As you cruise through the gateway to Big Sur, let your taste buds lead the way. This stretch of Highway 1 isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a feast of flavors just waiting to be savored. Here, we highlight the best dining options in Big Sur, starting with freshly brewed coffee at Deetjen’s, where breakfast feels like a warm hug from an old friend. For dinner, pull over at Nepenthe and bite into a juicy burger while drinking in those unmistakable ocean views. When the sun dips low, treat yourself to fine dining at Sierra Mar, perched high above the Pacific at Post Ranch Inn. Craving something more laid-back? The Big Sur Taphouse serves up cold brews and good vibes in equal measure. And don’t miss the chance to chow down on some finger-lickin’ BBQ at Big Sur Smokehouse—because nothing says “road trip” quite like sauce on your fingers and a smile on your face.
Discover the Best Restaurants in Big Sur
Best Breakfast
Deetjen’s at Big Sur Inn
Hungry for a taste of real California? Wander into Deetjen’s at Big Sur Inn, where breakfast isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey back in time. One of the first spots to welcome road-weary adventurers when Highway 1 opened in 1937, this charming inn is now on the National Register of Historic Places. But don’t let its age fool you—Deetjen’s is serving up the freshest flavors this side of the Pacific. Sip on just-brewed coffee and sink your fork into fluffy pancakes as sunlight streams to your table through ancient redwoods. Is it any wonder Deetjen’s is widely believed to be one of the best breakfasts in Monterey County? Just pull over, grab a seat, and let the day unfold at its own indulgent pace. After all, what’s the rush when you’re already in paradise?
Ripplewood Cafe
Picture this: You’re indulging in a perfectly pulled espresso on a sun-dappled garden patio, the aroma of sizzling bacon dancing on the breeze. Will it be waffles today, or a hearty omelet stuffed with local ingredients? Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be a plate of pure California bliss. That’s Ripplewood Cafe for you, tucked in the heart of Big Sur like a well-kept secret. This little slice of breakfast heaven, part of one of Big Sur’s oldest resorts, serves up morning goodness from 8am to 2pm daily. There’s no need to hustle here, where free Wi-Fi means you can linger over that second cup of coffee. So go ahead: stay and taste the good life in Big Sur.
Best Lunch
Big Sur River Inn Restaurant
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine with your toes in the water? At Big Sur River Inn Restaurant, that’s not just a daydream—it’s the main attraction. After a morning of wandering through redwood groves and coastal trails, there’s no better place to refuel and refresh. Just perch in one of the restaurant’s Adirondack chairs, right in the middle of the burbling Big Sur River. The cool water is a perfect way to rest weary feet after a hike. Why not revel in food and drink, too? After all, this is nature’s own foot spa with a side of deliciousness. Alternatively, settle in on the leafy patio or cozy up indoors. The menu is packed with flavors as bold as the Big Sur coastline, from fresh-caught seafood to hearty burgers, California beer and vibrant wine. Open from 8am to 9pm, the River Inn Restaurant invites you to stretch out on the grassy lawn after lunch, let the kids run wild, and soak up that laid-back California vibe.
Big Sur Lodge Restaurant
Tucked away in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur Lodge Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s pure California. Here, each meal comes with a generous side of natural wonder. Imagine digging into a locally-sourced burger surrounded by towering redwoods that have stood sentinel for centuries. Dancing sunlight plays across your table as the fresh, piney scent of the forest mingles with the aroma of your dish. Feeling adventurous? Try the in-river seating. There’s something uniquely refreshing about enjoying fresh seafood with your feet dipped in the cool Big Sur River. Early birds and night owls alike will appreciate the on-site coffee shop, ready to fuel your adventures from sunrise to starlight. Whether you’re refueling after a hike or simply soaking in the scenery, Big Sur Lodge Restaurant offers a taste of wild California that lingers long after you’ve hit the road again. So pull up a chair, breathe deep, and let the forest work its magic.
Best Dinner
Nepenthe Restaurant
Perched high above the Pacific, Nepenthe is a Big Sur legend that’s part restaurant, part bookstore, and pure paradise. As the sun dips towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink, this cliffside gem comes alive with the buzz of hungry travelers and locals alike. From 11:30am to 10pm, Nepenthe’s doors are open to all who wander in, no reservations needed. The menu is a love letter to California’s bounty: sink your teeth into the famous Ambrosiaburger, or delight in the delicate flavors of diver scallops. For land-lovers, the steak frites or roast chicken with stuffing hit the spot, while vegetarians can delight in a hearty veggie burger or vibrant beet salad. Pair your meal with local wines or craft beers, each one complementing the breathtaking ocean views. As night falls and stars begin to twinkle, you’ll understand why folks have been flocking here for decades. For early risers, fear not! Cafe Kevah, perched atop the Phoenix shop just below Nepenthe, serves up breakfast with the same stunning vistas.
Best Fine Dining
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn
It’s a feast for the senses at Sierra Mar, the clifftop marvel at Post Ranch Inn that offers dining with an ocean view. As you gaze out over the vast Pacific, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the world, a part of the endless horizon. While breakfast is reserved for hotel guests, lunch and dinner welcome all who make a reservation. And trust us, you’ll want to plan ahead for this culinary excursion: the menu is a celebration of Big Sur’s bounty, with dishes that sing of the land and sea around you. The food is just the beginning, though. Sierra Mar boasts an award-winning wine list that would make any wine-lover weak at the knees. With over 3,200 wines in their cellar, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal and the mesmerizing sunset. As day fades to night, the restaurant transforms. The golden hour bathes everything in a warm glow, and the stars begin their nightly dance above the ocean. At Sierra Mar, every morsel and every moment is a significant part of your Highway 1 adventure.
The Sur House
Visit The Sur House and you’ll understand immediately why it’s considered a love story about the bounty of Big Sur. Situated to maximize those spellbinding coastal views, this fine dining restaurant offers an experience that’s pure California dreaming. As the sun begins its nightly dip into the Pacific, The Sur House’s epic patio becomes the stage for an unforgettable meal. The menu reads like a who’s who of local ingredients, each dish telling the story of Big Sur’s bountiful land and sea. Pair your choice with a top-shelf cocktail or a selection from their carefully curated wine list. Reservations are a must for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so plan ahead. Want a tail-wagging twist? Four-legged friends are welcome too, with a special doggie dining menu that’ll have them howling with delight.
Best Beer Selection
Big Sur Taphouse
Looking for a laid-back spot to kick back with a cold one and soak in the Big Sur vibe? The Big Sur Taphouse has you covered from lunch until dinner. This local favorite is the perfect pit stop for road-weary travelers and adventure-seekers alike. Step onto their pet-friendly patio with your four-legged co-pilot—because who says Fido can’t enjoy the Highway 1 experience too? Inside, big screens make this the go-to spot for catching the game while you’re off the grid, and the menu is a roll call of comfort food favorites. Sink your teeth into juicy sliders, finger-licking wings, hearty burgers, and classic hot dogs that’ll fuel your next adventure. But the real star here? It’s the impressive lineup of beers on tap, including the coveted Pliny the Elder, a Northern California staple that’ll make any hop-head’s heart skip a beat. Located right next door to the Big Sur Deli, it’s a one-stop shop for all your snacking needs. So grab a pint, and let the good times flow.
Best Burgers & BBQ
Big Sur Roadhouse
Tucked away at Glen Oaks, this stylish, casual eatery is a celebration of local flavors, serving up breakfast and lunch from 8am to 2:30pm each day, with flavors that will make your taste buds jump for joy. For starters, their burger is the stuff of road trip legends: a juicy patty crafted from locally sourced beef, topped with sun-ripened vegetables, hugged by a freshly-baked bun. Cooked to perfection, each dish tells a story of the land and the passionate folks who tend it, from farm-fresh eggs at breakfast to hearty sandwiches at lunch. Enjoy the restaurant’s “homegrown modernism” aesthetic, as crafted by San Francisco designer Steve Justrich. Whether you make a pitstop here or stay for hours, this is California at its finest—unpretentious, bursting with flavor, and deeply connected to its roots.
Big Sur Smokehouse
Where the road bends and the air fills with smoky temptation, you’ll find Big Sur Smokehouse—a little red homestead that’s cooking up big flavors. It’s “where Carolina meets California,” and it’s a barbecue experience that’s as unforgettable as the Big Sur coastline itself. This newcomer to the Highway 1 scene is serving up barbecue that’ll make your mouth water before you even hit the brakes. Tuck into tender pulled pork, tri-tip, or juicy brisket that melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget the sausage, pork ribs, and beer-can chicken that’ll have you licking your fingers and reaching for more. No reservations needed here—just follow your nose and your appetite. But heads up, road trippers: Big Sur Smokehouse is a seasonal affair. Be sure to check if they’re firing up the smokers before you roll in. When they’re open, it’s a carnivore’s paradise you won’t want to miss, so keep your eyes peeled for that little red homestead.
Best Sandwich
Big Sur Deli
In the heart of Big Sur, where every twist in the road reveals new wonders, Big Sur Deli is your go-to for the best sandwich experience around. Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, they believe that life’s simplest pleasures—like a perfectly crafted sandwich—should be enjoyed, not rushed. Choose from a sumptuous array of options that celebrate local flavors, each bite a reminder to slow down and relish the moment. Don’t miss the opportunity to pair your sando with a solid selection of local brews from the Tap House, which shares the same zest for quality and community. Whether you’re fueling up for a coastal adventure or unwinding after a day of exploration, Big Sur Deli invites you to pump the brakes and linger a little longer. Come, find your groove, and treat yourself to a taste of Big Sur that’s as unforgettable as the views. Because life is too short for ordinary sandwiches.
Best Coffee & Juice
Solstice at The Village
The perfect stop for a refreshing pick-me-up, the Bodega at The Village Big Sur invites you to explore their coffee and juice bar, where each drink is crafted to awaken your senses and put a zip in your step. Enjoy expertly brewed espresso drinks, soothing teas, and farm-fresh cold-pressed juices, paired with an array of pastries and tartines that celebrate the flavors of the season. As you indulge, take in the eclectic design and rustic ambiance that make The Village feel like a home away from home. And don’t forget, if you’re looking to elevate your experience, you can make reservations for brunch or dinner at the adjacent Solstice Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, where vibrant, wood-fired dishes await. Embrace the moment, and let The Bodega be a tasty part of your Big Sur adventure.
Best Tavern
Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill
Set deep within the heart of Big Sur, Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill is an inviting haven that captures the spirit of a slower pace. Here, each meal is an experience. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm, the tavern tempts guests with mouthwatering dishes, from comforting chicken tortilla soup and zesty fish tacos to rich crème brûlée and refreshing blackberry margaritas. Designed with redwood timbers in classic Big Sur style, Fernwood is more than just a dining spot; it’s a community gathering place where locals and travelers come together. Evenings bloom with laughter and music, especially during live performances—check the Calendar of Events for who’s gracing the stage. With a cozy indoor setting and a back deck beneath towering redwoods, Fernwood invites everyone to kick back, enjoy the moment, and celebrate the best California has to offer.
Best Food Truck
Sushi Jawn
Delicious wizardry unfolds in this humble food truck located within Big Sur’s Riverside Campground. Open Fridays from 4-8 pm and Saturdays from 1-8 pm, this hidden gem is the creation of Sarah Sweeney, a Philadelphia native with a profound respect for the art of sushi. With traditional Japanese training and experience working alongside culinary legends (including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto) Sarah brings a taste of excellence to an unexpected location. Here, visitors can indulge in top-tier sushi, including the delightful hamachi hand roll, refreshing seaweed salad, and generous portions of the Dat Jawn and West Coast poke bowls. To complement the experience, visit the nearby camp store for conveniently-stocked sake and beer, inviting you to unwind and savor the moment. In this breathtaking corner of the world, exceptional sushi awaits—just don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy the journey.
More Dining Options Nearby
Travelers willing to journey beyond Big Sur can find plenty of flavorful dining options in nearby Ragged Point and San Simeon. These destinations offer similarly breathtaking views as well as a world of gastronomic delights, from farm-to-table and ocean-to-fork dining to food trucks and casual cafes. As always, the most memorable moments —and bites — are the ones you find when you follow your appetite off the beaten path.
