Location: Big Sur
Top Restaurants in Big Sur
Countries
Where to eat American food in Big Sur: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Reviews on American food in Big Sur, California, United States. 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
10. Big Sur River Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 626 reviews
Renew your spirit at the full service restaurant and bar at Big Sur River Inn. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast, lunch or dinner in the historic dining room or outside on the deck, the lawn or along the bank of the Big Sur River. Have a seat on one of the bent
Reviewed By Mithra
This is a welcome rest stop along the winding coast line route. They have alfresco dining as well as indoor seating. The wait staff is pleasant and welcoming. The greeter had obviously never dealt with service animals before and was trying to tell us that no dogs were allowed until we explained the nature of service animals.We had a steak Caesar and portobello mushroom sandwich. Both were very tasty . The water however reeked of chlorine, and the one thing they could do to improve everything is serve filtered water at the very least perhaps even make their coffee with filtered water. This is a nice oasis on a long windy road trip .. and worth a stop whether you eat at the quick bar in the general store or stay for a sit down meal. Reading the history of the place is interesting too.The indoor seating is a little dark but is fine on a sunshiny day. A lot of people chose to sit outdoors and that looks fine too except on hot days .
9. Treebones Resort Wild Coast Restaurant and The Sushi Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By travelerkl
Stopped by for lunch on our way up the coast. Staff is very friendly and location is awesome. Recommend a glass of wine on the outside bar overlooking the ocean, stunning views. Blue cheese burger and chicken Caesar were so good. Wish we could have stayed longer. Very cool family run resort. Thank you for stopping in!Treebones is open for lunch daily 12-2 pm...we offer sandwiches, burgers, and salads composed of fresh and tender greens often harvested that very day from our on site garden.We showcase wines from local vineyards and carry a selection of beers to meet everyone's taste.Come back when you are able to stay longer!
8. Lucia Lodge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By Gloria G
The dining room is available for both guests and "travelers" for lunch and dinner. Buffet continental breakfast for guests only. Very competent food... chicken parmegiano and eggplant parmegiiano with Caesar salad recommended. Enough for two.
7. Cafe Kevah
Overall Ratings
4 based on 212 reviews
Beautiful outdoor seating with spectacular view of 60 miles of California coast. Brunch menu/counter service.
Reviewed By BrynMawrBK
Having been closed out of Nepenthe for lunch on a surprisingly busy weekday, we decided to try Café Kevah down the steps instead. It turned out to be a very pleasant peaceful meal under an umbrella on the sunny patio overlooking the Pacific. We had plenty of space to ourselves, as contrasted with the jam-packed Nepenthe upstairs, and the view was just as beautiful. As we didn't want a big meal, at first we started with glasses of wine, then noticed a large tray of freshly-baked savory items being delivered and asked what they were. None of them were listed on the menu, so be sure to ask whether there are any additions when you visit. We chose an excellent sausage with cheese baked in pastry dough to share -- delicious and just right for a light meal. At first I was put off by having to order at the counter, but the staff could not have been nicer so the entire experience was a pleasure. Next time we'll head here first!
6. Ripplewood Resrt Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 169 reviews
The restaurant for Ripplewood Resort in Big Sur.
Reviewed By haygirl16
The portions are huge! I wish I could have finished it all. Super friendly staff as well. I wish they could make me breakfast everyday!
5. Big Sur Taphouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 161 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 al
Reviewed By tjibbs
The outdoor/back/upstairs patio scene looks like itâs straight out of an early-REM video: dirt floor, old picnic tables and adirondack chairs, vintage beer ads, scrounging/begging birds, tons of unkempt foliage. Feels straight out of the South.Had the brisket which was damn good. Itâs a beer place, Iâm a wine drinker, and the bartender didnât judge: gave me the healthiest pour for the cheapest price youâll ever get in Big Sur.An eclectic clientele, as well as cast of characters that tend to hang out in the front parking lot along Highway One.A great time and memorable evening
4. Big Sur Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 360 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 Justri
Reviewed By Jeff Z
You order at the counter; you sit either outside by a nice fire pit, outside in back on lovely wooden tables, or inside, again in front of a fire place. The food is simple and good: we had the pork tacos and the hummus with roasted garlic, both of which were excellent. A good assortment of beers are also available, and house wines. Grateful Dead on the stereo, and very pleasant staff. What more could you ask for in Big Sur?
3. Nepenthe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3259 reviews
Highway 1 is now open both north and south to our location in Big Sur. There are no closures of Highway 1 between Carmel By-the-Sea and San Luis Obispo.
Reviewed By abishop61
The views here are spectacular while the limited selection food is overpriced. The service here was very good and the staff was very friendly. We were not rushed out of our seat but we were there around 3:30 pm on a Wednesday and were seated almost instantly in seat with a great view. But I am sure during the weekends, the crowd may be tougher.
2. Sierra Mar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 754 reviews
High atop the cliffs, offering breathtaking views is Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn. Chef Jonny Black and the team at Sierra Mar curate a unique dining experience that highlights the very best of Big Sur. The seasonal, ingredient-driven menus cha
Reviewed By KonaBear81
We had lunch at Sierra Mar. The menu was limited and offered three courses. For my salad, I chose the sliced tomatoes with cheese...best I've ever tasted. Sweet and home grown. I had the smoked trout on quinoa, and seaweed, as my entree and it was fabulous. Paired it with Sauvignon Blanc. The other guests chose the burger, and said it was outstanding, as well. They gave us a table with a spectacular view-- and the fog lifted --truly incredible!Dear KonaBear 81,Thank you for the very kind message. I appreciate you taking the time to write about your lunch experience at Sierra Mar and am delighted that you enjoyed the meal, wine and the view. I will pass along your comments to culinary team.I look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.Warm Regards,Gladys
1. Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 538 reviews
Reviewed By GareThere
You don't have to stay at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn to dine at their incredible restaurant - probably the best food in Big Sur! For dinner, start with the Organic Mixed Green Salad (with caramelized walnuts and blue cheese). For the entree I can highly recommend the Seafood Paella (full of Mexican chorizo, chicken, clams and mussels). There are also lots of desserts to choose from. I devoured the afogato (espresso poured over vanilla ice cream).The restaurant does not have a full bar, but has an extensive wine selection.For breakfast I went with the smoked salmon and bagel plate. Others in the group ordered eggs Benedict and enjoyed their meal.
