Certified Philly’s — Restaurant in Salinas

Certified Philly’s takes you on a nostalgic journey, where authentic flavors and culinary simplicity reign supreme. Each dish is a heartfelt tribute to tradition—evoking memories of family kitchens and time-honored recipes that once brought us comfort and joy. At the heart of Certified Philly’s is a passionate chef who not only honors these roots but fearlessly innovates, blending classic techniques with bold, new flavors. His commitment to pushing culinary boundaries keeps diners eagerly anticipating what’s next. From the first bite, it’s clear: this isn’t just food—it’s a story, a legacy, and an experience. Every offering is executed with precision and soul, making them a must-try for any food enthusiast. And if the whispers are true, we can’t wait for his risotto recipes to make their debut. Certified Philly’s isn’t just a...

Went in the middle of the week, and I must say 5/5, 10/10, the best dining experience I've had in Salinas. I was greeted, and an order was taken by a gentleman named Michael. He was a delight in every sense of the word. He was attentive the entire visit, had amazing suggestions on the prawns, and what dish to pair them with, all while being highly energetic & efficient. Great staff in front of the house. The owner/operator came out and introduced himself to me, Chef Philly, it was such a pleasure to have the owner introduce himself after indulging, in what I would call, the "best food in town." I ordered poke, garlic prawns with half rice and half noodles and a charred ahi tostada. I must say I've never experienced such an exquisite blend of flavors in one meal. Outstanding service, amazing food, will be back...

We ordered take out for our staff lunch which included Wok Seared NY Steak over rice and another one over noodles, Garlic Lemon Wings w/ fries, Cajun Prawns, Garlic Prawns, House Salad, Otto's Rolls and Lumpia. Everything was delicious and fresh. I thought with a 25 min commute back to the office the lumpia might get soggy, but I was surprised at how crisp and light they all were... probably the best lumpia I've ever had! The prawns were large and cooked perfectly. The salad was so fresh and the asian cucumbers were crisp and much better than regular large seeded cucumbers. I don't know what the house dressing was but everyone really like it! This was our first order and it definitely won't be our last. Can't wait to try the other items on...