GREAT ESCAPE: Moss Landing's Seafood Restaurants

If you’re hankering for a crab salad, a calamari sandwich, salmon or snapper, then you’re in luck—the freshest and the best is just over the hill, in Moss Landing along Highway 1. The little village on the bay has some outstanding seafood restaurants that shouldn’t be missed.

What to do here: Moss Landing is a fun place to explore at any time of year, and it’s also a great place to stop and eat. The restaurants are adorable, unique and funky, and the seafood is as fresh as it can be. After all, this is a center of commercial fishing, and prices are surprisingly reasonable. Although Phil’s Fish Market (7600 Sandholdt Rd., 831-633-2152) gets a lot of attention, there are other wonderful eateries as well.

The first restaurant sign most people see upon coming to Moss Landing is The Whole Enchilada (Highway 1 and Moss Landing Road, 831-633-3038) across from the Moss Landing power plant. The Whole Enchilada, as its name suggests, is a Mexican restaurant, but it’s one with unique flair. There are many seafood dishes, from chipotle-sauce-topped steamed mussels to crab-stuffed chile rellenos, as well as several twists on artichokes, grown just down the road in Castroville.

For a casual lunch, visit Phil’s Snack Shack (7921 Moss Landing Rd., 831-633-1775) for simple yet exquisitely delicious calamari sandwiches and other fare. An offshoot of The Whole Enchilada is The Haute Enchilada (7902 Moss Landing Rd., 831-633-5843) which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a gallery-style setting, with artwork to peruse as you enjoy a Dungeness crab sandwich or pescado Cubano (dessert and espresso drinks to be found here as well).

Down the road is Lemongrass (413 Moss Landing Rd., 831-633-0700), a Thai restaurant with a number of seafood specialties on the menu. And of course, there’s the aforementioned Phil’s Fish Market, a trip over the harbor bridge that is well worth it. You can order food to eat there, to go, or you can buy your own fresh seafood to take home and cook yourself. This isn’t a fancy place, but there are plenty of menu choices, and everything is good. Phil’s is always packed, though, and parking is scarce, so be forewarned.

Head north about a half mile on Highway 1 for yet another offering, the Sea Harvest (2420 Highway 1, 831-633-8300), which offers great harbor views of cavorting sea lions and gulls, and serves up simply prepared, absolutely fresh fish and shellfish and great local veggies.

Why we like it: Did we mention all the seafood at these places is just-off-the-boat fresh and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Plus, these restaurants are truly one-of-a-kind, with vintage charm that you won’t find anywhere else. Land-locked fishing boats and anchors decorate the parking lots of The Whole Enchilada, while Phil’s has the feel of an old-time fisherman’s hangout.

And even more to like: More fascinating funkiness awaits you as you walk off your meal along Moss Landing Road, where there are interesting galleries, shops and antique stores to explore. There are several nearby beaches that are also easy to walk to.

About Moss Landing: At one time a whaling port, Moss Landing still has a vital fishing business and is home to several marine research facilities and their vessels. Boating, fishing and kayaking are all popular activities here. A nautical flea market is held in May, as well as an antiques fair the last Sunday in July.

Directions and phone: Take Hecker Pass Highway west to Watsonville; turn left on Main Street, then right on Riverside Drive to get to Highway 1, where you’ll go south a few miles to Moss Landing. Information: mosslandingchamber.com or 831-633-4501.