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Sardine Factory, Monterey, CA
Award-winning

Sardine Factory

4.7 (5152)
$50 and over
Seafood
701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Romantic
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. Celebrating over 50 years under the same ownership and management! Voted "Best Restaurant in Monterey" by Monterey County Herald readers.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Daily 8:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (831) 373-3775
  • Website
    http://www.sardinefactory.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Benjamin Brandt
  • Private party facilities
    Whether a family gathering or a corporate event, our professional and warmly attentivestaff assists in coordinating each detail. The Sardine Factory offers three unique and elegant dining rooms which provide a choice of ambiance for groups from 12 to 220 and luncheon groups from 25 and up. Call us to get your event started! (831) 373-3775
  • Location
    701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Monterey
  • Cross street
    Prescott
  • Parking details
    Enter off of Wave Street ascending the driveway. Self park Sunday through Thursday with self park or valet service available Fridays and Saturdays. ADA Wheelchair entrance from parking lot.
  • Public transit
    MST stop less than 2 blocks away on the corner of Wave St. & David.
  • Entertainment
    David Conley at the Piano Tuesday through Saturday. David has been a professional musician since the age of 17. He has played in numerous bands, opening for various acts such as Steppenwolf, Black Oak Arkansas, Rick Derringer, Crash Test Dummies and more. Versatile and accommodating David takes and plays requests from Led Zeppelin to Elvis Presley to the Everly Brothers.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

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What 5,152 people are saying

Sardine Factory reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Seafood

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Ambiance

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Great for fine wines

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Romantic

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Good for special occasions

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Seafood

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Sardine Factory offers a "fantastic dining experience" with an "excellent menu" and "outstanding service." Celebrated for its "romantic ambiance," it features varied dining rooms, including the beautiful Conservatory. Despite being "pricey," patrons appreciate the "delicious food" and "amazing wine selection." Ideal for special occasions.
5,152 Reviews

  1. Thomas VIP

    Los Angeles17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    🌱 Having grown up in a neighboring town of Castroville—yes, the artichoke capital!—I still make it a point to return often to visit friends, family, and squeeze in a round of golf. And without fail, we always stop here for dinner. The food is consistently excellent, the service is top-notch, and the atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming. It truly feels like coming home. Highly recommended!!!

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  2. Margaret VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We made a reservation to sit in the restaurant proper and not the garden room and they seated us in the Captain’s room, which was gorgeous, although we also felt like we were in the Haunted Mansion. We loved it! Our server Evan and his assistant (Israel?) were friendly, professional and helpful. Our food and beverages were amazing! I recommend the Pink Sardine cocktail (lemon vodka, passion fruit and pineapple juice)! We ordered the petrale sole, lobster pasta, marina pasta and the calamari steak with shrimp dinners. We were 4 hungry ladies and the portions were generous, but presented beautifully. We saved a little room for dessert, so we shared the bonbons, which I very much recommend. Chocolate covered vanilla ice cream on a stick with Ghirardelli Carmel sauce and peanuts for dipping, presented on dry ice. Fantastic! Can’t wait to go back!

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  3. Mazen

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Had an amazing dining experience — the food was exceptional, the service was warm and attentive, and the atmosphere was just perfect. Highly recommended!”

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  4. Ellie VIP

    California Central Coast8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was pretty good, but not worth the cost. My husband got sick. He ordered a cup of the abalone soup and the butterfish, he was up most of the night. I had the Spanish octopus appetizer, it was delicious but just not worth $42, and I also had the Caesar salad that was very good. We also ordered the cannoli which was lovely. Along with two iced teas, the total bill was close to $200 including tip. The ambient was old and dark, maybe it was supposed to be romantic? But I found it to be kind of gloomy. The server was very nice and attentive, and his helper kept our iced tea glasses full. We appreciated them.

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  5. Jeff

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s a special place for us. We go to SF when we come to town . We started our married life 45 years ago and we went to SF. We have been there for important dinners since then. For us, it’s a 10

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  6. Margarett Penny

    California Central Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a trip to Paradise and once around the block. The only fly in the ointment was the lack of signage about the handicapped accessible entrance in the back. My husband has Parkinson’s and uses a walker, I am still recovering from foot surgery and use a cane. We are visiting Monterey from Sacramento and had not seen the entrance. Fortunately because of the parking space we were able to get, we only had to struggle up about 10 steps but it was a bit of a challenge for us. When we made it inside we were told that there was an easier way to enter. Normally I call ahead and ask but didn’t this time. Coming in from the street level there are twice as many steps. A sign would be nice.

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  7. ting

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a traditional, genteel, and, depending on your preferences, an experience crafted to perfection.
    Sardine FactoryResponded 6 days ago
    Dear ting, Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit overall, we truly value your feedback, and we look forward to your next visit!

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  8. Ivan VIP

    Portland / Oregon6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I celebrated my 35th birthday here. It was a 10/10. No complaints. Must-go!
    Sardine FactoryResponded 6 days ago
    Dear Ivan, Thanks so much for choosing The Sardine Factory to celebrate your birthday, and congratulations. We're really glad you had a great time and enjoyed the food, service, and atmosphere. It means a lot to have been part of your day, and we hope to see you again soon!

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  9. Grace

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We appreciate the wonderful service. The food was great and delicious. We were full. We enjoyed our food and hope to come back soon. Thank you.
    Sardine FactoryResponded 6 days ago
    Dear Grace, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an exceptional experience at The Sardine Factory. Your kind words mean the world to our team, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable visit!

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  10. Charlene

    California Central Coast1 review

    2.0

    Dined on July 20, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The food quality was the main problem. The prime steak was very tough and the lobster was overcooked and lacked taste. The spices on top (paprika?) didn’t help. Perhaps it was frozen for a long time and they were trying to hide that but it didn’t work. The salad was basically lettuce and a couple of croutons. Both desserts were also disappointing…only one canneloni which was just cream and sugar and a tasteless tiramisu, mostly just whipped cream. We won’t go there again.
    Sardine FactoryResponded 6 days ago
    Charlene: We’re very sorry that some of your party is not feeling well. Public Notice: according to Mayo Clinic, it is important to visit your doctor. Your health care provider will examine you to rule out other causes of illness and check for signs of dehydration. Your provider may order tests including: Tests to name the bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins. Blood tests may also be used to name a cause of illness, rule out other conditions or identify complications.

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FAQs

Sardine Factory is rated 4.7 stars by 5152 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Monterey / Carmel
  5. Monterey

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today
Google Map for Sardine Factory

701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Prescott
  • Neighborhood
    Monterey
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Daily 8:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Enter off of Wave Street ascending the driveway. Self park Sunday through Thursday with self park or valet service available Fridays and Saturdays. ADA Wheelchair entrance from parking lot.
  • Public transit
    MST stop less than 2 blocks away on the corner of Wave St. & David.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Benjamin Brandt
  • Entertainment
    David Conley at the Piano Tuesday through Saturday. David has been a professional musician since the age of 17. He has played in numerous bands, opening for various acts such as Steppenwolf, Black Oak Arkansas, Rick Derringer, Crash Test Dummies and more. Versatile and accommodating David takes and plays requests from Led Zeppelin to Elvis Presley to the Everly Brothers.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.sardinefactory.com/
  • Phone number
    (831) 373-3775
  • Private party facilities
    Whether a family gathering or a corporate event, our professional and warmly attentivestaff assists in coordinating each detail. The Sardine Factory offers three unique and elegant dining rooms which provide a choice of ambiance for groups from 12 to 220 and luncheon groups from 25 and up. Call us to get your event started! (831) 373-3775

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