The Sardine Factory

  4.6 – 1,651 reviews   • Seafood restaurant

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Well-known seafood restaurant featuring elevated regional dishes & a vast wine menu.

✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in The Sardine Factory 93940

Hours

Friday4:30–10 PM
Saturday4:30–10 PM
Sunday4:30–9 PM
Monday4:30–9 PM
Tuesday4:30–9 PM
Wednesday4:30–9 PM
Thursday4:30–9 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 701 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940

Phone: (831) 373-3775

Website: http://www.sardinefactory.com/

Menu Photos

Order and Reservations

Reservations: opentable.com

sardinefactory.com

Photo Gallery

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Reviews

Kim jessica
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Happy Gonzalez Mama
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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