This article was updated May 2026
Never heard of Phil’s? Neither had I. Even though it’s been featured on the BBC , the Food Network, and countless other places. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend you check it out when you’re in the Monterey area, assuming that you like fish and seafood. Since you’re reading this… I guess you do!
Why Is Phil’s Fish Market So Popular?
Phil’s is famous for cioppino, and since that’s one of my favorite dishes, that’s what I had. It was loaded with fresh fish, shrimp, mussels, crab claws, and clams in a savory tomato-based soup. The serving was huge and I wondered how I’d ever finish; it was as delicious as it looked, so no problem there. The cioppino is so popular they sell it by the bucket! I wanted to try several other things on the menu but that would have been total gluttony.
Cioppino at Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing. Phil’s has been voted best beach restaurant by the BBC and so many other publications it’s ridiculous.
Phil’s receives visitors from all over the world and many are repeat customers. They come for the seafood of course, always fresh, and huge portions. Another reason to go to Phil’s is the atmosphere; maybe because I sat at the bar where I was able to talk to a lot of different people and enjoy the entertainment provided by the bartender.
I don’t know the bartender’s name but he’s quite a character and made sure everyone was happy and had a good time. I mentioned that it was my first visit to Monterey and that I had not yet tried the local wines. He poured me an impromptu tasting of three different local pinot noirs. My favorite was the Hahn SLH – full-bodied for a pinot noir with lots of nice berry fruit. Perfect with my cioppino.
Hahn SLH Pinot Noir 2012
The woman sitting on my right ordered the Crab Louie. I really wanted to try it and regret that I did not. Loaded with fresh Dungeness crab over crisp salad greens and the usual Crab Louie ingredients, it looked amazing–which she confirmed. Dungeness Crab was in season so, perfect timing. I don’t know if she told them to put the traditional louie dressing on the side or if that’s the way they serve it, but that was brilliant. After all, who needs fresh crab ruined with mounds of dressing? I didn’t get a taste, but I got a tasty photo.
Fresh Dungeness Crab. Yum. I want this crab louie.
A few tips: there’s always a long line at Phil’s, but it moves pretty quickly. You can bypass the line by sitting at the bar to eat. All seating is wheelchair accessible, except at the bar. Phil’s is family-friendly and I saw plenty of children there too.
updates May 14, 2026
Phil’s has moved to the artichoke capital of the world, Castroville, California, just three miles from its former location in Moss Landing. If you haven’t been to Castroville it is the epicenter of artichoke production in the USA. There’s a big artichoke restaurant there where you can east artichokes cooked in every possible configuration.
Outdoor seating
Why is Phil’s so popular? Great food, good service, and fun location. It’s a local institution. If you love seafood, don’t miss it.
Phil’s Fish Market
www.philsfishmarket.com
Fun bartender who does it all. Wish I had a better photo.
