Our servers, Dylan, and Sonam, took very good care of us. Dylan is very well mannered and was very knowledgeable. They were both excellent servers. Some family next to my wife and I, were being quite rude to Dylan And he did not deserve that at all, but his response was very tactful. He is very exceptional waiter and made sure we were taken care of. Sonam checked on us frequently and made sure we were enjoying our experience. Very exceptional service. Great food, and an amazing overall dining experience.

This was so fun, the food fabulous and the service perfect. Tony was our server, he was helpful, friendly and a great food guide. He also makes a mean flaming cheesecake. Yup…flaming. It was a delicious and crowd pleasing dessert. He gave us a tour of this fascinating building. They have a world class wine selection and Dave their sommelier was knowledgeable and fun finding our bottle. This wasn’t just a meal it was an experience. Thank you

Facts No Fluff Will definitely return! This review was for a Thanksgiving dinner + noted in reservation of food allergy. They proactively pointed out appropriate menu items +night time atmosphere was formal yet casual at the table with fun wall art. Darker vibe, not light and bright. Comfortable. Low medium noise levels. +prompt seating and service +server was very friendly as well as entire staff +old fashioned was proper, block ice, orange peel, candied cherry +each plate was excellent. Seafood not over cooked, tender, seasoned well , butternut squash soup was creamy with unique spices +desserts were flavorful -+forgot our coffee order at the end. We asked and it came. Did not charge us for it.

Had late night snack and ordered Sea bass and sardine both were very good. Beautiful place. Would totally come back

I had one of the best dinning experiences at this restaurant. Everyone from the owner to servers were amazing. Very knowledgable about the food served. A special thanks to Jimmy Oh, who went above and beyond to make it a quality experience. Now that I mentioned the food, I must say that everything was great. I am not really a seafood person, but the was solid. Flavored to perfection with ample portion sizes. This restaurant is a must for anyone looking for great food in the Monterey area. Definitely on my list. It was such a great experience that my wife and I returned two days later.

An incredibly iconic restaurant for a reason. A wine list rivaling most. Best Abalone I’ve experienced, hands-down. Impeccable service. All of this, in an especially beautiful & unique setting. Definitely a can’t miss for food & wine enthusiasts or special occasion. Highly recommend.

+4

We went to dinner here and the food was delicious 10/10 even my kids loved the food. They brought out an ice sculpture of a swan with sorbet to celebrate my husband’s birthday! Dessert and the chocolate sardines were equally as delicious. The garden room is beautiful but the service was out of this world. Jose made our dining experience very enjoyable and Nacho was very friendly and attentive and even gave us a tour of the wine cellar. Thank you for your service and we will definitely be back when we are back in town. Gracias Jose y Nacho!

We had an overall excellent experience. Service was great, food was delicious and atmosphere welcoming. It's quite a big place with at least three main rooms.We went on a Saturday and they had live piano music. Wait staff was very attentive, and we loved that since we were sharing our food, they would split it in the kitchen and bring two dishes out. Note thatthis place has parking.

+5

The Sardine Factory is a wonderful restaurant! We had the Seafood Tower, burrata salad and prime rib. We were fortunate to dine in the conservatory. It was gorgeous! The dessert was amazing. My sister and I both have celiac. The have several gluten free options! I highly recommend Sardine Factory🥰.

Absolutely beautiful place. Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, lovely location. Recommend getting reservations in advance. Pick up the chocolate sardines at the end. I was able to request a butter sauce instead of cream for the seafood pasta. They were very accommodating.

+1

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.

Upscale dining with a down to earth ambiance. The experience from greeting to goodbye was exceptional. Our server was attentive and made the perfect recommendations based on our questions. Sardine Factory is a place we will continue to dine at on our Montery visits.

+1

Absolutely one of the best experiences of my life!!! My mother was celebrating her birthday and this was a special one. We had 3 people serving us, the waiter, the bus boy, and the sommelier. (First time using that word, haha) This was one of the fanciest places I have ever eaten at. Ok, what about the food, you ask. We had the crap cakes, and they were some of the best I have ever had! The macadamia but crusted sea bass and the salmon. My mouth is watering while thinking about the sea food. My mother loves reisling wine, and their selection was overwhelming for me, so in 30 seconds, they brought over the sommelier who gave us a mini history lesson and recommended 2 different German bottles. The one we tried was from heaven! So atmosphere, good wine, amazing bread, amazing food, and they brought us a huge birthday dessert! We will be back! Thank you, Sardine Factory, for making a special dinner amazing! Last thing, it was pricey, but I have had $100+ meals at chain places that were horrible in comparison. Do not hesitate!

+4

I went to happy hour and was served by Tim, excellent mixologist and wonderful conversationalist!! Sardine Factory is a must if you’re a local or visiting. Their food is the best as well. Please stop by and see Tim and have a Blue Sardine!!!

The restaurant is really nice. The live music is really good and the taste of the dishes are fantastic! We've ordered linguine and daily specials scallops and we love both of the dishes. I highly recommend people visiting Monterey taking a bite here.

The best in Monterey! Food quality was exceptional. Service was on par. Wine list rivals the best anywhere! There are a few rooms to choose from so try them all. Will return very soon.

+4

What an institution. Great service, great people and incredible food! A little pricey but worth it! Highly recommend ❤️

+2

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!!

Very festive atmosphere! Several halls with festive decor and style! A great place to celebrate a holiday or any event! Excellent and tasty menu. Live music in the bar in the evening. Free parking.

+1

OMG!! This restaurant is great!!! But greatness comes with a price. It is NOT inexpensive. The food was amazing, however, so if you are trying to impress someone, take them here. The service was perfect. The wait staff has a lot of experience, and it shows. The desserts 🍨 were great, the drinks were great, the atmosphere was great, heck, everything was great. Try the abalone bisque.It's better than any lobster or clam chowder.I have had the fortune of eating at a number of Four Season Hotels, and the food was a good as any of them. They have three different "rooms," each with a different feel. Any of them are great, but I ate in the glass enclosed room. I believe it is called the Atrium, but don't quote me on that. I don't live in Monterey otherwise I would go back next week. I love this resturant!

+6

Okay, this place was pretty awesome. We sat in a dining room reminiscent of a 19th century victorian living room with portrait paintings of sailors on the wall. The service was attentive and not overbearing. The prime rib was the standout for us.. perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was a bit lukewarm however, i think they were waiting for the lobster mac, which was just okay, to come out. The caesar salad was also just okay. Would definitely come back again for special occasions like a birthday or anniversary!

We got a table in the most amazing garden room - the interior is just stunning. The service was very friendly and competent. Having a dinner there is a great treat to yourself as everything we tried was just delicious. We shared escargot and seafood boat appetizers, finishing by calamari steak and ahi tuna. All of it was very very good. Highly recommended!

First time at sardine factory. The 3 rooms they have are very nice, cozy. Clean restaurant. I had the lobster ravioli and the strawberry lemon drop:) yummy!! My husband had the king salmon and he had the pink sardine and another drink I forgot the name. They were both delicious!! I would recommend. Great for any occasion. The food was very 😋 the photos I took half way through the meal.

The food was awesome. The guy playing the piano, I was told, has been working there for 25 plus years. What a range of songs he has. From Nirvana to the BeeGees. The atmosphere was fantastic. We had a reservation in the back room but we were late. So we sat in the room connected to the bar, but the manager came over and told us he made room for us in the back where it was less noisy and we could all talk as a family. We much appreciated that and had a wonderful meal…. but…. From the second we met the server it was obvious she was not happy. She was snappy and rude. We all have bad days and that is understood. But I would guess 90% of the guests that are there are on vacation. I expect on vacation to have a server that at least fakes a good mood. In fact this was last night, and me and the family are still talking about her. I would never harm a business with 1-3 stars unless the food was lousy. I know how important these reviews are and the owner can never take down a bad one. In fact I look at the reviews of every restaurant before I go to make sure the food is good. But I think it is very fair to speak about the way you are treated there whether the food is lousy or fantastic. Again I want to say the food was great and the place is beautiful. The decor makes you feel right at home.

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!

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...

+1

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!

+6

Beautiful surroundings. We made reservations for 8 people at 5pm, brother-in-law's birthday. We ordered abalone bisque, Caesar salad, two appetizers, 8 entrees with various steaks or seafood with tasty sides. Service was excellent, Jennifer was really nice and helpful. Although we were full, we took advantage of dessert and the full bar.

+6

Wow, a perfect score for this amazing restaurant, we loved everything. The beautiful décoration and ambiance, the excellent food and the fantastic staff. We had a wonderful family dinner! The sardines were amazing, the linguine were outstanding, and the trio of Italian dessert was fantastic.

+6

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.

+3

Service and food were great. Ordered the tomahawk steak dinner for two, came with salad and soup that were served across three courses. Drinks were good as well. I recommend the cran apple mojito.

I don't want to be dramatic, but this was one of the best meals of my life. It's an amazing atmosphere all around. There was a musician playing the piano who was taking requests and our server, Tim, was great. He took the time to tell us about almost everything on the menu. The miso butterfish is a MUST order. Pedro was lovely and made the night fun. The cocktails were just fine but everything else was 10/10. We will be back.

As always our experience and food was fantastic a couple weeks ago! Now we need to apologize to Burt and staff for dinning at your competition next door. The food there was all salty, forced myself to finish my steak. When they showed us their steak tray what stuck out was the much smaller version of the Tomahawk than you serve. Prime rib there was just okay. It's The Sardine Factory only for us, unfortunately we will be leaving the area. Best wishes.

Best NYE dinner in Monterey Bay! We had a splendid dinner with appetizers, wine, champagne and delicious entrees. Christian and our captain were very attentive during whole night .

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 🍷🍷🍷

+1

Service was exceptional. Food was an absolute delicacy and the atmosphere in the dome is beautiful. First off our waitress was amazing, the whe staff in fact very attentive. The food was so mouth watering I was definitely satisfied with a great meal.

The experience was amazing! Glad we decided to dine here. We were hesitant at first because of how the restaurant is in the middle of a tourist area. It was our anniversary and the host seated us at the conservation area where we didn't know it existed. It was beautiful!! The food was amazing, all fresh seafood! The waiter was very responsive and very nice! He took time to refill our water to make sure we didn't run out. I highly recommend dining here. I personally had the best experience!

+6

The food and atmosphere were absolutely amazing! We sat in the lounge and the piano player was fabulous, playing the jams all night. The drinks took a little longer than expected for some cocktails but overall, really a great resturant for your next celebration. I highly recommend coming here! Christian was wonderful, he was knowledgeable on the menu and exceeded our expectations.

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.

+3

The Sardine Factory in Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-do whether you live in Monterey or are just visiting. Open since 1968, the restaurant was a film location for the old Clint Eastwood movie “Play Misty for Me”. Note the photos on the wall near the bar. My husband and I attended an appreciation dinner at the Sardine Factory hosted by Wonderful Pistachios. The hours d’oeuvres were exceptional, especially the goat cheese toast with pistachio and fig. This was followed by a four course meal. For me, the highlights were the Prawn Bisque and Pistachio Torrance Semifreddo for dessert. The service was exceptionally good and so was the ambiance. We dined in the Conservatory, a glass walled room. Be sure to check out the Captain’s Room and the old photos on the walls leading to the restrooms. The Sardine Factory really is a special restaurant, perfect for Monterey. It is not “touristy”! Highly recommend.

+6

We hosted our welcome dinner at Sardine Factory, and it was a great experience. The food was solid, and the cocktails were well-crafted—our guests enjoyed both. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything went smoothly throughout the evening. A special thanks to Mary from the events team, who was incredibly helpful in guiding us through the different menu and drink options. She was patient and worked with us to make sure everything fit within our budget, navigated dietary restrictions, and helped with beverage selections, which made the planning process much easier. The Conservatory Room was a beautiful and unique space that really stood out. It provided a stunning atmosphere for our dinner and impressed all of our guests. Given we settled in right before sunset, the room gave off different vibes as the night continued. If you're looking to host any kind of event, I would recommend Sardine Factory any day.

Went for oysters and drinks. Their horseradish is so good. SPICY but delish. James at the bar makes the experience super fun and makes you want to come back. The pianist that was there that night was fantastic. We also got the wagyu sliders from the happy hour menu, also good.

This is a wonderful restaurant in Monterey. The service is top-notch. We had a birthday dinner here with some friends, and everyone loved the food. It's worth the drive and the price. The whole vibe is great. I like the drink menu they had also. The wife and I will definitely be going back! Thanks, Sardine Factory!

+6

Superb and yummy! Atmosphere and ambiance impeccable for date night and family dinner with teenagers but not younger kids. Our server Marissa was sweet and professional, and answered our questions on the menu with joy! She knows her job and she gave each table the same attention as if you are the only guests. First time but definitely will not be our last. Delicious food in a warm hospitality.

+2

What a delightful surprise on so many levels! To judge it by the name and/or the outside appearance would be selling it short in my opinion. The experience that awaits within was unexpected. When you enter you know you are probably going to be treated like royalty. The elegant ambiance and alert friendly staff show you immediately that you are in for a treat. You are acknowledged promptly and you are catered to every minute you are there. The attention they give to your needs is superb from an escort to the restroom to your water glass never being empty. You can feel they pride themselves in their service. The interior is something someone should see for themselves, and the food...well everyone should make the opportunity to experience it. I was so full when I left because I could not stop eating every morsel of my 4-course meal. The shrimp bisque was rich and complimented with a flaky crust to dip in it. The strawberries on the salad tasted like they were just picked from the garden and the way they accented the salad and homemade vinaigrette was plate licking good. The lobster was impressive, huge and flavorful. My only complaint was it being served with clarified butter. I understand the desire to keep the butter in liquid form, but I feel a big rich lobster bite deserves real rich full flavored butter to be dipped in. It seems like an insult to such a fine food to be paired with an ingredient used in movie popcorn and fast food. Then the cherry jubilee desert to top it all off! Extra large cherries on a delectable ice cream that melts into any empty spaces left in your stomach after the extensive meal. I absolutely look forward to returning again and again. Next time I think I shall request the Captains room to switch up the feel. We were in the spectacular conservatory this visit.

+6

First time dining at the sardine factory and I must say we were blown away. We frequently visit Monterey and dine at the local establishments for this location to be our first time... Wish we found it sooner. The cocktails are great, the food was absolutely perfectly prepared and delicious, the inside really is as nice as it showing on the internet. Very romantic and formal dinner setting for Monterey. Highly recommend this establishment for great service and awesome food!

+6

Myrian Ramirez

This is the best restaurant I have ever been to. We had a really nice waiter named Cristian and he was on top of everything. He was fast and timely with his service. The food was absolutely flavorful. This is the place to get seafood from. A lot of places tend to overcook seafood, but here, I got a Cioppino and the seafood was cooked to perfection. My husband had the butterfish and it was absolutely wonderful with the flavor combo of the miso. The escargot was sublime and the sauce was savory. The Caviar was also really great with the variety of sides to go with it. I'm definitely coming back. Definitely telling friends. It's worth the price and experience. Everyone was so nice and kind They made our anniversary an anniversary to remember 😍💝 the dessert was so great. We felt so cared for by Cristian. Thank you Sardine for this experience it's a moment I won't ever forget. 💝

+1

This restaurant is an amazing choice for a romantic getaway from everything and just enjoy each other and had amazing food and atmosphere! Highly recommend for anyone that loves food and a little semi formal restaurant atmosphere should give them a try!

Cong Hui

The food is exceptionally delicious, specially call-out the sea bass. And super thanks to our waitress, Wen. We came here with a 3 years old, and Wen helped us to accomplish our requirements even it is not on the menu. She also made recommendations on mocktail and they are also super good.

+2

Rachel Young

The sardine factory is incredible. One of the best meals we have ever had. We came to celebrate our 4 year anniversary and we couldn’t have picked a better spot. The atmosphere in the greenhouse was tranquil and bright. The food was unmatched. We love seafood! Jose was an incredible server. A+ all around. Highly recommend if you want a luxurious evening out.

Rick Lyons

As we were in the area for our 55th anniversary and with some very good friends who had never been to the Sardine Factory, we had to go. The Sardine Factory is always very good. Made the reservation online, very easy. The service is always top notch. Very attentive, friendly, courteous, professional. We ordered of the small bites menu and it was perfect. Started with oysters Rockefeller, which were delicious. Two in our group had the Ribeye steak sandwich with onion rings and French fries and came with a wedge salad, they said it was very good, delicious and excellent. Another had the calamari and it also was very good. We all highly recommend the Sardine Factory if you are looking for an excellent meal, top quality service, in a great setting.

Mimi Sanchez

I’m definitely late leaving this review, but wow what an amazing dining experience at The Sardine Factory! I took my partner here for his birthday, and since he’s an architect by trade, the building alone absolutely blew him away. Truly a WOW space the atmosphere and design are unforgettable. The menu is expansive, and while it was a little overwhelming at first, we ended up trying five different items. Every single dish exceeded our expectations. Not a miss among them. The wine menu is also massive and honestly a bit intimidating, but their wine sommelier made the experience so fun and approachable. He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and just a joy to talk to. He even took the time to show us the wine cellar and wow, the history in there! If those walls could talk. Our server was decent overall, though he did go missing a few times when we needed things, which was a downside. We had asked if would take a photo of us after dinner to have a memory of our experience but dropped off our check and never returned. On the flip side, the busser was phenomenal. He didn’t miss a beat, was always attentive to our table, and truly elevated the experience we honestly wished our gratuity could’ve gone directly to him. The vibes in this building are incredible and it was such a perfect way to end our weekend trip. My partner did forget his beanie there (a loss on his part, not the restaurant’s 😂), but the staff was thoughtful and genuinely tried to help us recover it, even though it ultimately didn’t work out. **5/5 for food and ambiance. 3/5 for our server.** We’d absolutely return this place is something special.

Roberto Covelli

We had dinner at The Sardine Factory on Cannery Row, and the experience was nothing short of wonderful. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt elegant, cozy, and nostalgic—like stepping into a refined coastal supper club with personality. The dim lighting, silver table lamps, and deep green leather booths create the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The food was truly the highlight. I ordered a seafood pasta and it was incredible—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The clams were fresh, the shrimp were tender, and the sauce had that depth of flavor that tells you everything was cooked with care and real ingredients. Portion sizes were generous without feeling overwhelming, and every bite felt intentional. Service was attentive and warm without being rushed. Our server made sure our wine glasses stayed full and checked in just enough to make us feel cared for. Even the outside of the restaurant has charm—complete with a classic boat display and a vintage-style sign that sets the tone before you even walk in. If you’re visiting Monterey and want a memorable dinner with fantastic seafood, excellent service, and an ambiance that feels both historic and special, The Sardine Factory is absolutely worth it.

melialvarez23

First I have to say service here was so good. Brandon really took care of us. He was really knowledgeable and had a great attitude and not just with us. With everyone around us too. He is damn good at his job. The food was amazing. Clam chowder was different. But it had good flavor and served hot. The Cesar salad with sardines was great. Crunchy lettuce and salted fish. Im not a huge fan of sardines but that salad had flavors that worked together. Sea bass and lobster fettuccine were on point and cooked perfectly. The fresh bread was hot and fluffy. The grilled prawns were big and seasoned great. The Kahlua cinnamon gelato was rich and delicious. It has a coffee chocolate taste to it. We loved it. It is pricey. But the quality of the food is worth it. Parking sucks. But not impossible. I Definitely want to go back. The decor was cute and all the servers were nice, fast and efficient.

+2

Crystal Castro

Lovely and lively! The service was friendly and prompt. They made sure to refill drinks and checked in often, but not too often. The food was absolutely delicious. I ordered the ribeye steak and added on the lobster mac n cheese to share with the table. Everything was very flavorful. I also had the Paloma cocktail, perfectly mixed. For dessert, I had the cheesecake. The raspberry coulis was the perfect touch to it. They had live music with a good variety of songs. Had us all moving in our seats and singing along. The women's bathroom was also very beautiful. Great visit overall. Would definitely recommend.

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 …

We went on Thanksgiving early on and the experience was only okay. The food was okay it was not exceptional. The service seemed spotty and even though the two of us ordered the same dish we got different dishes, meaning the sides were not the same. It was a pleasant environment but I was not sold on the place. We also noticed there were no women servers only men. The only women who worked there were hostesses. Seems fishy.

+2

Restaurant is decent but really overpriced for what the offer is and what the portions are. I think they play off of some of the history to the extent that they've kind of neglected some of the quality of the food. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it but there wasn't like a wow moment I had or anything as far as the seafood went. Service wasn't bad because they were flexible with us and the restaurant wasn't overly packed. I'd go here again only for a special occasion if that. Still recommend giving it a shot but make sure you know it'll cost you some $$$.

We had our 2024 holiday party at the Sardine Factory. The place is cozy, with a great atmosphere. The food and wine were good. We enjoyed our time. I would suggest Not bringing a stroller.

+6

- Historical ambiance: Loved discovering the restaurant's story through the photo frames near the bathroom. - Unique settings: Each area had its own distinct vibe, making the experience special. - Staff experience: After our 12-hour drive from OR, the server's comment about our late arrival felt a bit off-putting. -Parking: There is a parking lot behind the restaurant! Very convenient! - Food quality: Though a bit pricey, every dish was delicious, especially the Sardine appetizer and the "world famous"abalone soup. - Anniversary treat: The free dessert for our anniversary was a sweet touch!

+2

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.

Saw a cool video on instagram about the restaurant and thought I’d make a reservation. When we first walked in we were greeted by a hostess who was nice. We were aware of the prices that they were high but in my opinion a lot too high for the service you get, we were seated in the glass construction ( conservatory) and it was really cold I’m talking about 15/17 Celsius, we asked the waiter to do something about the temperature 2 times and it didn’t work or hé didn’t do anything but multiple tables sat there with there jackets on while dining inside for more than 100 dollars per person which I find CrazY! When the food arrived it was good we enjoyed that but we will not come back or recommend this to anyone ever again 👍🏻

I was looking forward to visiting sardine factory for many many years, ever since I was a poor student going to MPC. This time I was here on a team dinner - dreams come true. And - temper your expectations. The whole place and ambience are amazing. No questions. Service - was a bit weird. Not sure how to describe it - for such a place, one would expect a polished waiter. This one felt a bit like Dennys diner. Appetizers nice, abalone soup nice. Abalone - the most expensive dish - was meh. I actually left half of a medallion. Go there for the experience. And - yeah.

We visited The Sardine Factory for our first anniversary, which fell on Valentine’s Day weekend. While it wasn't a 'bad' experience, it unfortunately didn't live up to the high-end expectations we had for the price point. The food was good, but not great by any means. While our specific server was very kind and helpful, the overall service fell flat—it seemed like larger tables were given preference and more personal touches. We were seated in the room with the striped wallpaper, and the 'vibes' were unfortunately off. While the soft lighting from lamps were lovely, there were bright spotlights on the ceiling that killed the intimate atmosphere. For the premium prices, we were expecting a more elevated experience, but it felt a bit cheap and lacked that special touch. I sadly will not be returning.

The Sardine Factory had a live musician playing at a great volume and bringing a great atmosphere. The lighting was nice and the seating felt semi private. After being seated, our server came over after about five minutes and then we did not see him again for twenty five minutes. My husband and I had to ask to have our server come take our order. Once he came to take our order, he was quite rude and acted as though we had been an inconvenience. The food was very middle of the ground. The lobster bisque was one note and the beet salad was lacking flavor. The prawns were well cooked and tasty, though the dish did not bring anything new or special. The miso butterfish was interesting, though it was too sweet for my liking. The cherries jubilee was the best portion of the meal and definitely worth getting again.

I came in with very high hopes for this restaurant but was sadly disappointed. When we first walked into the restaurant a very strong smell permeated the whole restaurant. It was what you could compared to mildew or an old care facility. I was happy that we were seated in the conservatory because of how strong it was. We ended up ordering escargot, Cesar salad, abalone bisque and prawns sambuca & capellini. Everything was visually beautiful food included but I can honestly say the Cesar salad was tasteless. The abalone bisque had tiny pieces of abalone diced up that were incredibly tough with no flavor. They honestly reminded me of turf pellets. The actual bisque was fine but didn’t stand out. Both the prawns and escargot had a very heavy herb presence that made it hard to enjoy the flavor of the actual seafood being presented. For the price of each item these issues were very hard to over look. On a good note the wait staff were very attentive and made me feel very welcome. It may just not have been a spot for us but it did start our vacation off wrong footed.

My boyfriend took me here last night and it was my first time. The manager sat us down. I was very impressed at first. But our waiter was poor: Christian, poor service, he was not very personable, not a people person at all. We ordered the Valentine’s Day 4 course meal, we waited 20 minutes for the entry. The food was great just need to work on a good service.

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 (…

Two people for dinner Sunday evening. The food and service was good. We felt the food came too quickly, no time to enjoy our wine and it was way too noisy for any kind of good conversation. The night before we dined at a sports bar and the noise level at the sports bar and The Sardine Factory were about the same. The tables are way too close together and too many tables in the dining room. I believe it is called the search for more money. Two entrees four glasses of wine $200.00 not including tip.

+3

Orlando, our waiter, was outstanding. The ambience was very nice. Food was not that great for the price. Two in our party had the sardine appetizer and LOVED it. But, the Calimari steak was tough entree was tough, my lobster had an odd taste to it and my husbands steak was chewy. While we were in the area for the golf tournament, SF was voted our least favorite restaurant.

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…

Super dissatisfied with our dinner here. I had high hopes from the reviews but for the price ($175 for 2 people) it was the most mediocre food I've had in a while. The bread brought out was burned black on the bottoms, and the actual courses were very underwhelming with almost no side dishes present. I feel like those who rated this as 5 stars have not had an actual fine dining experience to compare this to. The service itself was perfectly fine, with no complaints there, just bad food all around. Do yourself a favor and avoid this restaurant.

We were very disappointed with our visit. The food was overpriced for the quality and service we received. The seabass was $65 and the local butterfish was $55. Both dishes were greasy, the rice was cold, and even though we specifically asked for the sauce on the side, the fish was already covered in sauce because it had been precooked and simply warmed up. The portions were also quite small. Service was equally disappointing. While we were still eating, staff came by multiple times asking to clear our plates. We said we were still eating, but they returned again within minutes, so we finally let them take the dishes away. The staff seemed unorganized—running around, dropping things, and talking loudly to each other across the restaurant. To top it off, a simple scoop of ice cream cost $12. For two main dishes and two desserts, the total came to $166. Price was not the issue—I expected a fine dining experience for that cost—but the restaurant delivered zero out of ten in quality, service, and atmosphere. Overall, it felt like cheap food and service at the price of a high-end restaurant. Super disappointing and definitely not a place I would return to.

Very snobby waiter we had me and my wife, they tried giving us a hard time about the specials since we were sitting in the nice area supposedly but how are they gonna charge 78$ for a steak and some potatoes with veggies and my chair was squeaky and was old. The atmosphere was nice but the prices they charge are insane for what you get. They charge like you’re at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant and the food is top notch. The steak we got was a special and was only 5 pieces, no crust to speak of and the sauce it came with was a bit too sour for a steak sauce. Calamari 18 or 20$ I can’t remember but was lack luster, no flavor and the smallest portion ever seen, it was only a handful of calamari. We literally had better calamari at a restaurant called the lodge near Carmel with triple the portions and twice the flavor and less expensive. Not worth the money but if you like to waste money and post pointless tik tok’s in restaurants then this is the place for you.

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 🤷‍♀️