Where are the best fresh oysters?

Good afternoon Mary,

Prince Edward Island is a true oyster paradise. With cold, clean waters and a long tradition of oyster farming, the Island produces some of the world’s most sought-after oysters. Whether you like them freshly shucked, baked Rockefeller-style, or paired with a crisp glass of wine, PEI has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy these salty-sweet gems. Here are some of the best spots to slurp, savour, and celebrate PEI oysters. Baked oysters are one of my favourite ways to enjoy our PEI oysters. I've named a few spots that have really great baked oysters.

First and foremost, The Claddagh Oyster House in Charlottetown is an iconic restaurant. Enjoying their oysters Rockefeller in the modern, elegant space sounds like a no brainer to me!

Sea Rocket is one of the newer restaurants on the block and has a heavy focus on seafood and shellfish. Located in the heart of historic downtown Charlottetown, they offer oysters baked three ways: Rockefeller, Miso Aioli and Champagne cream - a great opportunity to try some variations on the classic Rockefeller. My favourite is the champagne cream.

Sims Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar has a great oyster program and certainly pulls all the stops for an incredible oyster degustation including caviar add ons! 

If you are looking for scenic oyster experiences outside of the capital, there are lots of options including the following:

The Wheelhouse in Georgetown is known for super-fresh local oysters and a relaxed waterfront setting. 

Carr’s Oyster Bar in Stanley Bridge is rustic, cozy, and a true PEI classic, where oysters come straight from the waters nearby. The service is also super friendly; it's like visiting a friend's house!

You can even go to an oyster outlet which is part retail, part restaurant. Brackley Bay Oyster Co. is a fantastic example of this. Kendra Mills who is the host and co-owner sells the oysters they grow. You can enjoy multiple varieties of their oysters with all of the fixings right on their patio.

Enjoy your trip to the Island, and be sure to slurp oysters from tip-to-tip across the Island. Yours will be a one of a kind experience that you'll remember forever!

Chef ILona