Vladislava Kursheva

It was a spontaneous visit, but I already have the desire to come back for more! We got Attentive and welcoming service. The place is transporting you right to the Bohemian restaurant in the heart of Europe. We adore sitting indoors as much as an outdoor mansard. And speaking food-wise. Ah! Every dish was freaky dame, delicious and perfectly combined to deliver the best tasting experience! Thank you, and see you soon again!

+4

Ramsha Selladurai

I celebrated one of the most memorable birthdays of my life at this restaurant. From start to finish, everything was simply outstanding. The evening began with a warm and personal welcome from the owner, who greeted us kindly knowing we had come all the way from Switzerland. The food was exquisite a perfectly prepared seabass and lobster tail, followed by homemade sorbet beautifully presented in an ice swan sculpture, and rounded off with a rich chocolate cake and tiramisu that were both divine. Every dish was a masterpiece. The service was flawless every waiter attended to us with genuine care and professionalism from A to Z. To crown the evening, the manager personally took us on a private wine cellar tour, showing us rare old wines, rums, and antique furniture. It was a unique and unforgettable experience. It is no wonder that many famous personalities have dined here. For us, it was truly one of the most beautiful birthdays we could imagine. This restaurant is highly recommended, and we will always treasure the memory and definitely return.

+2

Bill Lam

The cioppino (off-menu item costing $69), ribeye, and mocktails were all excellent. The ambiance of the Captain's Room was great. We also enjoyed hearing the live music in the next room. Our server was relatively attentive, but we wish he could've checked on us a tiny bit more at the end.

+2

Stephanie Hawthorne

We had an exceptional experience at the Sardine Factory! Don was attentive and Pedro made sure our table stayed cleaned and cups refreshed. The lobster with stuff crab had me tickled with joy! My husband had the rib eye and ate eagerly and quietly as he stuffed it down. We also loved the escargot as it melted in our mouth. This was our 20yr wedding anniversary and it was perfect! Can't wait to come back 🙏

+3

Caroline K

Had great experience at the sardine factory! The food was amazing! Specially the steak was so so good and everything was so fresh and well seasoned. The service was very friendly. It made our dining experience present and comfortable. Thanks to Jimmy the manager and then the owner. We also hung out at the bar area for live piano music, and that was amazing and had so much fun. Must try spot if anyone is visiting the area! Thanks for making our visit memorable!

+4

Philipp Beckermann

What an incredible experience. The food was absolutely delicious and Don our waiter was a gem. Dave the wine expert explained the selection and we opted for a stags leap Chardonnay. Highly recommend this place for a top notch experience.

Amazing Food! 🤤 we had a little encounter but my husband got to talk to what I believe was the actual owner of the restaurant, he was very friendly and polite. The dessert was sooo scrumptious too! I definitely wanna eat here again.

Renee

Have been coming here for years when we visit Monterey. Celebrated a birthday this time. Incredible food always. Abalone bisque always a must. I would like to focus my review on the most attentive and thoughtful assistant Gibran (hopefully spelled right) Highest kudos to this young man who goes above and beyond. He deserves all the praise for our dinner experience last night. He would make an amazing waiter! Just saying.

Priscilla F

My husband took me here for my 30th birthday dinner two weeks ago. The atmosphere, food and hospitality was amazing. The manager, Jimmy, stopped by our table to say hello, and shared with us the history of The Sardine Factory as well as provided us a tour. It was such a wonderful experience. He provided me a very special memory of my 30th. We could tell he enjoys what he does, which made us happy to see. He was also very kind and attentive. I loved everything about it and will definitely be back. Thank you, Jimmy, for providing me such a wonderful birthday experience! I definitely recommend this restaurant.

+1

100/10 this place is AMAZING! The staff (shout out to Jennifer and Enrique) were super nice and the experience is personalized for special events. We celebrated a birthday and it felt incredibly special! The garden room is so pretty during the sunset and the food was to die for.

I visited for an early dinner to celebrate a birthday, and it exceeded every expectation. We started with a Pinot Noir that was perfectly fruity and smooth—exactly how I like it. The three-course meal (Abalone Bisque, Filet Mignon, and Tiramisu) was flawless. As someone sensitive to texture, I was deeply impressed by the crisp broccolini and the tender, savory Filet Mignon. The balance of the Tiramisu was the perfect finish. What truly sets this place apart is the hospitality. Manager Jim shared the restaurant’s rich history, and the entire team works in perfect unison to provide top-tier service. I felt truly pampered. I’ll definitely be back with my most cherished guests. Thank you for the wonderful experience!

The sardine factory is truly an experience! Tim was my bartender and he made me the most delicious cocktail, the restaurants special Pink Sardine drink. My friend ordered the same drink with the truffle popcorn on the side & I got the abalone soup - a delicious, creamy, rich soup that hit the spot. The ambiance of the restaurant was top tier, elegant, refined and felt like stepping back in time. We were given a tour of their many themed rooms by their lovely Sommelier, Dave, and my favorite dining rooms were the Captain's Dining Room & the Conservatory. Highly recommend dining in or swinging by the bar for live music entertainment from their piano player! I also got to sit in Clint Eastwood's spot at the bar which made the experience extra special.

The Sardine Factory has it all- it's one of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever seen, the food is amazing, and the price is right. It's definitely fine dining so we don't go all the time but it'…

The Sardine Factory has it all- it's one of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever seen, the food is amazing, and the price is right. It's definitely fine dining so we don't go all the time but i…

The Sardine Factory has it all- it's one of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever seen, the food is amazing, and the price is right. It's definitely fine dining so we don't go all the time but i…

As a local in Monterey, this is the place I always bring my family and friends when they visit. To me, it feels like a true hidden gem -- quietly outstanding, rich with history, tradition, and its ow…

Wow! A true 5-star experience. Wonderful food, wonderful ambiance, wonderful service. A trifecta of wonderfulness. The Sardine Factory is a terrific place for a date or for just great food or both. A…

Wow! A true 5-star experience. Wonderful food, wonderful ambiance, wonderful service. A trifecta of wonderfulness. The Sardine Factory is a terrific place for a date or for just great food or bot…

The ambiance at the Sardine Factory was calm and cozy. The in-house live music was top notch. \nThe food was very delicious. Abalone Bisque, cheese bread, and lobster tail entree were appet…

Wow! A true 5-star experience. Wonderful food, wonderful ambiance, wonderful service. A trifecta of wonderfulness. The Sardine Factory is a terrific place for a date or for just great food or both.…

The ambiance at the Sardine Factory was calm and cozy. The in-house live music was top notch. \nThe food was very delicious. Abalone Bisque, cheese bread, and lobster tail entree were appetizin…

Wow! A true 5-star experience. Wonderful food, wonderful ambiance, wonderful service. A trifecta of wonderfulness. The Sardine Factory is a terrific place for a date or for just great food or both.…

The ambiance at the Sardine Factory was calm and cozy. The in-house live music was top notch. \nThe food was very delicious. Abalone Bisque, cheese bread, and lobster tail entree were appetizing. T…

Went to Monterrey from LA to stay the weekend. We got dinner here the first night and it was so good we canceled our reservation at another place and returned the next night.\n\nThe space itself is…

Visited Sardine Factory last night and it was superb! Our service from Cristian, our waiter, and Johnny, his assistant, was AMAZING! The sautéed artichokes were super soft and had a delicious lem…

One of the best experiences ever. service was amazing and don't even get me started on the interior (it was amazing). Food was also very delicious. I definitely recommend the clam chowder and the c…

Celebrated my mom's birthday tonight. Wanted to treat her and this restaurant was recommended. We were greeted and we sat at the 'greenhouse' looking dining room. The views are beautiful and love t…

Came in on a saturday night with a reservation. This place is absolutely stunning and each room is like walking into a different museum attraction. \n\nService is wonderful here and you are well ta…

We were visiting Monterey after National parks. After a nice walk on cannery row we came for dinner. Front room had live music on piano. We were in the beautiful glass dome shaped back room. Our se…

Legendary and for good reason. Was in Monterey for about a week and our experience at Sardine Factory was by far the best. Those ice cream pops, OMG, the presentation was spectacular. The service …

Legendary and for good reason. Was in Monterey for about a week and our experience at Sardine Factory was by far the best. Those ice cream pops, OMG, the presentation was spectacular. The servic…

I have passed this place countless times and finally had the opportunity to dine there. This restaurant has an obvious history and you can feel it when you walk in. While waiting for my party to …

We were married in Monterey back in 1998. Had our wedding night dinner here at the S.F. Came back to Monterey visiting some of the sites and made it a point to stop here. This establishment has no…

Excellent overall. Second time we have visited California from the UK & of course the second time we have eaten at the Sardine Factory. Not disappointed. Food excellent. service excellent. Special …

Amazing place with decor dating back which shows the quality it deserves. Lovely table setting with clean crisp napkins. Adrian our waiter was well informed and extremely efficient, with everything…

The Sardine Factory is an institution in Monterey--and deservedly so. The menu is full of tasty, imaginative dishes. The service is expert yet friendly. And the atmosphere helps you remember what a…

The Sardine Factory is an institution in Monterey--and deservedly so. The menu is full of tasty, imaginative dishes. The service is expert yet friendly. And the atmosphere helps you remember what a…

Great. Service. Thanks to Evan. seafood was fresh and delicious and cooked to perfection. We will return for sure. Love the traditional feel of the restaurant and the food is what will keep us comi…

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 …

Wow, wow, wow. The staff and service were top notch. The food was some of the best we had ever had. The drinks as well were of great quality. They have a few seating options and they are all fabulo…

Had the best time. Drinks were great. Dinner was amazing. Service was outstanding. Can't wait to go back. Thank you.

Had the best time. drinks were great. Dinner was amazing. Service was outstanding. Can't wait to go back. Thank you.

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 …

Excellent setting for excellent food. The wine list was extensive and pricey so bring your bigger wallet. It is worth it though. The food was spectacular and the service was attentive but not too m…

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, juic…

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 …

This place is worth stopping in just to check out the ambiance! My husband and I went for happy hour and sat at the bar. We tried the sardines which were delicious. I definitely recommend walking around the various rooms to see the different decor. It is a very cool place!

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was lively with some live piano playing and the vibe of old time Monterey. Bar area was full, and right next to the bar, which was very comfortable and allowed for great people watching and being able to hear the live music Only negative for me was that I felt like the server was trying to upsell us on everything! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, but it was very pricey. What we paid here for a half dozen oysters, we got a full dozen at a very nice restaurant the night before that were just as good.

Jennifer Miller

My mom and I came for dinner after checking out the aquarium. The complimentary bread was delicious and warm. We started off with the calamari which was lightly breaded. I enjoyed my Pacific Coast Sand Dabs plate which was well seasoned but my mom’s Grilled Calamari Steak with Prawns and Scallop was a miss

Danny K (DSKO)

Had a chance to dine at the Sardine Factory in Monterey over the weekend. They’ve been open for over 50 years, and once you walk inside you can feel that history and culture. There is a prominent well-stocked backlit bar near the entrance. The host walked us through various themed dining rooms until we reached the awe-inspiring Conservatory. It is a dome with a metal frame and glass panels accented with green carpet and seating. Plants outside radiate more green into the dome, along with golden hues of the setting sun. Once we placed our order, the waiter coordinated the timing of the dishes. We received the oysters and cheese toast first. The cheese toast was impressive, with Tillamook cheddar, Romano and parmesan perfectly melted onto round slices of sourdough bread. My partner was picking out bits of shell from her oysters two or three times, which is not good when there are only six oysters. Next came out California smoked sardines and abalone bisque. The bisque was very creamy with a light taste. The smoked sardines were visually nicely presented in a pan with tomatoes, cloves of roasted garlic and four points of toast. The sardines were a bit dryer than I expected. Finally, the off-menu special Cioppino was served. There were chunks of salmon, shrimp and crab legs served with shell crackers and bibs. The broth had a rich tomato base with hints of all the seafood in the pan. I also ordered a Pink Sardine cocktail, which was reminiscent of a lightweight Paloma. Dining in the Conservatory was a nice memorable experience but the food fell just short of being as excellent as the decor and hospitality.

+5

We had made a reservation to try this place prior to our trip because we had heard about the good reviews and wanted to enjoy the cuisine that is known to this area, which is seafood. We parked dow…

4.5 if I could\nAmazing staff\nBeautiful rooms\nDelicious drinks\nSome dishes were a bit too salty\nSome prices are too high but most prices are very reasonable\nBar area is a bit awkward\nWould co…

This is a throwback to the opulent kitsch Americana restaurant, and even though I appreciate the throwback, I felt like a fish out of water at times. I had to pivot with the dinner that I selected …

Nice atmosphere, especially the live music! If you like calamari stake, you got to try it here.

Went here for Valentines and it was packed, the seafood pasta was creamy and they didn’t definitely skimp on the seafood- but it definitely needs more depth, spice, and for the love of god, some salt and pepper. Crabcakes were okay, sardines were good but the plate def needs a little bit more acidity like lemon. Server was nice and helped explained some stuff.

Bruce S.

Went on Thanksgiving afternoon. The hostesses were very nice and welcoming. Had a drink in the bar as we had to wait for a booth in the Conservatory. The bartender was really nice and made good drinks. The Conservatory is a really nice area for dining. The woman Sommelier was very friendly and welcoming. Our server Orlando was really good too! We had one Thanksgiving dinner and the Seafood Pasta Marina & Linguine. The Seafood Pasta was okay but a little salty. In the Thanksgiving dinner, the Butternut Squash Bisque was very good. The Fall Harvest salad was okay but didn't have much of the whipped goat cheese. We saw other diners with a lot more of the whipped goat cheese. The Turkey dinner was really disappointing, because typically restaurants carve slices from the turkey. Mine looked like they pulled pieces off of the Turkey and put it on my plate. Was this normal for them or was it because it was later in the afternoon and they didn't have too much Turkey left? There was only one small piece of white meat as well. The dressing, gravy, cranberry orange relish, vegetables and candied sweet potatoes were really good. The cherries jubilee was also really good. One last thing, we saw the manager Jimmy walking around the Conservatory talking to various customers but he never came by our table to see how things were. We've visited the Monterey Peninsula many, many times over the years and have eaten at least 50 restaurants in the area. We've eaten here several times over the years but unfortunately we won't be back and I won't recommend this restaurant to anyone that I know! I'd rather go to Stokes Adobe, Aubergine, Nora's Carmel, Peppoli, Fandango, The Taproom, Stillwater's Bar & Grill or many others.

+6

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 c…

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 lac…

For the price point, I was underwhelmed. We first were sat in a conservatory area that was inherently loud but well lit. A table near us had a little boy who was entertaining himself on a tablet (…

Had high hopes - they failed to deliver. Good atmosphere especially around the bar which had live music, but also sports tv which cheapened the experience. Table was dressed well and waiter seemed nice, the chap that was supporting was friendly too. Ordered wine from a ridiculously large book, two starters which were delicious and two mains Bread for the table and the starters arrived. No wine... had to remind him. Brought it after serving another table first. No apologies for its delay. Starter was really nice. Mains came and my tuna was nice but partners sea bass was raw. Sent it back once, came back within 60seconds looking the same with same knife and fork. Hadn't touched it. Partner sent it back again and no apology from the waiter. Was clear he was favouring bigger tables with larger spends. Pretentious place and wouldn't go back.

I was very disappointed when one of the waiters asked if we wanted "Still or sparkling water"! \n\nThis question is just shy of deceit, in my book. They're asking "Which kind of expensive water can…

I was very disappointed when one of the waiters asked if we wanted "Still or sparkling water"! \n\nThis question is just shy of deceit, in my book. They're asking "Which kind of expensive water…

Wish it would be a good review but the service could be way better for the price you pay. I got a NY aged steak but i was charged for a 16oz ribeye. I told her she was wrong but she said i definite…

Claudia Lewin

I like simple things, grilled , good olive oil specially because they have their own in California and is very good and delicious….. I wanted to try some sardines but they have only one type and it came in a plate with just four and couple of olives for 40$ I found this ridiculous, cane sardines so overpriced!! Everything we tried was with just to many creamy sauces all over … nothing simple 🤷‍♀️