Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar

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#13 of 186 Restaurants in Charlottetown$$ - $$$, Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian friendly

+1 902-892-9150+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Mon

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Tue

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Wed

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Thu

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Fri

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sat

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.0

804 reviews

#13 of 186 Restaurants in Charlottetown

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Bar, Seafood, Canadian, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

“The fish and chips were excellent and the seafood chowder was pretty good, bu...”

“Steak sandwich (without the bread) and a salad on the side (in a soup bowl) l...”

“I ordered the spinach salad which was suitable for a meal.”

“... bit more flavour (I had the seafood chowder...really oversalted to my tas...”

Location and contact

23 Queen St, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4A2 Canada

+1 902-892-9150

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Is this restaurant good for brunch?

Yes

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About

The Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar excels in seafood and local favourites while offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. If it's oysters you're after, look no further - our raw bar has a wide selection of local oysters from Malpeque Bay to Colville Bay and everywhere in between. The next time you're looking for a great evening out, be sure to stop by the Merchantman! Hours Sunday- Wednesday 11-9pm (kitchen) 12am (bar) Thursday-Saturday 11-10pm (kitchen) 1am (bar)

PRICE RANGE

$7.00 – $22.00

CUISINES

Bar, Seafood, Canadian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.0

804 reviews

Excellent

361

Very good

256

Average

104

Poor

Terrible

HalifaxQuestor

227 contributions

Great fish and sometimes good service

Feb 2020 • none

We at here twice as it was across the street from the Delta. I had fish and chips the first night and my wife had pan fried haddock. The second night we reversed. The fish was excellent in both styles with two minor issues. The coleslaw tasted like it was made with hand cream (I generally like coleslaw). I asked for a baked potato which they didn't have so I got "Baby potatoes" instead. They were loaded with garlic butter and my system doesn't tolerate garlic very well. The waiter offered to exchange but I have a phobia about sending things back to a kitchen as I've witnessed cooks tampering with return orders at other places and that thought doesn't leave your head once it's there. The service one night was great but the other was very slow despite the place being very quiet. Overall great fish. Just ask some questions if you have an aversion to any foods or spices.

Written February 6, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MMGM79

Hi HalifaxQuestor, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We always appreciate hearing from our guests as it helps us continue to learn and improve! We are so glad you enjoyed your meals. We assure you that our Chef and kitchen team are always happy to accommodate for any food aversions or allergies and would never tamper with any dish. Thank you again for sharing your feedback and we hope to see you again soon! - Merchantman Guest Services

Written February 7, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MackenzieLane

Ontario13 contributions

Great Setting, Good Food

Aug 2021 • family

GREAT setting, lots of seating, very tasty food. We tried the mussels, seafood chowder, pan seared halibut, chicken tacos, and salads all good, flavourful. Bigger pieces of chicken for the tacos would have been better or serve three tacos. Dessert portion small. Service friendly! Drinks great!

Written August 27, 2021

Pamela

Bayfield3 contributions

OMG not to be missed

Sep 2021 • couples

Tried for Sat night but fully booked so opted for Sun evening & the hostess Bryn was very friendly & accommodating . Tourists have to remember the locals like to dine out on the weekends too & don’t expect to be able to just walk into any restaurant when on vacation. Do your research & don’t just go by the reviewers as everyone has different expectations. Most customers are influenced first by how they are treated, followed by the atmosphere, 3rd the food. The M&M got 5 stars from us for all 3! Our server Cameron was very professional, genuinely friendly & on top of all his tables plus being a team player as we saw him helping out others. You could tell the staff worked well together as we sat opposite the bar. It was hard to Cameron had only been there one week. We shared the smoke salmon (not frozen) board & Thai mussels - both were excellent. Also had the seared scallops & the scallop/lobster linguine - delicious. Finished off dinner with the salted, pecan caramel cheesecake - it rated 5 OMG! You have lots of excellent choices in Charlottetown but the M&M is top of our list for local seafood.

Written September 19, 2021

SalvatoreMac

Prince Edward Island1 contribution

Disappointed and Disgusted

Sep 2020 • none

It is disappointing to write a bad review for this restaurant as it had been our favourite place to eat; however, our last two experiences warrant it. About a month ago, we went to Merchantman and received horrible service. I had ordered blackened fish tacos with a side spinach salad and my boyfriend had ordered a burger and salad. I had asked to have Caesar dressing on my salad instead of the vinaigrette that it typically comes with. Our server seemed irritated by my order, as though it was a big challenge. When our food came, my fish tacos were battered instead of blackened, and my salad had the vinaigrette instead of Caesar dressing. When our server finally came to check on us , I explained the issue. He first attempted to argue with me and tell me that my clearly battered fish tacos were blackened, but then did agree. He took my food and said he would fix it. It took another twenty minutes of waiting before receiving my correct meal. When it was brought to the table, my server rudely dropped it in front of me, sighed, and said "there" and walked away. This was a truly disappointing experience to say the least. Today, my boyfriend and I decided that we would try it again, as we have had lovely experiences in the past. When we first got to the restaurant it appeared to not be busy, and all tables looked to have already be taken care of. Despite this, we waited by the door to be seated for about seven minutes before anyone came over and acknowledged us. When the hostess did come over, we asked for a table for two. Two gentlemen behind us just arrived. When she asked them how many, they said two, but possibly four may show up. She then proceeded to sit them before us. We then did finally get seated, and gave our drink order. I ordered a gin and tonic; however, when it arrived it was clearly a gin and soda water. After explaining to our waitress the mistake, our waitress took the drink to remake it. When it was brought out again, it was again a gin and soda water. I told her, and then just decided to order a different drink to avoid another incorrect one. Our meals arrived in a timely fashion - we both got a burger love, one with a side of fries and one with a side Caesar salad. Our first few bites were amazing - but it quickly changed when I discovered a grey hair in my Caesar salad. The staff was understanding, but it nonetheless ruined my appetite. This is unfortunate, as this had been one of my favourite restaurants. I recommended it to many - but probably not anymore.

Written September 7, 2020

MMGM79

Hi SalvatoreMac, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate hearing form our guests as it allows us to continue to learn and improve. It certainly sounds like your experiences did not meet the premium standards we pride ourselves on and for that we apologize. We would love to chance to discuss this further as well as make it up to you! Please send an email to merchantman@murphyrestaurants.ca, and our management team will reach out and discuss ways we can make this right! Thanks again, Merchantman Guest Services

Written October 13, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

820Williams87

Nanaimo9 contributions

Meh

Aug 2021 • family

Meh. Requested a patio seat (which was empty upon our arrival at 5:30) but I said in the online booking that we had 2 kids (2 and 7). So we were put in the dark back corner of the restaurant. More of a pub style feel but seems to advertise something more fancy. Food was mediocre - my kids Mac and cheese was had more flavor than my 28 dollar lobster and scallop pasta (2 small pieces of lobster and a few small scallops scattered around). My husbands ahi tuna and salad was very good though. Overall there are some great restaurants around and this was the least impressive of our stay. The server was great which made the lackluster food bearable. Glad we tried it but won’t be back.

Written August 4, 2021

Marc J

25 contributions

Now a regular stop when we visit.

Sep 2020 • none

Have gone the last two trips to Charlottetown and have not been disappointed, First of all the short rib appetizer is to die for, fqll off the bone and the rub and sauce are amazing. The last visit we had their Buffalo wild burger for burger love and it did not disappoint, Service provided by Steve was attentive and entertaining, very good customer service. Will definitely be on the list for another visit next time we are in Charlottetown.

Written September 5, 2020

johnydip

Charlottetown48 contributions

Go for the pub menu only!

Jan 2021 • couples

Went with my spouse to the Merchantman which is a usually pretty safe restaurant to go. Had a $200 voucher so we were ready to have a great evening, i.e. several courses... We started with a $ 65 bottle of wine then unfortunately only looked at the menu after. We were surprised to see that there was not much to match that wine except a $34 strip loin plate. Ended up getting the burger which was great, specially with the fries. Hardly a match for that wine. Overall the service was ok but nothing special. Seems this place has turned into a basic pub menu compared to before. Was only a so so evening, too bad.

Written February 13, 2021

MMGM79

Hi johnydip, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your feedback. We appreciate hearing from our guests as it allows us to continue to learn and improve. I'll be sure to pass your comments on to the rest of the team. - Merchantman Guest Services

Written April 1, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Canada-TourDirector

Prince Edward Island317 contributions

EXCELLENT FOOD, SERVER, and SERVICE

Aug 2021 • none

My wife and I did a visit to Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar and it was EXCELLENT . The server Julia was excellent with the menu items, including Cioppono which is Tomato and Herb Broth, Salmon, Haddock, Mussels, Steamed Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, and Crusty Bread. It was A2. A2 is twice-as-good as A1. The Steamed Clams appetizer was GREAT as well. Her personality was great too. To anyone in Charlottetown PEI looking for a GREAT meal. GO to Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar.

Written August 18, 2021

yyzml

Toronto28 contributions

Good not great

Jun 2022 • none

Service left something to be desired as it was very slow at times, and at some points we felt utterly ignored even though the restaurant was half empty. The food was great though. The ingredients were local and very fresh, of course the seafood is the star of the show. We would've liked the cocktails to be a bit more delicate and refined to better compliment the food, so I would probably opt for a wine next time. Maybe we just came on a bad night?

Written July 3, 2022

MMGM79

Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We are so sorry for this disappointing experience and we would love to chat with you further if you'd like to send us an email at gm@merchantman.ca. Thanks again, Merchantman Guest Services

Written July 5, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Yessca

Fort Saskatchewan47 contributions

Fresh seafood, healthy portions, little taste

May 2022 • friends

Oysters, both baked and raw, were delicious. Fish and chips were a hit. Over half the table got a lobster roll, everyone was disappointed; no flavour. Beet salad was mostly arugula and maybe a few beets. Muscles were fresh but the sauce was severely lacking....it tasted like watered down broth. Overall, seafood was very fresh but needed a more skillful chef to handle the ingredients to make it worth the bill.

Written May 21, 2022

MMGM79

Hi there, We always want every guest to have a memorable experience and we apologize we did not deliver during your time with us. We would also like to thank you for sharing, we always appreciate hearing from our guests to help us improve. Merchantman Guest Services

Written May 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rachel N

Peterborough22 contributions

Great eats before a show

Jun 2022 • none

We came for dinner prior to attending a show and the staff were great in helping make sure that we wouldn't have any issues getting out on time. The wait staff were great and helping with wine selection and pronunciation. Food arrived quickly. Everyone at the table was happy with their choices. When there was a debate over dessert staff were helpful in making choices and provided extra utensils for sharing without being asked. There was an issue with the washrooms while we were there and staff were great at providing directions to an alternative washroom, still on site but in a different area, and communicating that they were working on solving the issue.

Written June 22, 2022

MMGM79

Hi there, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're so happy you enjoyed the food and service! We will be sure to pass along your kind message to the rest of the team and we hope o see you again soon! Thanks, Merchantman Guest Services

Written June 30, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kristen N

1 contribution

Don't waste your time and money!!!

Jul 2022 • none

We happened upon this restaurant Saturday evening while walking around downtown Charlottetown. Our party of 4 was seated and a waiter came to take our drink order. Drinks were brought to the table and our food order was taken. We then waited 3 hours for our meals!!!!!!!!!!! It was after 10pm when we finally ate. The excuse was that the head chef was out sick with Covid, however, as a business, you need to compensate with extra staff, or not seat every table you have. Other tables were receiving their meals in a reasonable time frame. Not only was the food late, it was mediocre at best. Don’t waste your time or money here. There are a ton of better places to eat in Charlottetown.

Written July 19, 2022

BelaN74

Mississauga5580 contributions

Really Long Wait

Jul 2022 • couples

We were told it was a 45 minute wait. At 45 minutes I just went in to inquire and they had my incorrect phone number. So who knows if they gave my table away. The hostess wrote it down wrong. We then proceeded to wait another 30 minutes which is a really long wait for perhaps their error. Finally seated and our waitress was very good and you can’t deny that they food was delicious.

Written July 24, 2022

MMGM79

Hi Bela N, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're happy you enjoyed the food, however, we are sorry about the wait time. We always appreciate hearing from our guests to help us improve. Thanks again, Merchantman Guest Services

Written July 25, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Regomatic

Orlando276 contributions

Great food and service, excellent mussels

Aug 2022 • none

We had a very nice lunch here with two couples. I had the mussels and a spinach salad, my wife had the haddock tacos and our dining companions had seafood chowder and lobster roll. All were served promptly by very friendly and attentive staff, servings were generous and prices were not out off line. We'd go back if staying longer in the area or returning in the future.

Written August 21, 2022

MMGM79

Hi Regomatic, Thank you so much for sharing your review. We are so happy you enjoyed your lunch with us here at Merchantman and we hope to see you again soon! Merchantman Guest Services

Written August 23, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

puckstopper31

Edmonton745 contributions

Service cost you a 5 star

Apr 2022 • none

Couldn’t find a Lobster roll anywhere in Nova Scotia and as we were heading to PEI we investigated restaurants in Charlottetown. Well the reviews looked promising about MM. the reviews on the Lobster rolls were spot on. These were worth the wait to find. Awesome they were. The Shuck a Caesar drink with a fresh oyster on top was yummy! ..the baked oysters with feta and bacon appys are really good too. But what lacked was our server Samantha. She needs to show more hustle as well as some memory skills. Didn’t know the soup of the day, gave us forks instead of spoons with desert which was ice cream on hot crisp…was very very slow between visits to our table ( for checks ins, refills, desert, the bill)……but don’t let this deter you from stopping here. We’d go back for the food for sure …you should try it too.