Press Releases

MONTEREY, Calif.-The Sardine Factory Restaurant located on Cannery Row has received the American Automobile Association's (AAA) Four-Diamond Award. The Sardine Factory has been a recipient of this award since 1996. "The Sardine Factory Restaurant understands the importance of quality as it consistently delivers a premier experience to guests, complete with superior personal service, first-class amenities, and impressive surroundings," said Jennifer Mack, AAA spokesperson. As indicated by the association's restaurant listing requirements and diamond rating guidelines booklet the AAA diamond rating is "assigned to a restaurant based on criteria noted at the time of the evaluation and reflect the overall quality of the dining experience." A four-diamond establishment must provide a high degree of sophistication in cuisine, service and ambience. In addition, a four-diamond restaurant must demonstrate its food preparation and presentation to be complex and creative, feature an extensive wine list, provide professional service which is attentive to guests' needs and convey style, elegance and a high degree of refinement or formality in its décor. Sardine Factory co-owners Ted Balestreri and Bert Cutino stated, "We are honored our restaurant is one of the few four-diamond recipients on the Monterey Peninsula. The AAA is highly regarded in the travel and tourism industry and our restaurant would not be recognized if it were not for the team effort exhibited by the management and staff." Established in 1968, the Sardine Factory's combination of fresh seafood, prime meats, and produce coupled with impeccable service, an award-winning wine cellar, and four distinct dining rooms has contributed to the receipt of many honors, including the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Award and Wine Spectator's Grand Award.