Sardine Factory Bert Cutino The Sardine Factory

The Sardine Factory Awards

Notorious eatery with a distinguished past on Cannery Row.
Openings: Dinner nightly

Features

The Sardine Factory, Monterey, CA


The Sardine Factory Restaurant Review:


Since 1968, visitors have flocked to this Cannery Row seafood institution founded by co-owners Bert Cutino and Ted Balestreri, both of whom climbed the restaurant ranks the old-fashioned way. There's the very romantic, glass-domed conservatory, the ornate captain's room, the welcoming lounge, and the wine cellar (reserved for private parties) with centuries-old antiques and an exceptional selection of wines. A few musts on the menu include the abalone bisque, the pink tomato salad with a generous scoop of fresh burrata and the seared day boat scallops. The palate refresher of icy sorbet arrives inside a glowing ice swan sculpture --- it’s over the top, but that's the kind of flourish this place intends. Have a bite of history with the veal cardinal --- a piece of veal loin served with a petite lobster tail and special sauce that's been around since 1968. Alternatively, enjoy some tasty bites (truffled tater tots, anyone?) and specialty cocktails in the aforementioned lounge, often with live music. Either way, this landmark is a not-to-be-missed part of experiencing Monterey.