Sardine Factory
701 Wave St., Monterey (831) 373-3775, sardinefactory.com
Some may say Sardine Factory’s success started when Clint Eastwood filmed parts of Play Misty for Me in the restaurant. Others may point to the famous abalone bisque served at Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. They’re wrong. Sardine Factory remains a destination thanks to the Mr. Belvedere-level service and the way founders Ted Balestreri and Bert Cutino dote upon guests. There’s the wine list that includes important vintages in a cool, dusty cellar. And the kitchen shows deep knowledge of the classics, as well as a deft touch as trends change. In other words, Sardine Factory was totally awesome then and is totally awesome now.