Flying Artichoke — Restaurant in Salinas

The Flying Artichoke is a hidden gem and absolutely worth a visit! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel so welcome. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do, which really set the tone for a great experience. The food was nothing short of amazing—everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in their craft, and it definitely shows on the plate.

Beyond the fantastic food and service, the atmosphere is something truly unique. The restaurant overlooks a small airport, and we were treated to a one-of-a-kind view while we dined. Watching planes land and take off added such a cool vibe to the experience. We even spotted an osprey flying around, which was a fun surprise and added to the charm of the setting.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Flying Artichoke is a place you don’t want to miss. It offers a perfect combination of great food, excellent service, and a scenic, memorable environment. We’ll definitely be back—and next time, we’re...

This was a pretty bad experience and there were many problems. We ordered fried artichokes for an app. After 40 minutes we asked about how much longer it would be. After a full hour the waiter tells us they do not even have artichokes left and offered lumpia instead. We were in disbelief considering the restaurant has the word artichoke in it. How could they not know they didn't have any after a full hour? We went on a Thursday around 1230pm. I understand places can get busy, but there wasn't even any apology for the wait or an offer to comp our 2 drinks, which were also incorrectly priced on their menu. We said to cancel our entrees and we left. It was a huge waste of time and extremely...

We did my dad's 80th birthday as a buffet dinner event there for 70 guests! It was awesome! My dad still plays in a band as lead guitar, and his bday was all kept a surprise from him. He actually thought he had a gig for someone else's bday. He was so surprised! I must say that the music, the dancing, the food, the bar, his best friends, family, kids, grandkids, and the decor they allowed us to do, made for an incredible night that no one will ever forget, especially my dad! They truly did an incredible job for us! 'Thank you' so much for hosting us and this amazing evening! 👏 😁👍 Great job,...