The province of Prince Edward Island in Canada is known for both its seafood and its potatoes — and Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar in Charlottetown offered the combination of both for a meal when many eateries were still closed for the season or were only open during limited hours.
Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. Restaurant Review.
The restaurant is located in downtown Charlottetown in the Carvell building — which is a classic brick saltbox structure — only a few blocks north of Charlottetown harbour. A blue flamingo — at least, that is what I think it is — greets people in front of the restaurant.
Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar was referred to us by an employee of the hotel property at which we were staying as one of two restaurants that were recommended for both lobster and potatoes that were local to Prince Edward Island.
Booths are available inside for anyone who wants to dine in a semi-private and more cozy environment.
In addition to spinach, the Spinach Salad contained toasted almonds, dried cranberries, red onion, egg, and goat cheese — all drizzled in a maple-garlic vinaigrette. This fresh salad was an excellent starter for the main meal. We ordered the small version of the salad for Canadian $10.00; but a larger portion was available for Canadian $18.00
An empty bucket with two plastic bibs and a plate of tools came out, which included scissors, tiny forks, tools to crack shells, and moistened towelettes. “Don’t be nervous,” the waiter said. Nervous? We were looking forward to the experience.
During dinner, one of the tools to crack shells broke; and part of it flung onto the floor. “Yeah, that happened earlier tonight,” the waiter said when we informed him of what happened. “We just purchased them. We are never buying them again.”
The Seafood Boil included a 1.25 pound Island lobster, mussels, snow crab cluster, scallops, shrimp, baby red potatoes, corn on the cob, chimichurri, arugula, and herb butter. The lobster claws were already cracked; and its meat was succulent and not rubbery. As with the lobster, pulling mussels from the shell was no squeeze, as they came out cleanly with ease. Uncharacteristic for snow crab, the legs contained a good amount of meat in them and also did not pose a struggle. The shrimp were already peeled. The corn was firm and full of flavor from the sauce. The potatoes were halved; and were just the right texture and flavor to enjoy. This meal was simply amazing and filling for two people but likely adequate for four people. This dish is market price; and on the evening we dined, it was priced at Canadian $145.00
A full bar is in the restaurant. Live music is featured in the Next Door Lounge on a regular basis. The restaurant also has a patio available for dining al fresco on days and nights when the weather is milder.
Final Boarding Call
We did not order any alcoholic beverages or desserts, as none of us were interested in them.
I highly recommend dining at Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar. The ambiance was modern yet cozy — especially as a respite from the chilly rainy night. Service from members of the staff was very good. The food was excellent, as the seafood and potatoes were among the best which I have ever had. Although what we ordered for the table was not inexpensive, this was our “splurge night” for the trip. Many other significantly less expensive options for dining that sounded potentially appetizing were also available from the menu, as we could easily dine at this restaurant for seven consecutive days and have a different meal each time.
The total cost of the meal — including taxes and gratuity — was $153.40 in United States dollars.
We did need to wait approximately 20 minutes for a table, as we simply walked in without a reservation. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar
23 Queen Street
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4A2
Canada
1-902-892-9150
Operating Hours
Sunday: 11:30 in the morning through 9:00 in the evening
Monday through Thursday: 11:30 in the morning through 9:30 in the evening
Friday through Saturday: 11:30 in the morning through 10:00 in the evening
Free parking is available on the street for two hours during the day.
All photographs ©2026 by Brian Cohen.
