CASTROVILLE—Six months after moving from its iconic Moss Landing location, Phil’s Fish Market reopened in its new location in the heart of Castroville.
The restaurant has gained a large following of loyal customers and an international reputation for its seafood dishes, most notably the cioppino—a seafood stew that can be served by the bowl or, for those feeding several people, in a bucket.
That item was the first prepared food the business sold after launching in 1982 selling fresh-caught seafood. The recipe—created by owner Phil DiGirolamo’s grandmother—has been featured on such cooking shows as “Throwdown! with Bobby Flay” and in magazines and news articles around the world.
The new building at 10700 Merritt St. began its life in 1869 as a one-room schoolhouse, and later became a general store. It was upgraded in 1990 and served as La Scuola Italian restaurant before closing.
“Big portions, reasonable prices, great taste,” said Lloyd Keith of Tres Pinos, who said he has been eating at Phil’s for years. He made his first trip one recent Friday with his 90-year-old mother and his friend Helen Ramirez. “We keep coming back because we love it.”
Ramirez agreed.
“There are no other places like this,” she said.
The trio had their sights set on the restaurant’s fish and chips, the Mexican shrimp cocktail and the sand dabs.
The restaurant will still keep Phil’s Snack Shack at 7912 Moss Landing Road in Moss Landing, and Phil’s cioppino truck at that location is still in business.
Phil’s Fish Market is open daily from 10am until 8pm.
we need Phil’s. glad to see that it is thriving.