Charlottetown is the capital (and largest city) of the smallest Canadian province – Prince Edward Island. This charming city boasts a population of approximately 35,000 and is famous as the site of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, “the first gathering of Canadian and Maritime statesmen to debate the proposed Maritime Union and the more persuasive British North American Union, now known as Canadian Confederation.” (source Wikipedia)

Three quick facts about Charlottetown:

• The city’s motto is “Cunabula Foederis” – “Birthplace of Confederation”.
• Charlottetown was named in honour of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort King George III.
• There are 11 National Historic Sites of Canada located in Charlottetown, including Province House and the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

the local: Ilona Daniel
the location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

how long have you lived in Charlottetown? 11 years

a quick intro
Chef Ilona Daniel is all about the love when it comes to her approach to food and life as a whole. Ilona’s spirit of adventure has taken her all over the globe to sharpen, hone and further her understanding of food and the nature in which cultural cuisine shapes our global identity. Featured on Food Network Canada, The Marilyn Denis Show, Chatelaine Magazine, Saltscapes Magazine, Northumberland Bay Ferries Culinary Ambassador, Tourism PEI “Ask an Islander” Ambassador, Canadian Chef’s Congress Provincial Representative, APTN, Chef Ilona is a fierce culinary ambassador for Prince Edward Island, and Canada at large! Chef Ilona is also the resident food scene writer for The Guardian, blogger, culinary brand ambassador, consultant, caterer, and facilitator.

you can follow Chef Ilona on:
– facebook: www.facebook.com/chef.ilona
– twitter: twitter.com/chef_ilona
– instagram: www.instagram.com/poachedheaven
– tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/chefilona
– website: chefilona.ca

Chef Ilona is a fierce culinary ambassador for Prince Edward Island, and Canada at large!

WHERE TO EAT:

Local 343
98 Water St, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 1A6 | www.facebook.com/LOCAL-343-1072029769475006/

This is cozy and convivial spot to experience Prince Edward Island ingredients! The menu is creative, and reflects the storied careers and adventures of Chef and Owner, Emily Wells. One of my favourites is Emily’s lamb burger, and her lobster pho. Her food is playful, and light; the service professional, but decidedly friendly. Located centrally in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, it’s the perfect place for supper, and a chance to listen to some intimate local music sets.

Point Prim Chowder House
2150 Point Prim Rd, Belfast, PEI | www.chowderhousepei.com

To experience the ruggedly beautiful parts of PEI while eating some of the most delicious seafood, Point Prim Chowder House is my go to! There are certainly options for the non-seafood lovers in the group, but their steamer pots of crab legs, finnan haddie, mussels, and oysters are truly something special. A rustic charm, with a showstopping water view makes for a perfect stop on a lazy day sightseeing adventure. It is a seasonal location that locals in the know anxiously await. The spot fills up quickly especially on sunny days, so be sure to plan your meal accordingly.

Richard’s Fish and Chips
9 Covehead Wharf, Stanhope, PEI | richardsfreshseafood.com/the_eatery.html

On PEI, Richard’s is an obsession! It doesn’t matter what winter brings because I know there will be spring, then summer. Summer means seasonal fish and chip shops. We have many fish and chip joints from tip-to-tip of our Island, but this is place to visit. Order the fish and chips, with extra tartar sauce if you really want to go whole hog! The fish is “brattered”, lightly battered, then crumbed with potato flakes. The fries are made with our world famous spuds, and are fresh cut daily. The experience is ethereal, and the view of the harbour is like the cherry on top of a beautiful thing. I always try to get out on opening weekend, and at least once more before they close for the season. There is local beer on tap, and ice cream a hop skip and a jump away. Spend the day at the beach, and then head over to Richard’s immediately. Trust me on this one!

Thanks for helping us Eat Like a Local in Charlottetown, Chef Ilona!

Planning a trip or thinking about visiting Charlottetown? Check out Discover Charlottetown for some great information and guides!

The Eat Like a Local series is a unique look at good places to eat in various town, cities and countries around the world. This isn’t your usual tour book guide list and it definitely isn’t paid for by any restaurants or tourism boards – this is just a local resident sharing their favourite food recommendations. You can check out all the places we’ve covered on and find out how YOU can get involved on this page.

All photos in this post belong to Ilona Daniel and are used here with her permission. Please do not copy or reproduce any part of this post (written content or images) without obtaining the proper permissions.