The Sardine Factory
701 Wave St. (Prescott Ave.) 
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Monterey, CA 93940
831-373-3775 | Make Restaurant Reservations
Cuisine
Open
Dinner nightlyFeatures
- Romantic setting
- Kid-friendly
- Private room(s)
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Entertainment
- Parking lot
- Casual
Wine
Great Wine List* Click here for rating key
 Since 1968, visitors have flocked to this Cannery Row seafood institution founded and co-owned by Bert Cutino and Ted Balestreri. The duo have wooed actors, politicians and golfing legends through its doors and into four dining areas that capture the imagination: there's the glass-domed conservatory, the ornate Captain's room, the welcoming lounge and the wine cellar, now used for private parties, that features a stellar collection of bottles (the wine list here is exceptional). There are a few musts on the menu, including the "world famous" abalone bisque served at President Reagan's inaugural dinner, swirled with finely chopped mollusk, cream and sherry. A titanic center-cut piece of swordfish is cooked to a moist turn, while an overlay of crab adds dimension to broiled salmon, served with chive risotto and tarragon beurre blanc. There are also a few curiosities, such as the palate refresher of icy sorbet that arrives inside a glowing ice swan sculpture---it’s over-the-top. So too, are the servers, many who have worked with The Sardine Factory family for years, their presentations so perfected that they come off as mawkish. Order the "flaming sardine," a licorice-flavored coffee drink torched with a lighter and poured tableside, for the full extent of the dog and pony show. Flamboyancy extends to dessert: a banana split platter is large enough for the rest of the dining room to share in the hot caramelized bananas Foster with chocolate-Kahlúa-cinnamon, banana heath bar crunch and spumoni gelato. |
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