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    Certified Philly’s

    4.8 (70 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    House Baked Cheese Rolls
    Claudette A.

    This was our first visit to Certified Philly's, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, very flavorful, and served promptly. The server was friendly and very welcoming. He was attentive and answered our questions regarding the menu. The restaurant was very clean, and soothing music played in the background. Overall, we were satisfied with the service and food. We definitely will be returning. I highly recommend Certified Philly's. Thank you!

    Wok seared ny steak

    Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Every dish we ordered was packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. The steak was tender and juicy, paired with sautéed onions and rice that had just the right amount of seasoning. The shrimp dish was fresh, garlicky, buttery, and balanced perfectly with a hint of citrus and green onions. And the fried chicken wings? Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned all the way through. The fries were golden and hit the spot. No other flavors in salinas like it. You can tell there's real attention to detail in both the cooking and presentation. Portions were generous, quality was top tier, and everything came out hot and fresh. Definitely a place I'd come back to again and again. Highly recommend

    Sheryl P.

    Went to visit certified Philly for late lunch. We took our order to go and ate it in the car on our way home. Fast service. We didn't wait long for our orders. We ordered 3 items prawn with Cajun, tuna and salmon poke and sweet chili wings with fries. Everything is delicious. Chicken and the fries are flavorful. The shrimp is garlicky just the way I like it. Shrimp is not overcook. The poke is fresh. They have plenty of tables to dine in. The place is clean. Also, they serve alcohol. This is a great place to hangout with family and friends and eat delicious food.

    Tufu L.

    You faka!!!!!!!!! Meeeeeaaan the Surf n turf fried rice!!!! Flavor is bomb no need add shoyu lol first time here and not disappointed, is worth the drive and I order poke on the go. Service is on top, cool. Going be coming back for sure. Small kine took the pic half way lol faaaaaaaak let's gooooo

    Chicken chow mein
    Jesus R.

    I saw certified philly's on TikTok and and saw that it was down the street from where I live. And I got the chicken chow mein honestly did not disappoint the food taste so amazing. Exploding with flavors. Will definitely be back. :)

    Garlic shrimp
    Nelda S.

    My brother RJ brought me here for dinner and it will definitely be my go to when visiting in Salinas. We ordered the garlic shrimp, salmon katsu, sinigang lumpia and garlic fries. Everything was perfect! Explosion of flavors!! I absolutely loved it! I had to ask for the sinigang ranch seasoning and the special vinegar sauce. Please sell the seasoning and sauces!! I'd buy bottles of it! lol

    You have to try their garlic noodles at least once (or twice idc), the shrimp fried rice was flavorful and the house made chili sauce is definitely worth taking with you

    Chad P.

    Just ate at Certified Phillys We had the Garlic Shrimp with Garlic noodles it was excellent we also had The wings and the Garlic Roll plenty of food and we will be back Service was great and welcoming

    Charred Ahi Tune
    Gail A.

    What a great and much needed addition to the list of Salinas eateries. I have nothing but positive things to say about my first visit to Certified Philly's: Staff: Immediately upon entry, we were kindly greeted by associate by the name of Mikey. He shared his favorite dishes along with popular items that other patrons order. He remained attentive throughout and always made sure we were okay and that our drinks were never empty. Customer service = A+ Food: Flavorful and PLENTIFUL! We ordered the garlic lemon pepper wings, charred ahi tostada and the poke. The garlic lemon pepper wings were perfect! Nice exterior crunch and juicy on the inside... Tasted more lemony than garlic, but overall excellent. My husband and I both noticed the decent size of the wings in comparison to other establishments. The poke (yellowfin tuna and salmon) did not disappoint. The portion was very generous and the quality of the fish was top notch. Coincidentally, a delivery man walked in with seafood as we were dining. Mikey informed us that fresh fish is delivered daily... Bravo! The fish / rice ratio was perfect in my poke bowl and the fresh texture of the fish was beyond amazing... talk about tenderness! Lol.. Wasn't sure what to expect with the charred ahi tuna, but I was blown away. Nice crunchy tostada to complement the flavored protein (see photo). I have never had poke served this way so the introduction was appreciated. I'll definitely order this as a continued appetizer... Restaurant: * Large parking lot in plaza with shared parking * Clean establishment * Very well maintained bathroom * Perfect music videos playing on large mounted tv screen. Loved the old school jams!! Chef Philly: Talented and humble! He was a sous chef at a restaurant in Pebble Beach for many years. No wonder he has a creative menu... Appreciated the time he took to greet us and the other patrons dining in the restaurant. He intends to continue introducing different menu items along the way... Can't wait to see whatever other creative items he comes up with! This spot will definitely be on my list of must-haves whenever I visit Salinas. Can't wait to try the other menu items... Certified Phillys: Where quality and quantity meet!!

    Salmon katsu over rice

    Salmon katsu smacks my mom and I loved it. I will say the garlic lemon pepper wasn't for me but it still was decent

    Charred Ahi Tostada
    Dee K.

    Certified Phillys is a total gem! I had the seared ahi tostada and it was out of this world -- so fresh, flavorful, and just the right balance of textures. They bring in fresh fish daily, and you can definitely taste it. Gino and Phill were super friendly and welcoming. You can tell they love what they do and it shows in every bite. If you're looking for good food, good people, and good vibes, Certified Phillys is 100% worth checking out.

    Salmon Katsu

    The seafood is very fresh this is the salmon katsu I've also had the poke and prawns in the past. The food is super tasty and customer service is very nice. I like to go early in case they end up selling out of something

    Food
    Alex B.

    Tasty grub, such a cool vibe, and easy parking. I wish all of the success to Chef Phillip Pasalo, but keep Certified Philly's a secret so they never change! Perfect textures, flavors, and acidity with his dishes. Should have a Michelin Green star for sourcing local products and no table clothes. Also perfect amount of napkins for food!

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    8 days ago

    Finally checked this place out and i shouldve gone sooner!! Amazing food and ambiance! The poke was absolutely delicious. Great staff!

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    2 months ago

    Everything they have here is delicious! It is fresh and very flavorful. I wish it was closer to where we live, but it is worth the drive.

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    3 months ago

    Salmon Katsu is a banger!! Service is always great. Never disappoints! Check them out!

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    3 months ago

    A true gem in Salinas ca. Chef Phil is a true artist of his craft. Fresh n savory always.

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    Ask the Community - Certified Philly’s

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    It's the only bar that stays open late in downtown. Dive bar…read moreat it's best, no classy clientele wanted. Want to get drunk? This is the trashy place to do it. Alley nearby for anything goes clientele. The Pub, is still the classy atmosphere establishment of choice in downtown. Stonies has a great atmosphere and music on weekends in the Southside. Better off going to a chain establishment. Like chili's, or other good bar & grill establishments in the Northside.

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