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    Sierra Mar

    4.2 (545 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndNew American
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Sierra Mar Photos

    SIERRA MAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Romantic
    Upscale
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Sierra Mar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Angela L.

    Wanted a nice meal that would be a contrast to the hiking shoes and forest roadside diner. The view was amazing, our day was filled with the marine layer/clouds so it felt like we were dining above the clouds. Prefix lunch was plenty enough to eat without the additional appetizer. The drinks are nice and all the food is served family style. Between the salmon, lion's mane mushroom, and steak, my favorite was the mushroom. The steak was a bit more cooked than the medium rare requested. There's indoor and outdoor dining. The weather was nice enough to eat outside too. If you wanted, there are shades that can be pulled down to cover the floor to ceiling windows. You can also walk out into their small balconies to enjoy the view. The staff is very friendly and made us feel welcomed. Valet is complimentary, but there's quite a few stairs to climb from the valet to the restaurant. There are electric vehicle charging as well. If needed, I think individuals can be driven up to accommodate mobility issues.

    Sunset
    Olivia P.

    Really enjoyed my experience at Sierra Mar for a special occasion. I sat outside and highly recommend it if the weather permits. We watched the sun set throughout the meal. The dishes were all played well and were unique combinations of food. Everything tasted delightful.

    1st course
    Ryan M.

    Sierra Mar is more than a meal -- it's a full-on experience, and easily one of the highlights of our honeymoon. From the moment we sat down, the service set the tone: warm, attentive, and perfectly paced. Add in a breathtaking location (floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views that stretch for miles) and a refined yet relaxed ambiance, and you've got the recipe for a truly memorable night. The food? Outstanding. Each dish felt creative, thoughtful, and distinct. The oysters were briny, fresh, and among the best I've ever had. The duck was executed perfectly -- tender, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Course after course, we were surprised in the best possible way. It was the perfect place to celebrate something as special as our honeymoon, and it lived up to every expectation. Sierra Mar isn't just dinner -- it's a destination.

    Salmon
    Carlos M.

    Came here to celebrate my birthday. It was an amazing view in atmosphere. The food was great and cooked perfectly. I wish they had a beef option on the prefix menu, but that was the only choice we were given. this was dinner service if I forgot to mention, salmon was cooked perfectly nicely balance the salad was good with the dressing It had at the bottom. The highlights for me were honestly the abalone, the chicken and the chocolate cake dessert. The abalone felt very comforting and hit a core memory. Chicken was well balanced with the sauce pairings and not dry. the chocolate was rich, but not overly sweet. Later on in the dinner we had we noticed some people had beef around us, which was a let down besides that everything else was good. Will definitely come again to see the lunch menu

    From the garden
    Evon T.

    What can I say! I love the view and the food was average, but it could be better. Me and friend booked a table at 7:45pm for a dinner and we came early around 7:10pm. However, we had to wait until 8:30pm for my table to be ready which was 45m past my reservation. Not even an apologize from the receptionist, we were just waiting and hopelessly waiting outside and it's getting cold and colder. Finally got our table at 8:30pm and they put us in a right next to the door when people walking in and out the balcony to check the view. Feeling we were in a Zoo not a fancy restaurant lol 2.5 hours from where we live to get there, the experience was the worse than I ever had. Food came out around 9:15pm and we just wanted to finish it and drove back as soon as possible (which took me another 2.5 hours) $185/ person plus tax and tips. Food was average. Service at the table was okay If you're thinking about looking this place for a special occasion, please save your money, time and energy for better options out there. We left and barely enjoyed the dinner, both of us felt stressed after the long wait of times.

    Qin Y.

    We dined at Sierra Mar and had a lovely experience overall. The chicken was outstanding incredibly tender and perfectly cooked, definitely the highlight of the meal. Overall, a good dining experience, especially for the view.

    Yum
    R G.

    Wow. Beautiful, wondrous and deelish! Didn't realize how chic, lux and straight up perfect the Sierra Mar would be for prifix lunch and wine pairing. Brought our appetites and thirst - Everyone loved it. Lucious fried naan with eggplant spread and pickled veggies- light crisp first bite. Tasty fresh salad. Then the star- medium rare chimmichuri topped Bavette steak, grilled veggies and roasted lemon. Perfection on the cliffside! Service was very good, Only two notes- gin should be stirred, NOT shaken. Security was a little off putting.

    Xiaobei W.

    I visited the restaurant at Post Ranch Inn for lunch on November 15, 2025. The view was stunning and the food was very good, and under normal circumstances I would have happily recommended this place. Unfortunately, the way the restaurant handled payment completely ruined the experience for me. Because of a power outage, the staff said they could not use the POS terminal. Instead, they asked me to write my full name, full credit card number and CVV on the back of a receipt so they could process the charge later. I specifically asked if this was safe, and was told it was, so I reluctantly did it. After I left, I received a voicemail from the restaurant manager and messages through OpenTable saying they "still need your credit card information" and asking me to call back and leave my card details with the hostess. The wording and tone made me feel as if I had not paid or was trying to avoid paying, even though I had already written down my full card number and CVV for them. I was traveling and on a flight, so I couldn't respond immediately, but when I landed I called back, provided the expiration date, and also expressed how uncomfortable and upset I felt about the whole situation. I fully understand that the restaurant should be paid for the meal. My issue is how my card information was collected and how I was treated afterwards. Writing full card details (including CVV) on the back of a receipt and then repeatedly calling and messaging for more "credit card information" feels extremely unsafe and unprofessional, especially for a property at this level. Because of this, I cannot recommend this restaurant despite the beautiful setting and good food.

    Jeff T.

    A magical lunch above the clouds. Ask for Roman! ​I cannot recommend Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn enough. We came for lunch and were blown away by how special the experience was from start to finish. ​We were lucky to have beautiful weather, which made the view absolutely stunning--it feels like you are dining on the edge of the world. We started with a fresh, beautiful salad course that was plated like art. For our mains, we split the burger and the steak. Both were excellent; the steak was cooked perfectly and served with a delicious green sauce and grilled lemon that really brightened the dish. ​The wine pairing was completely worth it and elevated the meal. What really sealed the deal was the service--Roman is a gem. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel so welcome. Considering the world-class view and the quality of the food, it felt reasonably priced for such a luxurious experience. Even the little details, like having binoculars at the table to scan the ocean, made it unforgettable.

    Lisa T.

    We came here on a weekend away from the city. Big Sur is like a dream land and that extends to Sierra Mar. The atmosphere of the restaurant made me feel like I was floating in water. We got the tasting menu. I thought it was paced really well and that there was a wide variety with seafood and vegetables. Felt like there was a nod to Asian tastes with the cooked abalone. Loved how it was seafood heavy and earthy with mushrooms. I would definitely recommend for a try.

    Jabez P.

    Easily one of the most beautiful restaurants i've been to. The service was great and I came at 7:30 pm to catch the sunset which was absolutely gorgeous. The course meals were tasty and we were rewarded with the view of the stars post meal. Overall gr8 experience

    Menu
    Victoria S.

    Beautiful restaurant with a nice view, delicious, healthy food & friendly service. We came for a lunch prix-fixe menu $85/person. We had the Chef's Garden Harvest, Tabouli Salad, Soup, Niman Ranch Bavette Steak & Coconut Panna Cotta. I paid an extra $48 for half a dozen chilled oysters, which were so good! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because they forgot we were celebrating our anniversary, even though we put it in the reservations. We also mentioned it to our server before we ordered & he promised to bring us champagne but forgot. We had to remind the hostess, who brought it at the end of our meal with our dessert.

    Brenda B.

    We enjoyed a great Sunday lunch. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and courteous. Our server Roman was extra ordinary and made our visit extra special. The restaurant is full of beautiful views.

    Panna cotta

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    Page 1 of 14

    Sierra Mar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sierra Mar

    Do you have to stay at Post Ranch Inn to be able to get a meal reservation?

    Only for breakfast do you have to be staying there

    Is the menu only prix fixe now?

    Yes. I am just verifying that the AI assistant answer above is correct. It is prix fixe for non-hotel guests; guests can order off of a menu

    Can you come in for just a drink?

    No. Reservations

    Have you reopened? Can we stop by for a drink?

    Hi Jack - Sierra Mar is open for dinner. Please visit postranchinn.com and click on the dining tab to check for availability. At this time, we are offering our 4 course dinner for $145 pp.… 

    Have you reopened to the public? Are we able to come by for a drink?

    Good afternoon, We will be opening to the public very soon. As of now we have not set a date yet.… 

    Are you guys ready to take outside guest?

    Good morning - Post Ranch Inn is accepting hotel guests on property until further notice. Thank you !1

    When you guys will be able to take people's reservation who dont stay in the ranch?

    Good afternoon, We will be able to serve guests that are not staying at the Ranch as soon as the… 

    Is there vegan options? Thanks

    Hi Brynn, Yes, absolutely. Please be sure to communicate your dietary preferences when making… 

    Can me and my friend come in for just a drink?

    Is it kid friendly?

    I would highly encourage that you call the property. I know they discourage bringing children, as it is quite an exclusive resort and an adult oriented atmosphere. The times I have been there, no kids found anywhere.

    Is the patio dog friendly?

    How much they charge for corking fee?

    Corkage is $45 according to the sample wine list on their website. https://www.postranchinn.com/download/Sierra-Mar-Wine-Cellar_sample-list.pdf

    View All 15 Questions

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    The Sur House - Rigatoni

    The Sur House

    4.1(236 reviews)
    0.4 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.

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    Inside

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    Arugula wrapped in eggplant

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    Cafe Kevah - French Toast

    Cafe Kevah

    4.1(279 reviews)
    0.9 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.

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    Cafe Kevah - View of cashier from aisle

    View of cashier from aisle

    Cafe Kevah - Cobb Salad

    Cobb Salad

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    Nepenthe - Chicken chicken breast served on a French Roll

    Nepenthe

    3.7(2.9k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    •$$$

    Our first visit to Nepenthe in Big Sur was an enjoyable experience overall, primarily because of…read morethe incredible location and atmosphere. This is a very casual restaurant perched along the beautiful Big Sur coastline, with spectacular ocean views and a lively energy created by visitors coming from all over the country. From a food perspective, however, I would describe our experience as good rather than exceptional. My wife and son shared the 12-ounce ribeye steak, which was approximately $77. They requested it medium-plus to medium-well, but unfortunately it initially arrived considerably undercooked, almost blue. To their credit, the staff immediately addressed the issue, and once corrected, the steak tasted good. The quality of the beef was decent, but at $77 for a relatively small 12-ounce steak, my expectations were considerably higher. At that price point, you're approaching what established steakhouses such as Mastro's charge for premium cuts, and I didn't feel the quality or preparation was quite at that level. I ordered the famous Ambrosia Burger. The flavor was fine, but the presentation wasn't personally appealing to me. Essentially, the beef and French-style roll arrived with much of the lettuce, tomato, onion, and other accompaniments presented separately on the plate. When I order a burger at a restaurant, I prefer the kitchen to properly assemble and present it according to my request rather than having to construct it myself at the table. For my burger and its presentation, I would give about three stars. For the ribeye, once properly cooked, approximately four stars. Overall, I would rate Nepenthe around four stars, perhaps a four-minus. The spectacular setting and atmosphere are unquestionably the stars of the experience. The food was decent and the staff responded appropriately when there was an issue, but considering the pricing, I would like to see greater attention to preparation, presentation, and overall value. Certainly worth experiencing at least once while visiting Big Sur, particularly for the views and atmosphere. With a little more attention to detail in the kitchen, the food experience could better match this extraordinary location.

    Another great experience at Nepenthe! This time we sat…read moreinside which was still an amazing view of the ocean and tree lines. We enjoyed the carajillo cocktail and clam chowder before our halibut and steak frites meals. This will always be our go-to spot while visiting Carmel/Big Sur.

    Photos
    Nepenthe
    Nepenthe - Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad

    Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad

    Nepenthe - Drinks (the red beer was super satisfying after a hike!)

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    Drinks (the red beer was super satisfying after a hike!)

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

    Post Ranch Inn

    4.3(362 reviews)
    0.0 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.

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    Post Ranch Inn - Interior looking out over ocean

    Interior looking out over ocean

    Post Ranch Inn
    Post Ranch Inn

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    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant - Tri Tip Sandwich

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant

    3.0(398 reviews)
    3.4 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

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    Arnold Palmer

    Sierra Mar - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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