ZeevruchtenImage Credit: | https://guide.michelin.com/en/california/monterey/restaurant/the-sardine-factory The name and exterior of this "factory" can be deceptive as it is pretty damn elegant, if even a bit stodgy on the inside. Imagine silk curtains, monogrammed seatbacks and other ornate touches, including a glassed-in greenhouse "conservatory." If that's not enough, white tablecloths, silver chargers and a menu listing "favorite" and "famous" dishes showcase decades of approval from tourists and elders.The menu is well executed but far from trendy, featuring a mix of classics like crispy sand dabs alongside '80s-glamour revivals like lobster ravioli in cream sauce. For those more open-minded however, the throwback theatricality can also be a lot of fun—from the ample bread basket with tomato-white bean dip to an engaging staff with fine-dining panache.
