Netflix’s hit food travel show Somebody Feed Phil is set to return to the platform in January 2024. When it comes to the best episodes of the popular culinary series, the most memorable chapters offer delicious dishes from exotic cultures around the world and provide insight into various customs and cooking methods.
As fans of the show await the Season 7 premiere, now is a great time to look back and highlight the best moments of Somebody Feed Phil. From Europe and Asia to the tip of South America, there’s no shortage of delectable dishes found in every corner of the world.
10 Croatia
One of the most pleasant revelations in Somebody Feeds Phil is the undeniable beauty of coastal Croatia and its sumptuous cuisine. Phil opens the episode by taking a Game of Thrones walk of shame down the Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik. From there, visits to a local bakery in the city of Split display stunning architectural marvels that have withstood millennia. Ornate cathedrals and mausoleums line the streets beside the sparkling clear-blue Mediterranean Sea.
Whether teaching viewers about such unique Croatian cuisine as Cevapi, struggling to snorkel, or enjoying gourmet gelato, the episode is fun, informative, and a bit emotional. A major motif in the binge-worth Netflix cooking show involves Phil talking with fellow comedians who tell jokes. In this episode, the late Gilbert Gottfried makes a touching appearance and tells a funny joke for Phil's father, Max. Although some of the bread-heavy dishes become a bit redundant after a while, it's hard not to bask in the radiant charms of Croatia.
9 Helsinki
Despite the gray skies and cold weather, Helsinki, Finland proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience on Somebody Feed Phil. Finnish people are said to be the happiest in the world, and Phil begins to understand why when he tours the capital city and samples various cuisine. Gourmet local cheeses and fresh seafood caught moments before preparation makes for a mouth-watering watch.
Whether sampling charcuterie, reindeer mouse, or even something as daring as a dried bear, Phil does a great job of explaining the cultural customs of Helsinki in ways that underscore their happiness. For instance, steaming in a sauna before jumping into the Baltic Sea is key to purifying one's body, mind, and soul. The episode also stands out for the repeat appearance of Brad Garrett, the co-star of Everybody Loves Raymond, the beloved '90s sitcom that Phil co-created. Phil and Garrett have a great comedic rapport and their interaction goes a long way in keeping viewers entertained.
8 Madrid
Breakfast churros dipped in chocolate open the enviable episode in Madrid, which offers a dazzling display of ancient Spanish architecture to go with delectable sweet and savory dishes. Touring the gorgeous capital city at night is romantic as can be, with Phil focusing on the 40-odd food markets spread across the mesmerizing metropolis.
An unforgettable highlight of the episode comes when Phil tries potato tapas, fresh oysters, and sliced deli ham at Casa Dani, a famous restaurant and food market with renowned gourmet chefs. The charming cobblestones and hand-carved buildings give the episode a fairytale quality. For instance, the underground cave that Phil dines in during his visit to Sobrino de Botin dates back to 1590 and was a place frequented by Ernest Hemingway. As Phil puts it succinctly, Madrid is "steeped in history, character, and culture."
7 New York
After touring three different continents in Season 2 of this bingeworthy Netflix show for couples, the return to the Big Apple marks one of Phil's most pleasurable culinary escapades. While such iconic New York cuisine as pizza, egg creams, and hot dogs may pale in comparison to the exotic cuisine from abroad, the smorgasbord of comedic and culinary guests really takes the episode over the top.
While most episodes feature one famous guest, the New York episode includes TV news reporter Al Roker and comedians Judy Gold, Elaine May, and Tracy Morgan. The chefs include Nancy Silverton and Mossimo Bottura. The star-studded affair is loaded with huge laughs to go with Phil's large appetite. Phil's intimate knowledge of the city guides viewers to a slew of hidden culinary gems and provides insight into his time coming of age in New York. Phil also visits with his parents, Max and Helen, a tender and touching motif that gives the series strong familial roots.
6 Lisbon
In the enchanting capital city of Portugal, Phil enjoys an indelible experience in Lisbon during Season 1, Episode 3 of the acclaimed Netflix original series. In a city older than Rome, Paris, and London, Phil learns how much Lisbon is influenced b African culture as well as European customs. Whether sampling pastries and tarts on the street or fine dining at a 2-Star Michelin restaurant, Lisbon has a ton of gastronomic options for every person.
Although one may not immediately think of Lisbon as a must-see destination, the episode shines a bright light on the city's gorgeous ceramic tiling and bedazzled sidewalks. Knowing very little about the country before visiting, Phil makes a concerted effort to learn about Lisbon's history and culinary culture by visiting as many stunning sites and eateries imaginable. A visit to Jose Avillez's Belcanto restaurant, which plays opera music as food is served, is elegant and artistic as can be.
5 Buenos Aires
Phil's visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina in Season 2 is a wonderful food-travel experience. In between doing such fun activities as horseback riding and dancing the tango outdoors at night, Phil ingests wild boar choripán, dulce de leche treats, and exquisite cuts of local beef. Knowing nothing about the enchanting city beforehand, Phil's discovery of the city's rich cultural history on the underrated TV show goes deeper than episodes featuring cities he's more familiar with.
The irresistible mixture of sweet and savory Argentine cuisine offers viewers plenty of mouth-watering options to indulge in. However, it's the historical revelations about Buenos Aires' past that resonate the most. Phil explains how the Spanish settlers first arrived in the 16th century and began incorporating their European influence into the local food. For instance, locals typically eat dinner late at night, necessitating a huge happy-hour lunch that both mystifies and satisfies Phil in equal measure.
4 Venice
Few cities in the world are as beautiful and captivating as Venice, Italy. As such, Phil kicks off Season 2 with a vibrant Venetian visit during the summer that is bound to make foodies and travelers book a ticket at once. If romantic Gondola rides and quaint gelato shops aren't enough to entice viewers, Phil's vivid sightseeing tours and sit-downs with famous chefs certainly will.
A beaming architectural jewel that radiates old-world magic, every place Phil visits in Venice offers a jaw-dropping vista. The only thing more arresting than the city and pastel houses built right on the water is the food itself. Fresh seafood, pork chops, gnocchi, ham Panini, and aged cheese plates with balsamic vinegar are just a few culinary highlights featured in Venice. Beyond the food, the art gallery Phil visits in Modena with Mossimo Bottura is truly sublime.
3 Rio de Janeiro
Few events in the world capture the zest for life like the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. In the Season 3 premiere of the rewatchable Netflix TV series, Phil makes the pilgrimage to the colorfully festive party scene in Brazil and has an absolute ball for viewers to live through vicariously. Known as "The Marvelous City" for its vivid sights and sounds, the episode is a rousing spiritual morale booster.
Much like Thailand, Rio stands out for its exotic array of colorful fruit that is not available in North America. In between hanging out on the street with down-to-earth locals, Phil immerses himself in the feverish Carnival culture and samples everything from feijoada and refreshing Brazilian cocktails. Rio is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the food scene more than lives up to the majesty of the city.
2 Bangkok
The very first episode of Somebody Feed Phil takes place in Bangkok, Thailand, a city known for having one of the best street-food cultures in the world. Beyond the infectious happiness of the locals living in "The Land of Smiles," the episode established the delicious formula of the hit Netflix series and deserves all the credit for immediately hooking viewers.
Of course, one can't talk about Bangkok without mentioning the eruption of flavor in the local food. Known for fusing sweet, salty, savory, and spicy flavors at once, the colorful dishes Phil eats in Bangkok's famed Chinatown are second to none. Standout visits include a floating market, the famed Wat Pho Buddhist temple, and a fine dining restaurant that serves a lavish 25-course meal. Phil sampling the famous smelly Thai fruit Durian strikes a perfect balance between humor and culinary curiosity that defines the heart of the currently streaming Netflix show.
1 A Tribute to Helen and Max
While quite a departure from the standard formula, the best episode of Somebody Feed Phil is the most recent one. Following the tragic demise of his parents, Phil gives a heartfelt tribute and emotional sendoff to Max and Helen. In addition to playing footage of his parents on the show, Phil gives a tender eulogy that reminds viewers of what's most important in life.
What really makes the tribute episode special is how viewers got to know Max and Helen on the show since Season 1. As mainstays on the series who often cheer Phil up when he's at his lowest, Max and Helen became an integral part of the show's charm. Therefore, ending Season 6 with a joyous celebration of their life rather than a downbeat expression of regret is arguably the most memorable moment in the show's history.