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The Sardine Factory
Review
About
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN Guide
Every city has that one can't miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory's cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award-winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef; winner of Restaurant Hospitality Magazine's "Best Wine List in America" award. The Lounge's live entertainment, Happy Hour and affordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald Readers. Celebrating over 55 years under the same ownership and management!
MICHELIN Guide: Good cooking
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.
Read more on MICHELIN Guide
Features
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Seafood
Meal types
Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Live Music
Parking Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Valet Parking
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available, Valet Parking
Does this restaurant serve alcohol?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closes in 57 min
Sunday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Contribute
4.2
1,124 reviews
Excellent
613
Very good
266
Average
126
Poor
68
Terrible
51
nimy55
El Dorado Hills31 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
This was 5 star service at every level from the minute we walked in the door. We came to celebrate my husband’s birthday. We chose to sit by a fireplace in the cozy Capitans dining room , over the conservatory room which many people recommended. . I did go and look at the conservatory and it was a beautiful room but much louder on the noise so we were happy with our choice . We had the 3 course early dinner menu. Abalone bisque, medallions of beef and home made spumoni ice cream.. everything was perfectly cooked prepared and presented! Service was attentive at every level the wine we selected was wonderful ( lots to choose from and the even brought us a sample taste to )
I only wish we didn’t live 4 hrs away ..
Written January 21, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Laux
Dear nimy55,
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit overall, and we truly value your feedback, and we look forward to your next visit!
Written January 22, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
casilva54
Lafayette552 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
A classic. Dined here over 36 years ago for a work event and returned this month for Thanksgiving dinner with family who recently moved to Pacific Grove. Magical ambience, wonderful staff/service and delicious food. Some had the traditional Thanksgiving dinner while others chose non-traditional options; plenty of choices for everyone.
Written November 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Laux
Dear casilva54,
Thank you for choosing The Sardine Factory to gather with family for the holiday. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your delicious food, great service and memorable atmosphere. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to serving you again!
Written November 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
l0urain
El Dorado Hills84 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
We walked to the resturant and they new it was our anniversary and seated us in the main atrium. The servive is 5 star and the meals were absoluely worth the price even tough it is expensive .
I was wanting the abalone which is so hard to find and it was three steaks of perfection. My wife had lobster ravioli and another meal that is Michelin worthy. They had abalone soup for 1st cours and rasberry sorbet pallet cleanser, then the main course. It was perfection.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaRae B
Sacramento3 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
So disappointing. I was excited for the cioppino special, but it was $70 for a thick marinara sauce dumped on well cooked seafood with the exception of fishy tasting Dungeness crab, mussels, and clams. My husband's prime rib was very good. Hence the 3 stars instead of 2. I would not recommend.
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Laux
Dear LaRae B,
Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed with your experience at The Sardine Factory, and that the Cioppino fell short of your expectations. We will pass your comments on to the Management and Owners. We sincerely hope you will allow us to serve you again in the future.
Written March 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
biffie
Weybridge58 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
We were in monterey for a short holiday and ate at this restaurant twice. The first visit we were seated in the bar area which was very busy and had an excellent live musician. So whilst noisy it had a good atmosphere. Food was good and we had a super helpful waitress (Jennifer?) Based on this we booked to return on our last night. Also we wanted to try their prime rib which is a special on Friday and Saturday. We made a point of this when we booked and a note was made on our reservation.
What a different experience! We were in the greenhouse section, which is pretty but lacking in atmosphere. Service was patchy to say the least. Waiters seemed distracted although pleasant enough. Told us they were out of prime rib!! We were disappointed as it was one of the reasons we'd returned there. They then found just one portion of it. My husband had it and my son and I had fillet steak. Prime rib looked so so and my husband confirmed it tasted so so! Our steaks were decidedly average. We took the sommelier's advice for a (very expensive!) bottle of wine. As we were halfway through our meal a group of 3 people were seated at the next table, which was surprising as the restaurant had plenty of other tables available rather than seat them cheek by jowl with us. The tables were close together, no social distancing here! They were clearly regulars who were fawned on by the wait staff with various staff members, managers etc, coming out to chat to them whilst we were basically ignored and had to jump up and down to get attention whilst being made to feel rather inferior!
We paid our very very high bill and sat for a little longer to finish our wine and were shocked to find a large amount of sediment in our glasses. A wine of that type and price point should have been decanted. By then the sommelier was long gone so we just had to leave it. No other staff was interested in us so we just left feeling rather sad. A very disappointing end to our vacation. I certainly couldn't recommend this restaurant, it's very expensive, food is average and not great service. Maybe they should have Jennifer train the other staff!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bkpacin
Petaluma21 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
To celebrate our anniversary, we decided to go all out and have dinner at the Sardine Factory. I've heard a lot about the food industry not being able to hire adequate staff but was totally dissatisfied with our waiter. The busser was very good and knew his job. I have no complaints with the food, but our waiter was inattentive and unprofessional. We ordered an appetizer, then soup and salad, then the entrees, and well as two glasses of wine. When the waiter brought the appetizer, he also brought my wife's salad. After the appetizer and salad plates were removed, he brought the soup. About five minutes after the entrees were brought to the table, I had to ask for the wine twice. The Sardine Factory gave us a free dessert to celebrate our anniversary, which we appreciate. When the bill for the meal was presented, the waiter present two bills indicating that one showed the cost with the dessert and the other showed the cost without the dessert. This was a very deliberate act by the waiter to point out that I should leave a tip based on the bill that had contained the cost of the desert rather than the lesser bill. That was the final straw and totally ruined the evening. I'm old enough and been around long enough to know to always tip on what the total cost of the dinner would have been no matter how much the restaurant has provided for free.
I can only hope The Sardine Factory will be able to find wait staff that can live up to their reputation.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSardineFactory
Dear bkpacin,
Thank you for your informative review, we appreciate you taking the time to write it. We are saddened to hear that our service fell short of your expectations. Every day we strive to give our customers a delicious and memorable experience, we obviously missed our opportunity with you. I will pass your comments on to the Owners and Management. If you have a moment, and are willing, it would be helpful if you could let us know when you dined and if you know your server's name. We are always looking for areas of improvement. I can be reached directly at lmahoney@canneryrow.com. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will consider allowing us to serve you again in the future.
Written October 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BrendaLMitchell
Moss Beach87 contributions
Mar 2025 • couples
We enjoyed our dinner at The Sardine Factory, Monterey, CA. My husband and I both ordered the Prine Rib, which was delicious! The prime rib was flavorful and juicy, with a nice-sized portion.
They brought a complimentary dessert for my birthday. Elegant atmosphere!
Written March 10, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Laux
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for choosing The Sardine Factory to celebrate your birthday, and congratulations! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your Prime Rib, its a very popular menu item. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to serving you again!
Written March 11, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JillClardy
Redwood City874 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Though we’ve been coming to Monterey for years, we had never gotten a reservation to this popular restaurant in advance, and they’re usually completely booked on a weekend. We were in the area for the AT&T ProAm and, on a whim, decided to go early since no reservations were available after 6:00. We went early for happy hour, but my first impression was how shabby and worn the bar area looked. Apparently the drinks we ordered weren’t on the happy hour bar menu, so we spent $70 before we even got to the dinner table!
We walked through a maze of darkly decorated rooms before we arrived in the Conservatory which is bright and inviting. It’s surrounded by greenery on all sides, and has a nice ambiance and is not too loud due to the high ceiling. Service was fast and pleasant, though the early-diners menu wasn’t offered - I had to ask for it, and the wait person didn’t seem pleased to have to go get it. It turns out that the dish I wanted, sand dabs, was in the early menu, at about half the cost of the regular menu. My husband had calamari, and we ordered a bottle of wine. We couldn’t finish the bottle but our server cheerfully bagged it so we could take it back to our hotel room. The meal was delicious, but I felt that it was quite over priced, more like what I would expect to pay for 4-star restaurant in San Francisco, not an aging, slightly shabby restaurant in Monterey.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManDir
Buckingham109 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
Having booked from afar whilst planning our trip our original choice was on the pier. One stroll past it decided it was not the place for us so started trawling the back streets and stumbled across the Sardine factory. From our welcome to the food service everything as at our place. The leathered of rooms made it difficult to decide where to sit, the first night was in the conservatory and as we liked. So much we returned to the Capitains room a few days later. Both the same food but very different atmosphere. The food was simple but good, my fish stew was the stand out dish
Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Laux
Dear ManDir,
We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and thank you for your review. Your patronage is appreciated and we look forward to serving you again during your next visit to our part of the world!
Written May 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine M
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We visited from South Florida and this restaurant was recommended to us. We were seated in the Greenhouse room which was tired looking and lacked any type of atmosphere. The waiter was nice however, we did not see him for long stretches of time. I had to ask for another glass of wine after sitting with an empty glass for about 20 minutes. We were told they were out of prime rib (it was 6:30 PM…reading other reviews this is a common occurrence). I ordered the roasted chicken which had zero flavor. My husband’s dinner was “eh”. I do not recommend this restaurant. Blah food, even blah-er atmosphere and an expensive bill.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slam
7 contributions
May 2021 • none
After seeing all the positive reviews, I couldn't imagine any one restaurant being THAT good decade after decade, but my husband and I decided to give it a try and we were both so glad we did! I ordered the Parmesan Crusted Calamari Steak with Scallops and Prawns and it was outstanding. The calamari steak was flavorful and cooked perfectly (tender not tough) as were the scallops and prawns. My husband ordered the Pan Seared King Salmon which he would definitely order again. He also had a cup of the Abalone bisque and said it was a must have. The wine list/book was beyond extensive so we cheated and went straight to the Cellar Master's Selection page where there were a surprising number of modestly priced wines available by the bottle. We chose a $40+ bottle of Chardonnay and were not disappointed. Needless to say, the Sardine Factory exceeded our expectations and we will definitely eat there again on our next trip to Monterey.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John R
Carlsbad739 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
Another dream come true place for ambience, food and music. We love eating at the bar and the great service you get via "Kris". Every dish of ravioli, Filet or Salmon was exceptional. Tender, juicy and done perfectly. A very First Class place.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark Laux
Dear jrodenhausen,
Thank you for your recent visit and for taking the time to review our restaurant. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the food and music. We will let Kris know how you felt. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will visit us again very soon.
Written September 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob
8 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
Let’s start this off with the staff, the staff were amazing! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.
That is probably the only good thing I have to say about it. The food is overpriced, and lacks really anything that makes me want to go back.
It was not bad, it was just okay.. and definitely not worth the price.
I had a $45 dollar pasta that tasted like a $25 dollar pasta. The prosciutto salad was eh nothing special but yet priced as If it was going to be this amazing dish.
There was another review that mentions tourist prices and I think that is a great way to describe it.
Also the seating..horrible for a couple!
We got taken back to the big room with the glass ceiling, very beautiful but very packed
For no reason! We got sat between two tables of 4 people, I mean we were close! I could have reached over and grabbed some of their food..could have scooted over the 2 feet and just joined their party.
It just makes no sense why the tables are that close together when there was plenty of smaller tables in the middle room.
Overall, there is very few good things I could say about this place but the staff is very friendly, and the bread was delicious.
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark L
Dear Sightsee,
Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed with your experience at The Sardine Factory, and that the seating fell short of your expectations. We will pass your comments on to the Management and Owners. We sincerely hope you will allow us to serve you again in the future.
Written January 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janice Jones
Carmel18 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
Make sure you stay on the happy hour items menu and don't
foolishly ask "What do you recommend here" with the Happy Hour menu in hand
As they will sneakily recommend items that are "here" but not on the Happy Hour menu and about 2x the cost. Thats a sly curveball. So heads up on that scheme.
And no, its actually a poor inferior recommendation @ 2X the cost.
This place is a total Tourist Trap that has been known in years past to try and compete with other businesses in Carmel / Pebble / Carmel Valley
by making their offerings / service / setting actually rather nice.
That is once upon a time. It was nice, once upon a time.
As of now it is true to form a bit of a tourist trap.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom Siu
Los Angeles172 contributions
Mar 2022 • couples
The Sardines Factory is an interesting restaurant in Monterey, California. I would give 5 stars to Spencer (the manager), the ambient and service. Steve was so kind to show me the special dinning room in the basement and shared some of the interesting history of the restaurant. However, I am willing to give only 3 stars because of the food. The Escargot tasted fine but the bread base was a bit too much. The Center-Cut Wild Abalone Medallion was poor. It had no favor and the texture was poor. The favor of the Rack of USDA Prime Colorado Lamb was a bit too complicated for me. The mustard sauce on top was a bit heavy. I would enjoy a glass of wine in the bar but not for the food.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSardineFactory
Dear Ta S,
Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. I am sorry that the meal fell short of your expectations and I will pass your comments on to the Chef, Management and Owners. We appreciate your patronage and hope you will consider allowing us to serve you again in the future.
Written March 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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