Cuisine:

• American
• Sea food
• Continental
• European
• Lounge, club, bar
• Banquet

Sardine Factory Description:
Known for its fresh seafood and extensive wine list. Decor is old world European with uniformed waiters and professional service.
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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