The Sardine Factory

The 23 Best Restaurants In Monterey

"Just about everything at The Sardine Factory is over the top, from the high-backed monogrammed velvet chairs and an array of sconces and tassels right down to the enormous prawn cocktail, which arrives at your table surrounded by a cloud of dry ice vapor. The classic steakhouse menu is on the fancy side, but not fussy, and most importantly, the food is top-notch. The clam chowder is herby and full of cherrystones, in a tomato-cream base that blends the best parts of New England and Manhattan styles, and the don’t-skip wagyu bavette steak is textbook charred and topped with crispy onions." - allison green, gabi moskowitz

The Sardine Factory - Review - Monterey - Monterey - The Infatuation

"The name and exterior of this "factory” can be deceptive as it is pretty damn elegant, if even a bit stodgy on the inside. Imagine silk curtains, monogrammed seatbacks and other ornate touches, including a glassed-in greenhouse “conservatory.” If that’s not enough, white tablecloths, silver chargers and a menu listing “favorite” and “famous” dishes showcase decades of approval from tourists and elders.The menu is well executed but far from trendy, featuring a mix of classics like crispy sand dabs alongside ‘80s-glamour revivals like lobster ravioli in cream sauce. For those more open-minded however, the throwback theatricality can also be a lot of fun—from the ample bread basket with tomato-white bean dip to an engaging staff with fine-dining panache." - Michelin Inspector

The Sardine Factory

Master Sommelier Fred Dame Reflects on a Lifetime in Wine

"A native Californian, Dame was working in the early 1980s as cellar master atThe Sardine Factoryin Monterrey, building a wine list that would later become legendary." - Erin Brooks

Master Sommelier Fred Dame Reflects on a Lifetime in Wine

"In the early 1980s, Fred Dame was working as the cellar master at The Sardine Factory in Monterey, where he built a legendary wine list while preparing for the Master Sommelier exam." - Erin Brooks

Gina Hinds, REALTOR

Google

What an incredible place to celebrate success! We gathered to honor the top agents of Century 21 Showcase Realtors, and the celebration did not disappoint. We had the pleasure of reserving the beautiful Steinbeck Room, where Bert Cutino shared the fascinating story behind its name—adding a personal and memorable touch to the evening. From the perfectly cooked filet mignon that melted in your mouth to the decadent crème brûlée, every detail of the meal was outstanding. A truly unforgettable night recognizing excellence, connection, and community. Did I mention the amazing piano player that kept us entertained with his renditions...

Ashley

Google

This place is unreal. Our server Brandon was the absolute best. I have never seen such attention to detail and professional demeanor was top notch. It also seemed he may have been training someone new. He is definitely the person to do so. Then on to the food which was amazing. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had. If you make a reservation there is no wait.

Steven Cheng

Google

If there is a six star or higher rating, I would gave it to this restaurant. The atmosphere inside the restaurant or seating in the big glass dome is phenomenal! The service also impeccable. Continuously checking on us on how we doing, refilling our water glass, quickly removing our empty plates. Just marvelous service! We had cioppino many many times, some restaurants would give you a wet nap afterwards, but the SF will give you a pipping hot towel with a wedge of lemon, that will be the first for us! All the dishes we ordered are wonderful, cooked to profession with perfect seasoning. Live music (piano) by the bar as well ! We need to come back again!

Suzanne Frey

Google

I was fortunate enough to enjoy an incredible dining experience here in their famous wine cellar. From start to finish, it was an extremely memorable evening. The service was top-notch, the environment super-special, and the food was absolutely delicious. This is a destination restaurant for good reason - and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend it to others for a special evening out!

R H

Google

What a wonderful meal we had at the Sardine Factory! Food was flavorful and cooked just right. If I had to only recommend one dish, it will be the calamari steak. It was so fresh and tender-juicy, that I never had the same from other restaurants. Of course, all the other dishes were delicious. Don’t miss out the daily specials (we had Cioppino this time, fresh seafood, and well seasoned). Prime rib was great too, so there is something for everyone.

Julie Torres

Google

Thank you Jose for making our 2nd wedding anniversary dinner so special! Truly a romantic night; Jose, Ignacio, and Enrique were so sweet and attentive. Jose truly out did himself. I don’t drink alcohol, so we declined alcoholic beverages such as champagne to celebrate ; But he truly wanted to make our night special and added fresh raspberries to our sparkling water. He also surprised us with mango sorbet on an ice swan. Made our night so memorable. This place is a very beautiful restaurant with delicious food, but the employee’s here are what make it 11/10! Thank you again Jose!!

Ashley B.

Google

What a wonderful experience from the second we walked up the stairs. Your host had the most perfect recommendations for his favorite menu item. We sat in the conservatory, which was amazzzinnng lighting, especially coming out the dark ambiance of the inside. The seating before the conservatory boasts gold fixtures and a fire place to die for. Seriously it’s too much and gives me Marie Antoinette vibes. Antonio our server and Miguel made the best team. Our dining experience was wonderful and I loved every minute of it. On to our meals, we both had the 16 oz ribeye and I can confidently say, it was the most delicious steak I’ve ever ate. Ever. Ate. Entire. Life. If you’re asking yourself, is the steak worth the price? Yes. This one is worth it. Accompanied by the smoothest mashed potatoes with just enough flavor. Today felt like a once in a lifetime kind of day and I thank you! Oh, and a wine list 68 pages long 🍷🍷🍷

Alsu Traveler

Google

Loved this for a cozy vibe and live piano music. The restaurant has a different rooms, each with its own style. The seafood was amazing. Great spot for a relaxed but fancy night out.

Mauro C.

Yelp

After a long battle with my finals I got treated to go to the sardine factory with my dad. The food was amazing the prime rib and the rib eye steak melted in my mouth and the mashed potatoes are so good. Then for dessert we got ice swans and bonbons. The staff are wonderful and funny it feels like you are family in here. Antonio and Christian went out of there way to make us feel welcome. I will definitely be coming back another time.

James B.

Yelp

Ambiance: Old World Seaside scenery is all around. The decor is warm and welcoming and makes you feel you are in a 5-Star restaurant. Service: The service level is beyond any expectations. From the time we arrived and until we left. The Wine Captain, Natalie, was outstanding in assisting our table find the perfect Riesling. Food: The food leaves you speechless. One of us had the Wagyu. It simply melted in your mouth. I was shocked, at that price, to see a basket of fries come with it. They would have done better to serve their incredible, silky mashed potatoes. I had the Salmon with the potatoes and it was heavenly. A beyond first-class experience. I shared our experience at work two weeks ago. Today, the wife told me they ate there and it was the best meal they have had in over 20 years in CA. Do yourself a favor; eat here once in your life if you can.

Leila E.

Yelp

This place is overhyped for sure. Off we had been sat in the cool atrium looking room at least the ambiance would have been better but unfortunately we were crammed into the side of a Christmas tree practically. Food was fine, have had better. Will not return:/

Elizabeth A.

Yelp

We decided to pick The Sardine Factory as our date night spot to celebrate our anniversary. We have had an eye on this restaurant and finally had the opportunity to try. I feel their location is very eclectic with three rooms to dine, each with their own unique vibe. Parking may be challenging as it is limited, we found street parking. Service was incredible, everyone was so nice, friendly, and welcoming. The menu is expansive with a variety of dishes you would expect from a steakhouse near the ocean - they got everything from seafood to nice cuts of meat. All dishes we tried were well seasoned and flavorful. We loved the touch on our dessert wishing us a happy anniversary. When returning to the Monterrey area, I would love to return. This definitely is a great place to have a nice dinner and celebrate occasions.

Denise K.

Yelp

We chose this restaurant after reading many favorable reviews of great food and added special touches for a special occasion. We were celebrating our 40th Anniversary (on the actual day!) Adam was kind to wish us a Happy 40th and we chose the Conservatory room for our seating ...it was lovely and sparkly (just a little loud, no problem tho!) We had a bread appetizer that was delicious and then soup and Ceasar salad for starters...both yummy! Hubby had the calamari steak/scallops/prawns and I had the sea bass...fantastic in all ways!! So so good! My only disappointment was that there were no special touches (sorbet, dessert, etc) to celebrate our anniversary...for sure they didn't "owe us" anything ...it was just a let down after reading about others experiences. So absolutely go for the food and ambience ...just be realistic.

Michelle N.

Yelp

I've been to Monterey several times, but I never knew about this restaurant because I don't often dine at Cannery Row. I'm so glad I gave this restaurant a try after I saw it on social media because the food was excellent and the restaurant was beautiful. It is pricey, but the food and service met my expectations for the price point. We asked to dine in the observatory, and we were able to enjoy the romantic ambiance as the sun was setting during our meal. Service was friendly and surprisingly quick for a fine dining experience. I ordered the day boat scallops for my entree, which were a special on that particular day. The day boat scallops were easily the BEST scallops I have ever had to date. I've had scallops at different fine dining establishments and while they have been good, they don't hold a candle to the flavor and freshness of the day boat scallops I had here. The abalone bisque was also a memorable dish to me. Its earthy wine flavor really stood out to me. If you're in Monterey and looking for a lovely fine dining experience, then I recommend The Sardine Factory. If they have the day boat scallops that day, GET IT!

Logan S.

Yelp

Picked as our date nite spot and I was apprehensive at first! We sat in the atrium and highly recommend reserving a table there. It was beautiful, especially at night when the lights are on. Got a medium rare steak, calamari app, and bon bon dessert. All very solid. Dirty gin martini was exactly how I like them. Service was top notch. No complaints at all.

Amanda N.

Yelp

I always see this restaurant when I visit Monterey. I was so happy I get to finally try it. It's such a beautiful restaurant. Shout out to Evan for giving us amazing service. We had 5 minutes until happy hour ended, so we took advantage of the dishes. The portions were perfect and we had leftovers. On to the food.. Margarita pizza: perfect portion and the crust was crispy 4/5 Abalone bisque: very unique and pretty flavorful 5/5 Clam chowder: my partner loved this and said it was super flavorful, but we had better at others. Not bad though. 4/5 Sand dabs: so yummy! I always try to eat this when I can. 5/5 Crème brûlée: can never go wrong with this to end a dinner 5/5 We also took the chocolate sardines home as a souvenir. I'm honestly scared to try, but overall such a fun and delightful meal. Will definitely come back again.

Rose O.

Yelp

Fine dining in its finest. The inside is gorgeous. The service is fantastic. And the food is amazingly delicious.

Ericka H.

Yelp

Fairytale ambiance ... 1000/10!!!! Multiple, unique dining rooms but my favorite is the garden atrium. It's like something out of a dream. Excellent selection of seafood - Lobster & Linguini and the Macadamia Nut Crusted Chilean Sea bass ... chefs kiss! "The World Famous" Abalone Bisque is melt in your mouth, divine! I LOVE that they offer a palette cleanser - Sorbet on Ice Swan. Can also be enjoyed as a lite dessert! And speaking of dessert! Crème Brûlée was delicious. This is a staple dessert for me at any restaurant that lists it on the menu. However, my top recommendation is the Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream "Bonbons"! Dessert and a show! Very fun and unique and something you won't find on your typical restaurant menu. Honorable mention: We also enjoyed their famous cheese bread! Highly recommend to start or to accompany your entree! Cannot wait to go back! This is a Monterey Bay must!!!

Tammy N.

Yelp

For our recent 45th wedding anniversary my husband took me back to the Carmel/ Monterey area. Since we were celebrating 45 years we decided to go someplace special. One of our favorite movies of all time is "Play Misty For Me", starring Clint Eastwood. This restaurant plays a role in the movie and we were excited to see it in person. We had made a reservation and made them aware it was our anniversary dinner and they graciously seated us in the Conservatory Room. Oh my Lord, what a beautiful place! The whole restaurant is lovely, but that room was over the top! Service was a little bit slow starting out, but it was very busy and once our server did arrive it certainly improved. I debated but choose the Short Rib pasta dish. It was absolutely delicious! The meat was fork tender. And the pasta cooked to a perfect Al Dente. My husband had a Cesar Salad with anchovies. Everything was delicious and we also received a free dessert for our anniversary. Every single person working there were kind and gracious. Loved every minute we were there. Hope to return for our 50th.

Lucy L.

Yelp

Magical food in a magical & iconic restaurant. A must-do meal in this special place that has been in business for 55+ years. The fishing boat decorating the front of the restaurant is eye candy. The bar area inside the entrance is lively and had live music. We walked through a couple of beautiful dining rooms before getting seated in the elegant glass-enclosed domed dining room in the rear. Definitely the "wow" factor. The cocktails were good and strong. We had the Blackberry St. Germaine & the Mr. Sardine. We shared calamari & the escargot (served in pieces of soft French bread and a creamy sauce). We enjoyed the 50 day aged 12 oz. prime rib which was tender and perfectly seasoned, and served with a side of mashed potatoes & veggies. We also had the macadamia nut crusted Chilean sea bass, served with potatoes au gratin & asparagus. The fish was so good and succulent. For dessert, we shared the trio of cannoli, tiramisu & spumoni ice cream (all were so yummy and in food sized portions). We also shared the lemon sorbet which was refreshing. Although I was full, I had to have the famous "flaming sardine" coffee which has Galiano liquor in it. What a treat! Expensive meal but worth the experience.

Diana S.

Yelp

What an incredible night! My now fiancee chose the Sardine Factory to propose because of the pictures of the beautiful solarium seating area. He ordered the steak and I had the lobster linguini. My pasta was PERFECTION and literally what I had been telling him I was craving for months. Just thinking about that dish right now has me salivating haha. While the ambiance and food was wonderful the service was even more notable! Our server and the manager on staff made my very nervous fiance at ease and helped him execute the most wonderful proposal with ice sculpture swans and all. We can't wait to come back as a married couple and enjoy the whole environment all over again. Thank you to the wonderful staff of The Sardine Factory!!

Eric T.

Yelp

Nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey, Sardine Factory is a culinary gem that captivates both the palate and the senses. From the moment you step through its doors, you're enveloped in an ambiance of warmth and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Upon arrival, my party and I were greeted by friendly staff who ushered us to our table with utmost hospitality. The restaurant's atrium decor and open lighting created an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a Sunday afternoon meal. As we perused the menu, we were captivated by their Pre Fixe menu each showcasing the chef's mastery of flavors and ingredients. Some in our party opted for the Pre Fixe while I opted for the a la carter as there were some tantalizing apps that I just have to try. We choose three apps, and the one that stood out was their fresh oysters shucked beautifully. Their stuff mushrooms was cooked to perfection, while the artichoke was the groups least favorite. Equally impressive was their bisque, refreshing salad, and their main course--the groups favorite was the succulent rack of lamb, expertly seasoned and cooked to a glorious medium-rare; the bone-in pork chop that was as tender as a beef filet and the least was the Fish Filet with Risotto that was overcooked. Each bite was a revelation, with the meat melting in the mouth and leaving behind a symphony of savory goodness. There were three dessert options that boasted an enticing selection of taste, but it was the carrot cake that stole the show. With a thin layer of cream cheese to balance out the not too sweet filling, it was the perfect conclusion to a memorable meal. Throughout our dining experience, the service remained impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring that our every need was met without intrusion. Their professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident at every turn ensuring we were treated as VIP guest.

Mike H.

Yelp

For the price you pay, the meal is not worth it. I hadn't been in that restaurant for 35 years and I swear, they haven't changed a bit. No improvement in the decor. We sat in the atrium, and it felt cold and unspectacular. I wish we would have sat in the room that had the fireplace. We both were cold in the atrium. I had the cioppino and it was decent, but the sauce was way too tomatoey. Is that a word? Plus, they chopped the crab up and put it on a shell. Didn't like that at all. Disappointed. It was $70 bucks for that which was ridiculous. I've had way better cioppino elsewhere in Monterey and Pismo Beach for half the price. My wife had the prime rib and really enjoyed it. It was a thick cut. They did a great job on that. There was a guy on the piano and one singing. Old school but it sounded good. Service was on point. Absolutely not worth the price you pay. I won't go back. Tried to bring back some old time magic but it just didn't do it. Also, it was our anniversary and they sat us in a lousy spot. I noticed some folks have complained about the manager not touching bases with them. I noticed the manager had conversations with folks that he obviously knew. Locals and such. A good manager will check in with everyone. Just an observation because the folks next to us were locals that the manager and waiters paid hardcore attention to. He obviously didn't care about wasting his time on out of towners who might never come back.

Pryo H.

Yelp

I have not been back to Sardine factory restaurant for over 25 years. The restaurant is is still as beautiful as before, if not better. But what more amazing is that the quality and taste of the food and service is better. My favorite the escargot for appetizer and osso buco. My regret is that we were to full to order the dessert.

Xinyi L.

Yelp

The ambience's excellent. Service was also great, though it was really funny that a lot of frequent visitors were complaining about Mary while waiting. ( I don't know who Mary was at all though) Food was good.(a little bit overpriced though) The chocolate sardine was very creative. The only thing I am not completely satisfied with is the scallop in the cioppino. It was not very fresh so it has the smell of ammonia.

Theresa P.

Yelp

The food was absolutely delicious! Evan was our waiter and was outstanding. We had reservations for my husband's birthday and we were escorted to a gorgeous private room which looked like something out of Game of Thrones. It was incredible. We've been coming to Monterey for 30 years, and never thought of stopping here. Needless to say, we will be coming to this beautiful restaurant on our yearly family Monterey vacation from now on.

Leanne N.

Yelp

I would give this place a 4.3. The ambiance is beautiful. I always request for the glass atrium, but even the inside--some rooms remind me of a royal family dining room. The food is pretty good. I've tried their ribeye that they cook for hours and only comes in medium rare. This was good, but very bloody for medium rare. I had to request for it to get recooked. We felt bad, but it was just so bloody. It was good after it got cooked a bit more! We've had the calamari (this was mediocre, not very fresh tasting) Their desserts are always amazing! We have gotten a cherry jubilee (to die for) and an ice cream bon bon. The bon bons come to your table with dry ice going all over the table, so this one is an EXPERIENCE which i loved !! The most recent time, we came for new year's eve dinner. The Fish Risotto was cooked to perfection, and so were our scallop appetizer. I always try to make my way back whenever I'm in the area.

Joey N.

Yelp

This is a must visit restaurant in Carmel/Monterey. They have such an amazing atmosphere with different room settings. Food were good but their wine is just another level, received 'Best Wine list in America' from Restaurant Hospitality Magazine so make sure you don't miss out on that. Service was top notch and their staffs really know about the wine pairing. Their desserts are phenomenal so dojt skip that even if you're full.

Luigi O.

Yelp

The Wagyu, fries, and even the vegetables were great! The Lobster Mac and Cheese however was not that great. You could barely taste the cheese at all.

Joshua B.

Yelp

Great restaurant!! I hope you enjoy sardines and enjoy the food here! The restaurant is very pretty and the ambience is amazing!

Shayla T.

Yelp

Beautiful interior with lively jazz music~ Chicken wings and Parmesan tots were crispy and mouthwatering with each bite! Friendly service and I love the chic faux-newspaper liners. Perfect for a night out!

John B.

Yelp

Food was great! Service from the server was meh. I think my servers name was Antonio? Others were very friendly.

Chad A.

Yelp

The service was absolutely fantastic! Jose was our waiter and he and his team made sure our drinks were always full and any needs were met. We got spoiled because any restaurant we went to over the next couple days could not come close. The cioppino was one of the best I've ever had.

Bobby M.

Yelp

A great meal with great service. Food is exceptional and the staff are awesome. The lobster special was delicious...stuffed with crab! You will need reservations most nights and be prepared to spend $150-$200 for two people if you get drinks and an appetizer. The bottle wine list is massive and they have a good selection of wines by the glass, cocktails, beer and mocktails also.

Tami K.

Yelp

Such a great date night. The service & the food were top notch. The wine sommelier recommended that bottle of wine and it did not disappoint. We will be back

Shaayla S.

Yelp

such a wonderfully unique restaurant in downtown monterey! i kept seeing videos and pictures of this place, so i finally got the chance to try it during monterey car week. situated in downtown does mean limited parking unfortunately. however, there is plenty of street parking everywhere, as well as multiple paid parking garages. you walk up the stairs and into the lobby of the restaurant where the bar and live band (!!) are playing most nights. they have multiple rooms it seems, and i was seated indoors, the decor is very elegant, eclectic, has a victorian styling, and definitely extravagant. our waiters were awesome at explaining the menu and really attentive. service was efficient and friendly! they start you off with free bread & butter, which unironically might've been the best part of the meal. the bread rolls were warm and soft, and they even came with additional breadsticks too! i ordered their pom berry sparkler and passion drop drinks, both non-alcoholic. no notes for either, they were fruity and sweet! for an appetizer, the crab-filled baked mushrooms caught my eye, and were a lovely starter. cheesy, a little crispy, but still soft and juicy, with a good amount of crab in each one! their seafood pasta linguini was awesome too, it came in a light lemony sauce that wasn't too heavy. i definitely wish there was more lobster, but they had a hefty amount of clams, mussels and shrimp! beautiful dish, very light and simple but done perfectly. couldn't skip dessert, and the "simply italian trio" ended up being what i ordered lastly. a little sampling plate of some of their most popular desserts, including a slice of tiramisu, cannoli, and ice cream! i think i loved the desserts the best, the cannoli wasn't too sweet with the crunchy outer shell and absolutely stuffed with filling. the tiramisu tasted authentic, and even though the ice cream melted quickly, it had little chunks of candied fruit in it i think? a must-try for sure. overall a really lovely and lively restaurant for a special occasion!

Josie J.

Yelp

On May 17, 1980, we hosted our wedding dinner party inside the conservatory. On May 17, 2024 my husband and I returned to celebrate our 44th anniversary. We dined again inside the conservatory. The conservatory was full and very loud. Service was mixed and very slow. I ordered the sole and my husband ordered the sanddabs . Both excellent. We ordered the sardine appetizer. We didn't like it. It is an acquired taste. Although I wrote on my reservation that we were celebrating our 44th anniversary we received no acknowledgment or dessert. Overall it was a disappointing and underwhelming evening. We will not be celebrating any future anniversaries anytime soon.

Ashutosh K.

Yelp

It was our date night lucky find! Well, shouldn't say lucky find, cuz it is wide open with steller reviews on Yelp! We ended up finding a table in their glass dome. Service was really good and smooth, and food was amazing! And the girl i went on a date with is now my wife ;) We tried sardines, of course, and the salad. The creme brulee was yum! Definitely a must try place.

Minh-Uyen N.

Yelp

We did a girls night at the Sardine Factory and it was such a fun experience. We sat by the bar area where they had live music and people dancing. Everyone was having a good time. The food and drinks from the happy hour menu was great. A decent selection of foods to choose from and the cocktails were delicious. The service was a bit slow but understandable on a busy Saturday evening. The staff was very welcoming though.

Michele T.

Yelp

Returned to celebrate another anniversary, and it was a treat. Surprisingly, Marissa was our waitress again and she was great. Had to order the Abalone bisque, which was still yummy. This time, I also ordered the duck special - the duck was tender and the vanilla in the sauce really came through. Hubs ordered the prime rib (14 oz) - cooked to a perfect medium. We shared the gnocchi and the tator tots (served hot and crispy). Marissa also surprised us with the sorbet (lemon basil) intermezzo - refreshing with just the right amount of tartness, as well as a chocolate ganache dessert (rich). Great service and good food - another enjoyable experience at the Sardine Factory.

Wink B.

Yelp

What an excellent way to spend an evening! The entire team took fantastic care of us! Marissa was our server. She was amazing and made sure we were well supplied with great food and wine! I had the salmon. It was perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth good! Colleagues had the steak and pasta too. No one was talking which is always a great sign of a super meal! We were in the Atrium which was open and airy. Really beautiful! The location is perfect to lots of other things Monterey too. Make sure to reserve a table, the place is popular and you'll want to make sure to do it right. !

Gigi K.

Yelp

We're on vacation in the area and didn't make a dining reservation our first night. With a baby with us, a one hour wait at 7pm just didn't seem feasible. We stumbled into the sardine factory which had no wait. I was hesitant at first as the ambience is super nice. I was worried they wouldn't be accommodating to a toddler. Well, boy, was I wrong! The service staff were super attentive with the manager coming to mingle with our baby multiple times. Food came out perfect and we simply had a blast. This is now easily my favorite restaurant in cannery row. We will definitely be back!

Cindy G.

Yelp

We have been coming here for years . Love this destination restaurant in Monterey. 1st time I came here is as a kid as in 1976 :) We are celebrating our Anniversary and hubbies Bday :) Laurence and his crew took a wonderful care with our night ! The FOOD and SERVICE is beyond measure . This has always been the place to go for us for celebration times and just for a high level food experience! A Must in Monterey!!!

Gerardo G.

Yelp

Excellent salad and seafood. The sardine salad is totally a feast for your tastebuds. I wonder what is the name of this restaurant. The servers are true helicopters. . The place is warm and very cozy. Be prepared to deplete your wallet.

Renee H.

Yelp

Reserved a table at 8pm, sat us immediately upon arrival. Service was speedy. Always asked if we needed anything. Waited on us constantly. Loved it. Will return.

Kat M.

Yelp

We come here every time we come down to Monterey. They do have the best clam chowder in town . Wished staff , especially manager would smile and be more welcoming to everyone not just certain kind of ppl . That sadly was the only thing we noticed and other ppl were talking about . Other than that food is always delicious.

Angela T.

Yelp

We came to celebrate our anniversary. We pre-booked on Open Table. Parking -free/private lot. One entrance is very steep not great for lower cars the upper entrance is better Service -the staff were nice and welcoming, wished us an happy anniversary -they were able to accommodate our request in the conservatory which is much more open and bright compared to their other dining areas which is more dim and ambient. Drinks - ordered a mocktail since I'm pregnant, I ordered the strawberry drink which was superrrr sweet. -they asked if we wanted still or sparking water.. we weren't offered the option of "house water" which is regular lemon water. Be aware it's like $10 for still water... Food - the abalone bisque was amazing!! Really rich creamy and lots of tiny bits of abalone. I would come here just for this. - the aged steak was good 4/5 -Parmesan calamari, shrimp, and scallops were really good but the risotto under was very undercooked the rice was still crunchy. They offered to replace but without wanting to wait, I opted to mashed potatoes which they kindly provided. Though i didn't really like the texture it was a bit watery and almost instant mash potato consistency. It was also IMO over salted. Dessert: - we got the creme brûlée which was underwhelming as the sugar top was soggy and clearly premade and refrigerated. For the price and setting I would they would torch the sugar prior to serving

Vivre B.

Yelp

What a timeless restaurant! Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm ambiance, roaring fireplace, and a twinkling Christmas tree. This restaurant has upheld a classic late 80s fine dining experience. Every room was designed uniquely different, I loved it! I booked a reservation in request of the conservatory room for my partner's birthday. Our servers tonight were Marissa and Ignacio. Marissa was knowledgeable of the menu and specials. She shared great recommendations for us to order! Honestly, everything that we ate was delicious. The blackberry/ gin cocktail, peach sunset, stuffed mushrooms with crab, the sardines, the medium rare prime rib--phenomenal! I'm confused about the negative yelp reviews because multiple people, excluding our servers, were asking if we were enjoying our dining. If you're genuinely not happy, let them know. They care about your experience! Huge plus, Ignacio NEVER let our water cups empty. I swear this man was at our table every 5 mins filling up our waters. Amazing experience/ service and delicious food. We hope to be back!

Deanne F.

Yelp

Me & my fiancé's first time going! Once we arrived the host took us to our table in the conservatory, it was beautiful! Our waiter Jose was so kind. A little bird told him it was a special day. Our table was well attended. We were surprised with sorbet on an ice swan The food was pretty good, the ambiance is beautiful, and the service was great! The only small critique was that I was surprised, considering Open Table mentioned dress code is business casual, that there were many who were just casually dressed.

Yvette M.

Yelp

From the outside it doesn't look like much but when you walk in it's huge. There are different rooms and a bar. I loved the big room in the back with the see through ceiling. My kids each got the wagyu steaks which they absolutely loved. I got the seafood pasta which was very tasty and buttery. It came with so much seafood I wasn't able to finish the whole thing. We also got the bons bons with the dry ice. Perfect ending to a really great meal. If I am ever back in Monterey I will definitely be stopping by

Jasmine R.

Yelp

Good was great! The calamari was soft and the risotto was so good! The staff was so nice and made us for comfortable , as it was our first time.

VB L.

Yelp

Sometimes I see a Yelp draft and just shake my head, wondering if it's old age, alcohol or incompetence as to why it's still sitting there - sad and alone. Well, Sardine Factory, the wait is over. It's your turn to shine! If you have seen or heard of The Sardine Factory (really?) it's an icon in Monterey. Once a hub for all of the factory workers and filming location for famous movies, this place has old school ambiance blended with a wow factor. Each room is unique and incredible. It's like touring a museum with a martini in your hand and meatballs waiting at your seat. The bar is small and makes you feel like you're living in an old Italian romance novel. The locals frequent Happy Hour with good reason. The drinks are strong and delicious, the bartenders knowledgeable and a bit salty, and the food is sooo good. But don't stop at the bar. Make your way through the entire gorgeous building. There are three separate dining rooms, each with a unique feel. My favorite is all the way in the back of the building with a large glass dome and glorious chandeliers. There are also private rooms for parties, a super cool walkway to the bathrooms and (if you're nice) maybe they'll give you a tour of the wine caves. Yup, this place has it all. I could go on for weeks about how wonderful The Sardine Factory is in person, but why? Go yourself and enjoy the wonders of time travel, beauty and luxury all rolled up into this magnificent work of art.

Jordan F.

Yelp

We could not have had a better experience than we did here! Jose was FANTASTIC, and gave us the best recommendations and service! Followed by a great experience with the sommelier, Dave! And a perfect nightcap of a drink at the bar listening to some incredible piano music! 10/10 experience that I would recommend to everyone!

Rylee S.

Yelp

Experience was amazing we love the sardine factory and the uniqueness. Definitely makes for a fun night with amazing food!

Kyra K.

Yelp

After exploring Monterey for the day, my companion made reservations for us to check out The Sardine Factory! We came for dinner and their happy hour which runs in the lounge from 5:30-6:00 p.m. (and 8:00-9:00 p.m.). We both had a pleasant time feasting on seafood and enjoying each other's company. The restaurant is spectacular and the interior blew me away! The outside of the restaurant looks dated. Once you come inside it's dark, quiet, intimate, and old-timey. You feel as if you're on board a fancy fishing boat from centuries ago. The real eye-pleaser is the breathtaking indoor atrium that's brightly lit and covered in emerald green furniture--absolutely beautiful. Most diners were older folks who seemed to be enjoying their experience as much as we did! We both were satisfied with the service. In the lounge for happy hour we had several staff check in on us and take care of us. While in the conservatory our waiter was able to efficiently place our orders and bring our food out. It does get quite busy so we weren't checked on much as our meal progressed. Our happy hour experience was wonderful! We enjoyed our libations in the lounge area where there were wooden tables and chairs. We then moved into their designated conservatory for dinner. For our meal, my companion and I shared Steamed Hama Hama Clams and Grilled Wild Abalone Medallions. I found the clams to be too overpowering. First off, they were overly salty to the broth to the point where it was hard to eat. The dish was also extremely spicy, making it hard to enjoy. It was my first time trying abalone and I enjoyed it. The dish was lightly breaded, chewy, and meaty. If you're looking for a delicious, breathtaking, and memorable seafood meal in Monterey The Sardine Factory is not a bad choice! The experience whisks you away from modern-day life for a bit. Located on Wave Street in downtown Monterey you can park in their parking lot, in nearby garages, or on the street. Pricing is on the higher end but the quality of the food is decent and they use sustainable seafood! I'd love to go back for any of their meal offerings!

Yesenia V.

Yelp

The restaurant is quaint and vintage. Our waiter was great and attentive. Only issue was the incorrect order - apparently there is multiple prime ribs on their menu and you have to be very specific you don't mean ribeye (which is what we received initially). The drinks were fresh and made to perfection. Honestly, glad we said something about the incorrect order because the "prime rib" was seriously exceptional. The oysters were honestly not the most fresh. While the lobster linguini was as amazing! Also tried the World Famous abalone soup, good flavor but underwhelming. Definitely will go back! A must if you are in the area.

Diane M.

Yelp

This is like an old world place going back in time. Gold wall papered rooms, velvet chairs, waitered help in tuxedos, and silver cover plates. They have a really nice early bird dinner that is three courses with great choices. The help is very attentive ti your needs. It was my birthday and they gave me an extra dessert.

The 23 Best Restaurants In Monterey

The Sardine Factory - Review - Monterey - Monterey - The Infatuation

The Sardine Factory

Master Sommelier Fred Dame Reflects on a Lifetime in Wine

"A native Californian, Dame was working in the early 1980s as cellar master atThe Sardine Factoryin Monterrey, building a wine list that would later become legendary." - Erin Brooks

Master Sommelier Fred Dame Reflects on a Lifetime in Wine

"In the early 1980s, Fred Dame was working as the cellar master at The Sardine Factory in Monterey, where he built a legendary wine list while preparing for the Master Sommelier exam." - Erin Brooks