Location: Big Sur
Top Restaurants in Big Sur
Most Popular Restaurants in Big Sur
Jagged cliffs pummeled by surf line the Pacific Coast Highway along Big Sur, creating some of California's most memorable ocean vistas between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller found inspiration in its fog-banked canyons and meadows. Gray whales migrate past twice a year, and elephant seals bask on the sandy shores. Luxury hotels, restaurants and art galleries cluster in a six-mile strip, giving way to redwood-filled state parks on either side.
Things to do in Big Sur
1. Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 469 reviews
Reviewed By Abram R - Chicago, Illinois
We enjoyed two meals here while staying at Deetjen's; dinner during our first night's stay and breakfast to kick off our second day. Both were excellent. For breakfast, I highly recommend the granola (homemade) with berries. We both ordered special menu items for dinner and both were fantastic. I imagine you'll be pleased with whatever you order here. The service is prompt and attentive but not hurried. It is very clear that your patronage is appreciated. Thank you so much for two wonderful meals.
2. Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 760 reviews
Reviewed By LightFighter - Lafayette, California
A charming small bakery on a tiny knoll just outside the small town of Big Sur. The bakery offers a variety of baked goods including some amazing home-made scones and a number of delicious cookies. Service ranges from indifferent to cheerful.
Overall, a nice place to sit outside on their small porch with coffee and snack before heading back up the road to Monterey!
3. Espresso Bar
Overall Ratings
1 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Christ52 - Stockholm, Sweden
I stopped on a journey from SF to LA longing for an Espresso. And there it was a sign on a house inviting me to that.
But a same on the served drink, so far from anything drinkable.
So whatever you do, don’t drink you espresso here.
4. Nepenthe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Highway 1 is open both north and south to our location in Big Sur. Northbound travelers will need to use Nacimiento-Ferguson Road through Ft. Hunter Liggett Military Reservation to access Highway 1. Southbound travelers can proceed south of the Monterey Peninsula directly to our location.
Reviewed By elturcogrande - Dallas, Texas
Approximately one hour drive from Monterrey. The views are breathtaking. Plenty of outside sitting area for enjoying the views. The restaurant was very crowded and we were told the wait time was over an hour. They said they didn't serve outside so we ordered items from the bar and sat outside and enjoyed the views.
5. Sierra Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
High atop the cliffs, offering breathtaking views is Sierra Mar, winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Grand Award. Offering an unconventional fine dining experience, Executive Chef John Cox presents inquisitive food creations featuring ingredients highlighted by a sense of place and culture. Selections from the award-winning wine cellar enhance the innovative, inspired cuisine.
Reviewed By BrynMawrBK - Bryn Mawr, PA
We had all of our meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, at Sierra Mar during our stay at Post Ranch Inn. The food was superb: delicious, inventive, and beautifully presented. The menus were completely different every day so we never repeated a dish (though we would...MoreBrynMawrBK, Thank you so much for being our guest at the Post Ranch Inn. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed our Ranch Dinner. We can't wait to have you back! All the best,
6. Cafe Kevah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Currently closed due to construction and repairs, set to re-open on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Beautiful outdoor seating with spectacular view of 60 miles of California coast. Brunch menu/counter service.
Reviewed By RainyDayVisitor - Pasadena, Ca
A wonderful alternate to its sister restaurant Nepenthe. Same view at a fraction of the cost. I was sceptical of this place at first. You stand in line to order from what's basically a brunch menu with beer and wine options. They were able to recommend a dish suitable for a gluten allergy and it was fantastic...I was actually surprised! This is an outdoor patio overlooking the ocean in Big Sur...for less than $20/person I had a wonderful brunch with the best spiced cider I've had in a long time and enjoyed a spectacular view. There were no heaters on the deck when I went and less umbrellas than tables, so dress accordingly. I highly recommend. Also, stop by the Phoenix gift shop after...one of the best in the area.
7. Ripplewood Resrt Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
The restaurant for Ripplewood Resort in Big Sur.
8. The Sur House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
The Restaurant at Ventana is situated 1200 feet above the rugged Big Sur coast with views of the Pacific Ocean. The culinary team is lead by Executive Chef Paul Corsentino, who uses only the freshest, organic ingredients to create simple cuisine with vibrant flavors. His menus are driven by his commitment to supporting the local farming community. Chef Corsentino's experience is brought to life in each daily menu he creates. Chef and his team are known for daring and diverse foods with inventive recipes both comforting and decadent, offering something for every palate. A locally inspired, sommelier selected wine list offers many options for food and wine pairings. Seasonal cocktails and California craft beers are available to enjoy in the cozy lounge area or outdoors next to the grand fireplace.
Reviewed By Maaaarion - Santa Cruz, California
We are a retired couple from Santa Cruz, and come down to Big Sur 3 or 4 times a year. After hearing about the multi million dollar renovation being completed we were curious whether our favorite lunch spot on the Pacific had changed. They did a nice job installing screens to block out the sun, the food is fine enough and who can argue with the spectacular setting. Not so fast, just when you thought it could not get any nicer, the ocean beneath, the birds circling below and majestic mountains in the mist, you hear piped in from the bushes beneath: elevator music, no kidding! It belittles the place and the customers too. The couple at the next table was equally perplexed. We asked to turn it down, but that was not possible. I would challenge the management to try one week with the noise pollution and see whether anybody requests to have it turned back on.
9. Big Sur Taphouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
The Taphouse is located right next to the Big Sur Deli and the Big Sur Post Office. We have a pet friendly, large outdoor patio with a beautiful view of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Stop by and try one of our 10 craft brewes on tap or a glass of wine. We also feature live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Come stop by and see us!
Reviewed By rickykr10 - Copenhagen Region, Denmark
Visited this cosy place in June. Great tacos. Reasonable prices, very good for the area. Unfortunately the girl working by the bar desk was not very nice both upon arrival and when I asked about the restroom she seemed very annoyed about this simple question. A man came out with our food and he was nice wishing us a pleasant meal.
10. Big Sur Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 321 reviews
The Big Sur Roadhouse features delicious California cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. In keeping with our Big Sur ethos, the seasonal menu is filled with locally sourced organic ingredients. Also, not to be missed, San Francisco designer Steve Justrich's "homegrown modernism" has transformed the Roadhouse into a truly unique and fitting environment for dining in Big Sur. Please stop by for coffee, a glass of wine, a snack or make a reservation for a full meal.
Reviewed By trra - Madera, California
You stand in line to order, and they are not in a real hurry to take your order. For Cafeteria style a little pricey. But Big Sur is not known for value or great service. We got the egg mcmuffin style Breakfast sandwich that was overpriced but tasty. They have outdoor comfy seating with a firepits.
