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    Nepenthe

    3.7 (2.9k reviews)
    PriceyNew American
    Closed • 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Nepenthe Photos

    NEPENTHE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Nepenthe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Smoked salmon
    Sarah N.

    Expect to wait a bit now that both sides of Highway 1 have opened up but there's a nice view to take in so it's not terrible! We were given an estimated 35 min wait time but got in before that. The guy at the host stand was awesome and super patient with everyone and he struck up really nice conversations as well. We liked the ambrosia burger and steak frites. It's a bit pricey for what we got though.

    Beautiful view
    Ajit S.

    Stopped on the way to Hearst Castle from yhr Bay Area. They have a cafe with a limited menu but shorter wait. We opted for the restaurant. It had a long wait (45 mins). Food is pretty expensive. I ordered the chicken sandwich. I get the hype. The sandwich was delicious. However the service was very slow. If you are on a timeline for your trip, the food and wait combined can be easily 2 hours. We just barely made it to Hearst castle before they closed. If your schedule is flexible then it is likely one of the best places to eat with amazing views of the coastline.

    The Famous Ambrosiaburger
    Ron M.

    Haven't been here since I was a kid, so does that really count? I think not! LL! Going back as an adult is far better than when I was a kid not remembering a single thing. It was amazing & all my friends were surprised that I hadn't gone back as an adult, because they said I'd love it. Jeez Louise, where they right. The food was delicious, I forgot to take a photo of my Steak Frites, but demolished it before I can remember to take a photo, sadly. My cousin Rianna ordered The Famous Ambrosia Burger & it was great, flavor was on point & she said her espresso was the best she ever had! The old lady who used to won it does the desserts still & they were both amazing! Triple Berry Pie & Banana Cream Pie highly recommend! Oh, completely forgot to mention, Laurent Perrier Rosé was a huge winner! It was not sweet at all & the bartender told me so & believed him, glad I did! The color was great to see than the typical color. I don't like my champagne sweet, but always brut, dry like my personality. LL! Laura T, you were a fabulous service & love every single one of your recommendations & appreciate you! Excellent customer service skills & work ethics, nicely done! Now! The ambiance is stellar & worth the long wait for a killer table with views for days. Have patience, because it is worth it relaxing with your views.

    David K.

    TIKI DAVE has had a love affair with NEPENTHE ever since his parents started taking him there when he was an itty bitty. This place is pure magic. Big Sur is pure magic. Big Sur even healed my wheelchair bound mother in her 30's? when she fell ill and stayed with the Pfeiffer family back in the '70s for a couple of months. Despite whatever inclimate weather on the Monterey Peninsula, whenever you pass Big Sur and go up over the hill past Ventana and Post Ranch to Nepenthe, it is always sunshine. Well, except for last weekend. But we didn't care. Our usual favorite spot is through the restaurant out on the back deck but they were, as always, mobbed so we grabbed a drink at the beautiful bar and waited about 30 minutes for an edge spot out front. When I started going to Nepenthe, the Ambrosia Burgers (a must have) were $5...Now they are about $28. For all the haters who complain about that price tag, realize you are on the edge of the world with zero cares aside from perhaps some difficult parking because it is such a popular place. But again, everything about Nepenthe is pure magic. For my wife and I, we split a bottle of Chardonnay for a very reasonable price as well as the Ambrosia Burger with the absolute mandatory side of bean salad. TIKI DAVE is serious; the bean salad has been a favorite for years and years and years. The fresh herbs with the garbanzos and kidneys, well, for fear of being redundant, the combination is magic. And that burger continues to be incredible. And frankly splitting the burger, beans and a half basket of fries (which really is even enough for a family of 4) are plenty. TIKI DAVE adores this place and it has survived years of local fires. The store down below is also amazing, full of unique things, art, jewelry, cards, decor, everything interesting. TIKI DAVE has been going to NEPENTHE for years and years and years. I have all sorts of local tips; please reach out to me and follow me on socials for all sorts of tips!

    French Dip Sammie
    Toby M.

    Food is 2 stars Service was 4 stars Ambiance was 5++ stars. We sat "front row" on the veranda so we are biased with the 5 star rating (see pics). Got there at 11 for 11:30 opening just by chance which got us 6th on the list and as a couple we got lucky with amazing seats with the view to The Pacific Ocean. Bloody Mary was awesome. Garlic and Goat cheese appie was amazeballs. Hamburger was dreadful. Overcooked and Undersized for the bread. You can charge $30 for a burger just don't pretend it is more than it is. Just bad all around. Really a bummer given how easy it is to make a great burger. French Dip Sammie was just ok. French Vinagrette dressing on the salad was nice.

    Mone K.

    Came here on a Saturday, and it was pretty packed. It took a while to find parking, and we waited about an hour before being seated. The view was incredible, and I definitely think it was worth the wait. There's a spacious two-story souvenir shop downstairs, which is a great place to browse while you're waiting. The food menu is fairly limited, but everything was good and perfect for enjoying in the middle of nowhere. The only downside is that there's no Wi-Fi, so be prepared to disconnect during your visit.

    Shrimp BLT with garbanzo beans
    Vivian Q.

    This place is an incredible place to have lunch if you're driving along Highway 1. We arrived earlier and managed to avoid too much of a crowd. After you put your name, you take a buzzer and you can enjoy the views or roam their little gift shop as you wait to be seated. We requested and were seated right at the edge of their patio so we had spectacular views to enjoy, as well as a cute blue jay flying back and forth. Both the Ambrosia burger and the shrimp BLT sandwich were delicious - definitely hits the spot. Our server was very sweet and nice.

    dawg
    Shwe N.

    2.75/5! idk it really was for the views haha food was pretty mediocre for me i wouldn't come back ALSO parking is tight even for compact cars

    Julissa H.

    This is my husband's and I favorite place in the world. The view, the food, and service is top notch. We came here a few days after highway 1 reopened and it was very quiet and nice. We typically have to wait a good hour or two to get seated, but having the wildfires directly behind us kept some people away. Not mad at all. We ordered the NY, Rib Eye , French fries, and tomato caprese salad. I really enjoyed my NY steak with risotto (special request this sub), but my husband wasn't super happy with his Rib Eye Steak. It might have been a mishap because every other time we've dined here it's been amazing! Will definitely be back the next time we're in Big Sur.

    Steak
    Katie N.

    I'm sad to give a restaurant on such a beautiful spot of the California coast a 3 star review, but unfortunately I was very underwhelmed with the food here, especially for the prices. We were really looking forward to our dinner here while in the area and everything we tried was sub par. The steak was nothing special, with cherry tomatoes on it. The burger was very basic. The kids enjoyed the hot dog, but again nothing special. The views from up top were incredible. If you do come for the views, I'd recommend just getting a burger. Then you won't feel like you're out so much for sub par food. We paid $190 for 2 adults and 1 kids plate. Pretty crazy!

    Chili and Cole slaw. Mai tai
    Connie C.

    Food is mediocre and nothing to rave about. It's the view you go for, however, not every table has a good view. If you go here and don't mind waiting be specific with the hostess stand about your wishes. I had the daily soup and salad special which was chili and I selected Cole slaw. I ordered the Mai tai which tasted simply like orange juice and didn't enjoy it. We also shared a French dip which we requested medium well. It was mostly rare and had a lot of fat.

    Claudia L.

    Come here for the view! This cliffside restaurant with seating overlooking the Pacific is a wonderful stop along Highway 1. We popped in for a late lunch (3:00 pm) on a weekday afternoon and the place was busy, but we were seated right away. Service was slow and the food took a long time to come out. We ordered the steak ($45) and the special (a pulled pork sandwich). At $30, I've had better elsewhere. I give the food 3 stars. They also have a cafe serving breakfast and a well stocked gift shop with high quality items that was fun to browse.

    Smoked Salmon
    Ves S.

    Great views. Gets really busy! We got there 10 minutes before opening on a weekday and it was booked already but fortunately there were lots of seats and we got an outside table. Food was decent. You're here for the views! We just got some salad and salmon opener. A little pricey but satisfying and quick to prepare. Parking can be a hassle as the complex has a cafe and gift shop as well. You can also park on the street if necessary.

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    Nepenthe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Nepenthe

    Do they take Reservations?

    No reservation

    No dogs? Even on the patio?

    No unfortunately they don't allow dogs even on the patio. There is a huge sign outside that says that dogs aren't allowed.

    Do they still have a gift shop?

    Yes, a very nice one.

    Is it possible to make reservations?

    They don't take reservations which is the single biggest reason I would skip this place and its 2+ hour waits for tables altogether. If they don't respect your time as a customer you should take your business elsewhere.

    Are dogs allowed?

    Dogs are not allowed. They are quite strict with this rule. If your dog is a "service dog" you can bring it but if it's not and trying to pass it off as a service animal you may have to leave Fido in your car. That can be dangerous with heat and… 

    Can you make reservation or walk ins only? Are they open may 28th Weeknd?

    Walk ins only.

    Is it handicap accessible.?

    Nepenthe Restaurant has an accessible ramp for guests that is located in upper parking lot. Upon driving into main parking lot, on right side, you will find a driveway going up to top level that is signed as Handicapped/Delivery entrance. At the… 

    Is this place open? What's the current COVID restrictions?

    We were there on December 7, and it was open, outdoor seating only. Staff is wearing masks. I would call to check.

    Can you stop in just for a drink and to enjoy the views, or is there only a restaurant area?

    There is a patio area one level down from the restaurant and close to the gift shop where you can enjoy beer , wine and the great view.

    Do they allow dog?

    They absolutely DO NOT allow dogs, not even on their outside patio. You can bring your dog to the gift shop and maybe the coffee terrace but the restaurant doesn't allow them

    We are wanting to stop here on our way to our campsite. We are traveling in a 22' RV. Is there parking large enough for an RV?

    The parking lot is tight when busy, and the driveway is narrow and steep, as was previously mentioned. You would do better to park alongside the highway or on the turnout.

    Getting mixed answers about reservations, do they take them or is it walk in only for lunch or dinner?

    I think they may take them at dinner but call and verify. For lunch they do not and you have to… 

    View All 14 Questions

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    The Sur House - Rigatoni

    The Sur House

    4.1(236 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    •$$$

    We accidentally found the place because it's right next door to a great massage place. The food was…read morebomb though. We're started with breakfast and it was a ten out of ten. I ordered an omelette with the mezcal margarita. Then we went back for dinner and it was just as good. I had a salad with beets that changed my life! So fresh. So flavorful. For my meal I ordered the short rib and y'all the food was so good!! Just trust me. It's next door Taboo, from the beach, if you're planning to attend there. Breakfast not photographed

    What started as a stop to charge my Tesla turned into one of the best side quests of our trip. We…read moreended up at Sur House because it was the closest restaurant to the Tesla Supercharger, and I'm so glad we did. The views are absolutely breathtaking, the restaurant is spotless, and even the restrooms were immaculate. You can tell they take pride in every detail. The service was exceptional. My son is a very picky eater and pretty much only eats salmon and Wendy's nuggets. Even though salmon wasn't on the menu, the staff went above and beyond to make it happen for him, seasoned simply with salt and pepper and cooked extra well done. He loved every bite. That level of customer service is hard to find. The food was outstanding, the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the general manager was genuinely kind. They were even hosting a private event, yet still found a way to make room for us and made us feel completely welcome instead of rushed. This unexpected side quest ended up being one of the highlights of our drive along the coast. Amazing food, incredible service, unforgettable ocean views, and a team that truly cares about its guests. I would absolutely recommend Sur House to anyone in the area, and I'll definitely be back the next time I'm driving through.

    Photos
    The Sur House - Inside

    Inside

    The Sur House - Arugula wrapped in eggplant

    Arugula wrapped in eggplant

    The Sur House - Duck confit

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    Duck confit

    Cafe Kevah - French Toast

    Cafe Kevah

    4.1(279 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    •$$

    The view is absolutely beautiful in the morning and definitely adds to the experience. We ordered…read morethe breakfast burrito, the Reuben, and the kid's quesadilla. The food is a little pricey, but I thought the breakfast burrito was well worth it. It was a generous portion, tasted delicious, and paired with the incredible view, it made for a great breakfast. My husband also really enjoyed the Reuben. The only thing we probably wouldn't order again is the kid's quesadilla. It's just cheese in a tortilla, and there isn't an option to add any protein. Next time, I'd probably just share my breakfast burrito with my little one instead. Overall, I'd highly recommend checking this spot out if you get the chance. Great food, beautiful scenery, and a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing morning meal.

    If you are driving the Big Sur highway (?)m Hwy One along the California coast you will experience…read morewide stretches of just beautiful views of ocean and hills. Not a lot of commercial stuff. One of the most popular and well-known eatery is Nepenthe, always crowded and murderous, skimpy parking. A challenge for sure parking and also getting seated. Come early or late, but at prime time your best bet is to walk down the hill to Cafe Kevah, just below the main bar and restaurant. Excellent ocean-side viewing and a decent menu. If you are traveling along the highway, see if you can call ahead for reservations. Kevah serves, meals, pastries and drinks. Put your figurative seat belt on as the prices are California and touristy. Breakfast, granola at $18.50 up to their eggs benedict at $36.50. Until noon. Order at their central counter. Salads from $20.75 - $28.75, Sandwiches serve with mixed greens from $17.75 - $24.50. Kids can get a PB&J or Quesadilla for $9 each. More limited than the full bar and menu uphill at Nepenthe but easy to get seated/not too long of wait for table, less crowded and OK, but not cheap food. It is worth a stop here. If going further south there is another place called Ragged Point, depending on traffic, may be 2 hours more south. Enjoy.

    Photos
    Cafe Kevah - View of cashier from aisle

    View of cashier from aisle

    Cafe Kevah - Cobb Salad

    Cobb Salad

    Cafe Kevah - Breakfast burrito

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    Breakfast burrito

    Post Ranch Inn - Season fennel salad! Light vinaigrette finish, so yum!

    Post Ranch Inn

    4.3(362 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    •$$$$

    Unfortunately for us, Post Ranch Inn was one of our first stops on an eight-day coastal road trip…read more Unfortunate because they set a standard no other property or restaurant was going to match. I knew that going in. It was still starker than I expected. Start with the property. When that is the view off your deck, why go anywhere else? Stunning doesn't cover it. We hiked much of the grounds and every turn delivered something new. The kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. Then the restaurant. Everything was perfect -- service, quality, execution. Much of the food sourced on property or from the surrounding community. My wife declared the salad the best she'd ever had. High praise for a salad. High praise, full stop. Special shout out to our server Yasmany and bartender Thomas -- both exceptional. What struck me most was how effortless the entire staff made it look. These are people who deal with guests from around the world, all arriving with high expectations of a high-end experience. And yet nothing felt forced. Nobody appeared to be trying to impress us. It was just perfect service, perfectly delivered. That's the rarest thing in hospitality. Highlight of the trip. Hands down. And I suspect, never to be repeated.

    PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION -- IT MAY SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS…read more If you are considering booking an ocean-view room at Post Ranch Inn between May, June, July, or August, I strongly encourage you to do extensive research about Big Sur's seasonal coastal fog before spending your money. Based on our experience, I would never book an ocean-view room during these months again. We paid nearly $10,000 for two nights in one of the resort's premium ocean-view accommodations because the breathtaking ocean views shown throughout their website were the main reason we chose this property. Unfortunately, during our entire stay, the ocean view was completely hidden by dense fog. We never saw the spectacular view that was advertised and pictured online. What disappointed us most was the lack of transparency. The website showcases beautiful, clear ocean views but does not adequately prepare guests for the possibility that the view may be completely obstructed for an entire stay during certain times of the year. If guests are paying thousands of dollars specifically for an ocean-view room, they deserve clear information about the seasonal risk of persistent coastal fog so they can make an informed decision. Throughout our stay, we repeatedly asked staff whether the fog would clear. We were consistently told that it would likely clear within a few hours. Unfortunately, that never happened. The fog remained throughout our stay, and we never got to enjoy the ocean view we paid a premium for. What made this even more frustrating was that, after repeatedly being told by multiple staff members that the fog would clear soon, one employee later told us that they were not supposed to tell guests that the weather was expected to remain the same for several days and that these foggy conditions are common during this time of year. According to that employee, this type of weather often persists throughout much of the summer season. I cannot independently verify that statement, but if that information was accurate, it raises serious concerns about transparency. Guests spending thousands of dollars for an ocean-view room deserve honest information about the likelihood of actually seeing the ocean during their stay. The room itself also had maintenance issues. The bar sink was clogged, and the shower valve/faucet was loose and repeatedly fell while being used. We reported both problems, but neither was repaired during our stay. Staff apologized, but no one came to address the issues. For a property charging close to $5,000 per night, I expected much better communication, transparency, maintenance, and overall value. I fully understand that the weather is beyond the hotel's control. However, what is within their control is how honestly they communicate the risk of seasonal fog to potential guests. Had we known there was a realistic possibility of spending our entire stay looking at a wall of fog instead of the Pacific Ocean, we would have chosen different travel dates, a different room category, or a different destination altogether. The property itself is beautiful, but based on our experience, the value did not come close to justifying the cost. If an ocean view is important to you, think very carefully before booking an ocean-view room during the late spring and summer months.

    Photos
    Post Ranch Inn - Interior looking out over ocean

    Interior looking out over ocean

    Post Ranch Inn
    Post Ranch Inn

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    Sierra Mar - Soup

    Sierra Mar

    4.2(545 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    •$$$$

    Our visit to Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur was truly a five-star experience from…read morebeginning to end. We returned at the gracious invitation of General Manager Tim Lee, who wanted my family and me to experience the property again. Tim asked Brendan to take good care of us, and he certainly did. We were seated at a spectacular table overlooking the Pacific Ocean, perched high above the Big Sur coastline. The view alone is breathtaking and creates an atmosphere that is difficult to duplicate anywhere. The three-course brunch was equally impressive. We began with a beautifully presented Mediterranean-inspired course featuring chickpea salad, assorted pickled vegetables, and what appeared to be baba ghanoush. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. The highlight for me was the flat iron steak, beautifully sliced and presented in cast iron. I was especially pleased with the quality of the beef from Niman Ranch, a producer I have long appreciated for its emphasis on high-quality, responsibly raised meats. The steak was prepared beautifully and was absolutely delicious. Service matched the setting and the food. Brendan made certain that we were exceptionally well taken care of throughout our visit, and our server, Matthew, did an outstanding job. He was attentive, professional, and contributed tremendously to the experience. My wife, my son, and I had a wonderful and memorable afternoon. Between the extraordinary setting, excellent food, and genuine hospitality, Sierra Mar absolutely earned five stars from us. A very special thank you to Tim for inviting us back, to Brendan for taking such wonderful care of our family, and to Matthew for his outstanding service. We sincerely appreciate the hospitality and look forward to returning to Post Ranch Inn and Sierra Mar again in the foreseeable future.

    Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious--each course felt intentional,…read morebeautifully presented, and full of flavor. The menu showcased a perfect balance of creativity and refinement, with ingredients that tasted incredibly fresh and well-paired. You can really tell how much care goes into every detail, from the composition of the dishes to the pacing of the meal. Beyond the food, the setting is just as remarkable. The views are stunning and elevate the entire experience, making it feel both special and serene. Overall, it was a truly memorable meal, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Big Sur.

    Photos
    Sierra Mar - Back bar area

    Back bar area

    Sierra Mar - Morro Bay Oysters

    Morro Bay Oysters

    Sierra Mar - View

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    View

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant - Tri Tip Sandwich

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant

    3.0(398 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    •$$

    Big Sur River Inn is a lovely spot right along the river that invites you to turn lunch into a long…read moreafternoon lounging on the river. Beautiful scenery , must sit outside and enjoy the views, we sat on the little deck facing the grassy area and loved it. Grassy area was perfect for our after lunch frisbee session!! I had the crab cake sandwich and my wife got a burger, we really enjoyed both. Service was good, manager was very friendly!! We were on a long 10 day camp trip from San Rafael- Santa Barbra so stopping in for lunch was a lovely treat and we will definitely stop in next time we are in the area. We didn't do it but loved seeing folks sitting in the river in the adirondack chairs , doesn't get much more relaxing than enjoying your favorite beverage while you lounge with your feet dangling in the Big Sur river!!

    Big Sur Inn is a convenient stop if you're driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Everything you need…read moreis within a short walk of each other: a restaurant, gas station, small convenience store for road trip snacks and drinks, and even an ice cream truck. One of the highlights is the peaceful creek behind the restaurant. It's a great place to stretch your legs, dip your feet in the water, and relax for a few minutes before getting back on the road. The biggest downside is the restroom situation. There's only one men's and one women's bathroom shared by everyone using the restaurant and rest stop, so the wait can get pretty long. Parking is also limited during busy days and peak travel hours. Overall, it's a nice place to take a break, refuel yourself and your vehicle, and enjoy a little bit of the area before continuing your journey.

    Photos
    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant - Interior

    Interior

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant - Guac & Chips

    Guac & Chips

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant - Arnold Palmer

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    Arnold Palmer

    Nepenthe - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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