1,688 reviews
NEW AI Reviews Summary
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Hours
Sun
11:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mon
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tue
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wed
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thu
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Blue Mussel Cafe
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Canadian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Details
About
The Blue Mussel Cafe is a seasonal seafood restaurant located in North Rustico Harbour, PEI just off the beaten path. We specialize in FRESH seafood and strive to provide food that is as fresh and local as possible. We offer a large variety of delicious and wholesome meals with NO deep fried food. We are committed to offering an authentic PEI dining experience and a view that you will never forget!
PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $40.00
CUISINES
Seafood, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Dog Friendly, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Reviews
4.5
1,688 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
The Blue Mussel Cafe garners attention for its impressive harborside ambiance and the delightful taste of fresh seafood, particularly oysters and chowder. While the setting and friendly staff contribute to a positive dining experience, guests have called out the long wait times for both seating and service, especially during peak hours.
Opinions on value are divided; patrons commend the quality of the meals but caution that prices can be steep and the service experience may vary.
Food
Delicious
Atmosphere
Beautiful
Service
Friendly
Value
Pricey
Wait time
Long
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4.5
1,688 reviews
Excellent
1,261
Very good
289
Average
91
Poor
30
Terrible
17
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
peitraveller88
Prince Edward Island137 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
My wife, her two friends and I visited Blue Mussel Cafe last night for the first time. The location was busy but staff were wearing masks and tables were distanced for COVID-19. Upon being seated, we were given menus and asked if we wanted anything to drink. I ordered the Shuck and Chuck Caesar, my wife the Cooper's Summer Radler and her two friends ordered the Radler as well. We all enjoyed our drinks and I enjoyed the shucked oyster on the Caesar so much that I ordered a second one. Drinks were reasonably price for the quality and quantity. For starters, my wife ordered the Bruschetta, I ordered the Lobster Dip and her friends ordered the mussels and Caesar salad. We were able to share the starters and they were all awesome. The mussels practically melted in your mouth and they were so tasty. The Lobster Dip was excellent. Caesar salad was tasty and the Bruschetta was great as well. For our entrees, I ordered the Seafood Bubbly Bake which was exemplary. Lots of seafood in it (big scallops) and a salad for the side, my wife ordered the Linguine with Chicken and thought it was great. There was enough for her to take home. One of my wive's friend's ordered the same thing and the other one ordered the Vegan Mushroom Wellington. She enjoyed it although she remarked the sauce on top of it was a tad overwhelming. All in all, I would highly recommend this location. Excellent food, the waiters and waitresses were working extremely hard and I couldn't ask for better service (this while wearing face masks in the heat of summer). I cannot wait to return to this location.
Written August 9, 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.
MHB
Canada18 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
Each summer I make a trip to Blue Mussel cafe and I am never disappointed. Food is delicious, service is great and the bartenders were cheery and lovely to interact with. The charcuterie board is one of the very best I have ever had and the halibut is always incredible .
Written August 27, 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.
Isaac O
Toronto6 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
What an excellent restaurant, apparently voted best on PEI and I can understand why.
the only problem is that waiting list app they're using, so hard to get a spot for dinner and even lunch but if you don't mind waiting an hour or so you will enjoy it.
OH YES, the haddock burger is OUT OF THIS WORLD!
Written September 10, 2021
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.
Flyer516328
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • couples
I read many good reviews on this restaurant and when we arrived it was lined up outside for opening for lunch so we were looking forward to a nice meal.
I informed the waiter I had a serious celery and celery salt allergy. I was hoping to have a lobster roll but was informed it had celery and they could not make one up for me without celery. How hard is it to throw some lobster and mayo in a bowl and mix it up? Then was told the chowder also had celery. I couldn't find anything on the menu that I could eat or desired to eat. The waiter was a little condescending saying there was this and that on the menu but I told him they were things I wasn't interested in and ended up not eating anything.
My husband had mussels that still had sand in them. Our friends had the lobster roll and said it had so much dill in that it took away from the taste of the lobster. It came with potato salad and they were no other choices for a side dish.
We were very disappointed in this restaurant and will not be returning.
Written September 3, 2021
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.
John Lee
Mont-Saint-Hilaire535 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
My family recently had lunch at the Blue Mussel during a recent vacation in P.E.I. We have been to this restaurant at least once a summer since it first opened in North Rustico. The trip this year was a disappointment because the menu prices have sky-rocketed. First of all, we arrived at 11:45 AM for lunch and were immediately told they were out of halibut. This limited one of my daughter's menu choices severely. One of my other daughters had the haddock burger - the fish was tasty but the breading and spicing proved to be "just OK" but nothing near the quality of Richard's Seafood in Covehead Harbour. Their "shucked" Caesar, although very tasty, cost $ 18.00 and their "seafood bubbly bake" barely had any seafood for $ 31.00. The cauliflower in the cauliflower tacos were undercooked and the potato wedges were pasty and lukewarm, although the sauce was good. The tuna I ordered was OK, but tasted reheated. On the other hand, the "seafood board" was excellent. The service was excellent as was the look of the expanded, remodelled restaurant.
This used to be one of our family's "go-to" restaurants in PEI but I don't think we'll be back with the high menu prices this restaurant charges.
Written August 17, 2022
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.
Claire Sharpe
Summerside13 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
There is no question that the food at Blue Mussel is incredible. The Halibut is amazing and I get mine cooked all the way through since I don’t care for the way the chef usually cooks it. Great drinks, food and atmosphere. I wish that you could make reservations as with the wait list you are stuck waiting in the parking lot for 1 1/2 hours waiting which is unfortunate. Hopefully in the future they will take reservations as this is extremely busy.
Written August 14, 2023
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.
WoolBea
Charlottetown214 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
Anniversary dinner. Lovely all around. We enjoyed the fish and a Caesar salad, and shared the lobster dip for an appetizer - all of it, great. Also tried the blueberry mojitos, perfect hot summer evening drink. Staff was attentive and everyone seemed to work as a team as different people asked about our meal, filled drinks, etc.. Overall, a perfect celebratory meal.
Written August 20, 2021
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.
Ryan B
St. John's5 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
Was looking forward to this visit since we arrived. Was recommended several times to us by locals and it was a great experience.
Join the wait list on their website , prepare for a bit of a wait. Anything worth having is worth waiting for!
Went with family(4 adults) and we brought our 5m old with us and the staff was very friendly and engaging with him, also very swift and good at their jobs! The staff provided us with a “bumbo” chair in place of a traditional high chair which worked much better for us!
Everyone had a cocktail which were also all well made!
Me and my partner split the Chowder, mussels and lobster roll and we were both completely satisfied with the meal. Being from Newfoundland we are no stranger to seafood ourselves and everyone thought the meals were great.
Was a touch more on the expensive side, but to be expected as all seafood is , especially when ordering from a touristy restaurant during the tourist season no less!
Would definitely come back in the future and would also recommend to others!
Written June 28, 2022
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.
Elaine A
Stanley Bridge7 contributions
Jun 2022 • friends
We have been to the Blue Mussel many times and last night's food did not disappoint. We were a group of 8 and were seated at two separate tables which was fine. A friend at our table had to ask twice for her drink after waiting for about 15 mins. We waited about an hour between appy's and main while our friends at the other table had already eaten their main. We did receive a dessert to share from our waitress which was lovely!! Just a bit disappointed with the kitchen service but understand it is a new season and new staff!
Written June 12, 2022
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.
Don M
Belleville105 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
Arrived in PEI, in early July, staying in the Cavendish area and after some restaurant research done by my wife, we were lucky to get a seating at the Blue Mussel for our first Maritime dinner.
The restaurant has a great setting, right on the bay in North Rustico, very scenic drive out and walk about while you wait for your table.
The staff was excellent, we had a young man as our waiter and he was very attentive and provided great advice for our decisions.
We started with a 1/2 dozen local oysters on the half shell, my wife's favourite! I had a couple as well, with the accompanied sauce, they were very good, extremely fresh.
For our mains, we wanted to have seafood and went with two dishes to share, the Seafood Bubbly Bake - a mix of lobster, halibut, and scallops in a rich cream sauce topped with melted cheddar and the seared Halibut. Both were excellent, but the halibut was exceptional, cooked to medium, served with a fantastic salsa with potatoes and vegetables on the side. The fish was so fresh and done so well, it almost reminded me of grilled steak. The bubbly bake was excellent, but extremely rich, accompanied by a great salad.
All were excellent choices and got our East Coast vacation off to a great start with seafood sampling.
Drinks - the Blue Mussel has a very nice list of local and other drinks, but definitely try some of their concoctions such as the house radlers - very refreshing.
If in the Cavendish area, check them out and get on their waitlist!
Written July 18, 2022
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.
Stuart S
Comox14 contributions
Sep 2021 • friends
Our group of 18, on a cycling tour, were there for lunch. In spite of the cafe and deck being busy the staff went out of their way to pull together the needed tables
Our waiter was exceptional and everyone was able to order and enjoy their meal without any delay. I had the Lobster Roll which was really good while my partner had the Lobster dip which she thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend the cafe if you are into seafood.
Written September 7, 2021
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.
EdmontonSunbunnies
10 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Have eaten here numerous times on visits to PEI and recommended to many. Always have had a wait which has been fine. This was our first time using their new Waitlist app. Booked at 5.35 for a 7 o'clock reservation. It said we had to check in by 7.05 and wait may be as late as 7.35 which again was fine. At 7.35 I went and asked how many tables were ahead of us now as when we arrived to check in we were told that there were a number of tables that would be leaving soon and would probably be in within next half hour. I was told there were still 2 tables ahead of us at 7.35. After noting numerous people leaving and going in I again went and checked at 8.05. I was told then that there were 2 tables ahead of us. When I mentioned I was previously told the same she said that they made a mistake and that there had been 4. We probably would have left at 7.35 if we had been told there were still 4 ahead of us but at 8.05 decided to stay. Finally got in at 8.35 and had a lovely waitress. Mussels arrived quickly and shortly after 9 the entrees for the two men arrived. The pasta and salad were wonderful as usual. Us ladies ordered the seafood poutine which I have had numerous times before and was always sufficient as an entree after the appetizer. Our order did not come out with the men's and about 3 or 4 minutes later the waitress asked if it would be okay for the potatoes to be the small round ones instead of wedges. We said no problem. Our orders arrived within another 5 or 6 minutes however, I immediately noted that the size was smaller than usual. We both also noticed that we each had one scallop and a sliver of salmon in the chowder and that was it for seafood. When the lady clearing the table asked how we enjoyed our meals we bought that to her attention. She went to the kitchen and came back and said they didn't understand how that could have happened as the "packs" they opened should have had more seafood. Ordered dessert, paid the bill and because it wasn't the fault of the waitress left our normal tip. I did reach out via FB messenger to relay my concerns first and gave them a chance to respond before I submitted a review. Unfortunately, after 2 days I have no heard back. We won't go back and certainly won't recommend as it was our friends first visit and after hearing us rave for years about it they were certainly not wowed.
Written June 23, 2022
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.
Roy_Arcon
Lunenburg178 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Was told about the Blue Mussel Cafe by one of our customers.
She was right. Great food , location and service.
This was our first vacation meal on Prince Edward Island.
We started with the seafood charcuterie board, followed by a six pack of oysters.
My daughter had tuna tartar. Excellent.
My wife had seafood chowder ... nice.
Always wanted to try seafood chowder routine and was good.
Servers were following covid19 protocols.
I will go again .
Not inexpensive but for a treat well worth the money.
Written August 2, 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.
Marie c
Darnley3 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
A group of 7 went to the blue mussel last week. We did the « wait list » which provided us a time of 6:00pm. We were not sat until 8:30pm. The waitress was very curt, did not acknowledge the wait, or welcome us. We request bread for the table while we waited for our meals. She brought 4 slices, one being a small heel, for the 7 of us. We asked if we could at least get one slice each. To which she grunted and came back with 3 more slices. We then asked for butter to go on the bread. Waitress replied « well you didn’t ask for that! ». Our meals arrived, and thankfully the food was good. When we got our bills we were each charged 21 cents plus tax for the 2 small floweretts of butter! This was my first time at the blue mussel, was excited to try it as had heard good things. Unfortunately that was not our experience!
Written August 11, 2022
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.
Anne P
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
We were very impressed with the positive reviews for Blue Mussels Cafe. We were in search of PEI fresh oysters and indeed the restaurant did not disappoint in that regards. The website implied that wait times for tables could be long, so we arrived at an early hour (5:00 pm) and had no wait time and were seated in our preferred seating outside. After being seated by the hostess, we were unattended for a good 12-15 minutes as we reviewed the menu. The wait person then came with water glasses and a chilled bottle of water, and was very friendly and informative about the menu. We ordered and waited for about an hour after being seated for our fresh oyster appetizers. Others around us who were seated after we were seated seemed to receive their appetizers before we did. One of these tables seated after us were served their oyster appetizers 30 minutes before ours were served. We then waited another half hour for our entrees. Both entrees were seafood and were beautifully presented and delicious, but one plate that consisted of seared tuna, beets and quinoa was served cold. We enjoyed the flavors and the congenial wait staff, but the wait time and the price of the meal was too long and too high respectively for the experience.
Written September 29, 2023
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.
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