The Sardine Factory

The story

The Sardine Factory in Monterey: American Seafood on Cannery Row

The Sardine Factory, at 701 Wave St. in Monterey, California, is an American seafood restaurant that Michelin lists as Recommended for 2026.

Cooking and sourcing

Co-owner and executive chef Bert Cutino says the kitchen buys the highest-quality product it can find. The dinner menu includes freshly shucked oysters, California Dungeness crab cakes, and a Tomahawk steak for two. The seafood follows sustainable guidelines, and the beef is USDA Prime.

Rooms and wine

The restaurant opened on October 2, 1968, with 72 seats and has since grown to 250 across several dining rooms. The underground Wine Cellar holds 16th-century antiques and a 25-foot redwood banquet table. Wine Spectator gave the wine program a Best of Award of Excellence in 2006.