Nepenthe, Big Sur

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Located in a beautiful place, the isolated restaurant of Nepenthe is a funny idea. Everybody seats side by side, facing the cliffs and the ocean, and lunch will be taken breathing the pure air, and with the sensation of freedom given by the wide sights.

The food is good, respecting the american quantities and the style for "not so fast" food, but pricey as expected.

My mom lives in Big Sur, and this place never gets old. Great service. Great food. The view speaks for itself.

Favorite Dish: I have 2 words for you. Lolly's chicken. It's big enough to share, which is nice if the prices are a little high for your budget.

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This place has just about the best view of any restaurant I have ever been to. The atmosphere is also very cozy. I just wish it were more affordable. Dinners are $25 for a half chicken and $35+ for beef. While I liked what we had (salmon & a very trimmed artichoke appetizers plus chicken dinner) it was a bit expensive for what it was. That said, you should definitely eat here just for the view- even if it's only appetizers or drinks. Well worth the stop.

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The ambience here is very peaceful with terrific views of the Pacific Ocean. A nice place to enjoy a romantic dinner and watch the sunset. Call for reservations as they book up fast during summer. There is also a store and a coffee house on the premise.

Perched up on the edge of the world, it's the perfect place for a time out with good food, great wine, and yummy desserts. You won't want to leave once you get here. San Lucia mountains on your back, pacific down below, fine wine in hand and tasty food on the table...are you there yet.

Hey this restaurant is pricey and the food is fine but it's totally worth it to have a beer and watch the sunset on the back deck. This photo is the front part of the restaurant. To the left is a great big firepit and a cliff overlooking the ocean. It's truely beautiful.

Before leaving on our trip up the California coast, 2 native Californians told us no matter what we did, we had to stop at Nepenthe when we drove through Big Sur. We're not fools, and when two people who know their way around an area give us a tip, we are sure to follow it up. We arrived at Nepenthe at around lunch time on a beautiful day. Nepenthe is a roomy wooden restaurant built into the natural landscape with the most dramatic views of Big Sur. You could see the blue, you could see the mist, you could see the rocks- all of it while you chow down on great food. The fare is pretty earthy so if you have the guide that I had that described it as surf 'n' turf, ignore that. we walked in thinking we were getting fish 'n' chips and were instead greeted with a menu full of hummus, avocado and cous cous- not your usual surf 'n' turf menu. The atmosphere is very relaxed and open. I would suggest going during the day for lunch, though they serve dinner too. You can eat outside on the deck overlooking Big Sur or inside- both have the same views so if you want to avoid the waits associated with the outdoor seating, just suck it up and sit indoors near the window. This is a true California road trip staple.

Favorite Dish: The hummus was outstanding- it had a kick.

Abience,what can I say,when you sit on the terrace,with,a wide,glorious view of a meadow and the ocean?,Here,even a mere bag of chips,with a soda,seems like the finest's of foods.But then,the food,itself,is great.

Favorite Dish: We had breakfast,ok.brunch,a spanish style omelet,it was very light,even with all the extra's,it's like,they know,once we are done eating,off we go,hiking,the food,somehow fits in here.

Biggest damn burgers this side of Singapore with a high perched terrace view the rugged califronia coast. A friend who lives in Monterey drove me to Nepenthe for lunch and the views. He went on to tell me that this was in the settting of 'The Sandpiper' with Liz Taylor in 1963.
Grab a seat in the terrace over looking the sea with your best mate and have some wine and a big fat greasy Ambrosia burger.

Favorite Dish: Burgers, although is all looked pretty good what was being delievered to other tables.

Napenthe, a family owned restaurant, is the only one that I have actually patronized in Big Sur. I recommend it for a $10 hamburger and a $5 beer. It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but I remember the food being very good, but not cheap.

You will also be paying for the view.

A unique quality is the outdoor patio stadium seating that looks over 40 miles of California Coast. Each time I have been here, the view has been different. I enjoyed one time when the fog rolled in, making it seem that you were eating on top of the clouds! Pretty magnificent.

Favorite Dish: Lunch is about 1/2 expensive as dinner.