I've driven past Phil's Fish Market & Eatery several times over the years but never actually…read morestopped. I'm glad I finally did. This isn't a fancy seafood restaurant, and it doesn't try to be. The dining room is bright, casual, and comfortable, with a classic coastal fish house feel. The menu is extensive, ordering is simple, and the entire experience feels relaxed. The clam chowder was one of the better ones I've had along the California coast. Thick enough to be satisfying without becoming overly heavy, and packed with far more clam meat than I expected. Every spoonful actually contained clams. The fried calamari was the biggest surprise. These weren't the tiny frozen rings served at chain restaurants. The pieces were thick, meaty, and obviously made from real squid. The breading stayed light and crispy while the inside remained tender. We also ordered the peeled shrimp, and they were outstanding. Sweet, fresh, perfectly cooked, and incredibly crisp with that natural snap only very fresh shrimp have. Honestly, they hardly needed the melted butter. Everything tasted fresh, portions were generous, and nothing felt over-seasoned. The kitchen simply let the seafood speak for itself. One thing that really stood out was the service. Before we were even seated, the staff had already prepared cups of ice water for guests waiting in line, which was a thoughtful touch on a busy day. Once seated, they continued checking on tables, refilling drinks promptly, clearing plates efficiently, and making sure everyone was taken care of. Despite being busy, nobody looked rushed or impatient. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Why four stars instead of five? Mostly because the restaurant is intentionally casual. You're here for fresh seafood, not white tablecloths or fine dining. If that's your expectation, you may be disappointed. If you're looking for honest, fresh seafood at fair prices, this place delivers. If you're visiting Moss Landing or driving along Highway 1, Phil's Fish Market & Eatery is absolutely worth the stop. I'd happily order the clam chowder, fried calamari, and peeled shrimp again. I'll definitely be back. -- Reviewed by Dr. C

As a local, I've been a patron of Phil's for many years. I miss the previous location in Moss…read moreLanding, with its rustic charm and ambiance. But, the Monterey Bay Aquarium research lab needed the space and owned the property. The food and recipes, particularly the Red Clam Chowder seem different to me. It now is a mushy, flour and corn starch laden mush of a soup, not as I remembered. For the prices charged, the product should be unparalleled and instead, is meh.

The restaurants exterior isn't the nicest. The exterior colors are bright and tacky. However,…read moreyou'll be glad you stopped once you try their food. We ordered one chicken enchilada plate and 2 chilaquiles plates. One chilaquiles plate was with green sauce and another with red sauce. All our entrees tasted very authentic and homemade. Neither of the rice or beans tasted canned or pre-made. The food had great flavor! We also ordered their agua fresca of the day which was pineapple. It was the cherry on top to a satisfying visit. It tasted very fresh without added sugar. Just natural fruit flavors. I highly recommend checking out this place if you're passing through Soledad.

We just got in from Downtown LA to visit my boyfriends family. They ordered all his favorite foods…read morefrom town as usual, however I of course was craving my usual aguachiles. I also ordered cóctel de camarón as an extra add on. I decided to try El Pariente. I'm super picky about my aguachiles so I was thinking they would just satisfy my craving. However, they were literally so amazing. Super enchilosos like I love them! The girl was super nice and obviously the cooks are awesome. I absolutely am going to stop by on my way back to LA to take an order back with me! The outside is so cute, lots of parking and the inside of the restaurant was so cute and authentic looking. They have a great selection of bottled Mexican beer. I had a modelo while I waited and it was super cold. All in all I give this place 5 stars for ambiance, food, cold bottled beer and very nice friendly staff. Next time we're in town longer I'll definitely go have a sit down dinner. Muchísimas gracias por mis aguachiles perfectos y deliciosos!

I've eaten here many times over the years and I've never left a review...wow!…read moreSo here goes. This to me is the "new Phil's " if you know you know. Lots of great seating most with decent views of the harbor. The food is good, never had a bad meal or experience here. Service is better since they switched to order at the counter, take your buzzer and pick up your food style...like "Phil's. Took a friend for lunch and she loved it. Last words...fish and chips.

Everything was enjoyable here. We arrived around 4pm on a Friday and it was a little windy and…read morechilly. Fried Baja Fish tacos were DELISH. Large portion with each of the 4 tacos served. Husband got the grilled Rock Fish, it came with rice and steamed veggies. Big portion of fish and everything was fresh! Cup of CHOWDER was so yummy and their oysters were good. Can't wait to come back.

This is one place you really want to visit Food is excellent…read more They always make you feel like you're part of the family and welcome when you arrive Professional cuisine service at the highest level Thank you for the wonderful experience you always give myself and my family, can't wait to come back Eliezer.

Was in town for the night and needed some quick dinner and this place was connected to the Motel 6…read moreI was staying at. This place gets NO complaints from me. The server was super kind and helped me pick what to order. Gave me a water while I waited and offered me one to go. Gave me all the sauces I asked for, free of extra charge (rare nowadays). The food was absolutely banging. Took the other half of my sandwich on my hike the next day and it was still delish. Location is very convenient for travelers, and inside was nice for the ten-ish mins I was inside. Compliments to the chef and owner.

Loved the food, specially the lobster roll. The crackers…read moregiven with their delicious clam chowder is 10/10! Cute place. Great people . .

Went on a regular night and boy were they busy which I do take into account…read more But I will say our service was not excellent. But our poor server was definitely trying. They had a full house. Our food came out (we sat outside) it wasn't very warm and I didn't feel the portion for price was what I had expected. Clam chowder was pretty good! Forgot to take a photo it was a little chaotic with a baby!

One of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to and they offer it oak grilled! Fantastic…read moreoffering, service, commitment to excellence!

A perfect lunch ! The service was beyond par, the meal was superb, and the complementary bread was…read morefresh and hot. Aaron was the best, please ask for him when you go, you will not be disappointed. He was very attentive and made sure all our needs were met. We've been going here yearly, for over twenty years, and this restaurant only keeps getting better. If you only have one chance to eat in Monterey then the Monterey's Fish House is the one place you have go to.

Another fantastic experience! Saturday night in late March and arrived at 4:25. We scored the last…read moretwo spots at the bar. We enjoyed cocktails in the parking lot and met some nice people visiting from Evergreen, CO. We love the atmosphere when you first arrive, with all of the chefs prepped in anticipation of the bustle of the first patrons arriving. We split the Rockefeller for a starter. It went great with the Markham Sauv Blanc!! We had the shrimp scampi over pasta--so ridiculously good, it should be illegal. We also had the sea bass which was tasty. The potatoes on the side are perfectly done every time. I would say a 4pm arrival is probably the right time to get in line. Worth the wait!!

Not worth the hype…read more We went to Sea Chest Oyster Bar last night. Honestly, it was extremely disappointing. The food was lackluster and bland. The Clam Chowder tasted like flour and needed salt. The Soy Ginger Mahi Mahi was presented with the Soy Ginger sauce on the side, rather than being cooked in. It was so bland you had to search for the flavor of the sauce. I'm not sure how a dish with soy needed more salt, but it certainly did. Rather than it being a reduction or the fish actually cooked in it, it was just flavorless. And don't get me started on my Halibut. All of the fish is cooked in butter, which should give it some flavor, but it did not. We are usually plate-cleaners, but we both ate only about half of our meal. Lackluster, boring, bland. I would say it was a one-note flavor, but you'd have to have some flavor for that to be true. The only positive I have about the fish is that it was fresh, so I guess there's something. The service was fine. I can imagine what it's like to have an entire restaurant sat at the same time, so there should be some forgiveness there. But for $200 for two people for one appetizer, two entrees, and three glasses of wine, I would expect to be able to get through the meal.

3 of us ended up here on a Tuesday at lunchtime because Taqueria Pacheco was closed for no apparent…read morereason. There was one guy eating by himself and one worker. She was very friendly, but not very communicative. We asked for a menu and were told to look at the wall where there were some photos and lists of dishes, but no prices. We were just trying to get some burritos to take on the highway, so we each ordered what we wanted. Then she went in the back, washed her hands, and made the burritos. The burritos were good and the salsa provided was decent. The inside of the place is dingy and uninviting and not even pleasant for just waiting for takeout food. Having just one person working made it slow even though we were the only customers.

Food is always served hot off the stove and prepared as soon as you order. If they're busy you may…read morehave to wait for your food. But it's worth the short wait. Maybe ten minutes. Drinks are either bottles or cans. Soda, beer, water, juice, you choose. They have karaoke in the evenings on the weekends which usually draws a fun crowd. The kitchen is open for orders too. They have plenty of tables and chairs as the restaurant is huge. The employees are always pleasant and ready to prepare your food. They take phone orders if you're short for time. I suggest you call twenty/thirty minutes ahead of picking up your order. They also have a restaurant with same name and menu in Soledad.