Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery
7600 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing
633-2152
Much has been made of the ceremonial smack Phil DiGirolamo put on now-Iron Chef Bobby Flay in a mano y mano “throwdown” on national TV. Understandable—he did it—but we’re over that. Sure the cioppino that won it is incredible—rich, authentic, fresh-off-the-docks—but this place should be celebrated more for its blue collar commitment to local fishermen, homespun family recipes and basic beachside ambiance than any celebrity B.S. That’s the real reason the line’s out the door and the map in the back is covered with visitors’ pins from all over. (The blackened scallops are also a good reason.)