallop burgers, lobster and fried seafood.

You may be surprised to learn that Prince Edward Island is also famous for its beef. Today there are over 400 farms — most of them small and family-owned — raising cattle on the island. Whether you credit sustainable farming practices, the salt air, the plentiful grass or the mineral rich soil, PEI beef is something special with a distinct flavor and notable tenderness.

Sim’s Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar serves some of the best steaks in town, including their unique take on Pepper Steak – a strip loin with a pepper rub and a cranberry gastrique. Montana’s BBQ & BAR is another favorite for grilled steaks, beef brisket and juicy grilled burgers.

Brewpubs are a great place to get a taste of Charlottetown while enjoying local craft beers. The Gahan House Pub and Brewery is the oldest in town, with handcrafted ales and a surprisingly diverse menu including East Coast fried clams, oysters, tuna tartare, seasonal lobster specials, and berry trifle for dessert.

Lone Oak Brewing Co. Is another popular spot serving locally made craft beer and elevated pub food. Their riverside patio provides a lovely water view with fire pit tables, and live music adds to the ambience on weekends. The menu matches the cozy but modern vibe with shareable plates of raw and baked oysters, crispy calamari and braised beef tacos plus hearty mains including lobster mac and cheese and a haddock fish fry. If you’re in the mood for a more unusual beer, Upstreet Craft Brewing is worth a stop for their strawberry rhubarb witbier — a Belgian white beer brewed with pale barley malt— and a menu featuring gourmet pizzas and other brewpub favorites.

One of the best things about arriving in Charlottetown on a Seabourn ultra-luxury ship is just how easy it is to navigate this port city. Disembark and you’ll find yourself entering the historic waterfront, just a short stroll from the downtown area. Almost all major attractions and restaurants are within easy reach.

When you visit Prince Edward Island on a Seabourn ultra-luxury cruise, Seabourn’s excursions let you experience the many delights of its historic, food-centric capital city. A walk-and-taste adventure, an island oyster experience or a demonstration by a Charlottetown seafood chef – all this and more awaits you on a Seabourn cruise with a day in the charming capital of Canada’s “Food Island.”