Justin Nguyen (JNguyen20)

This was a delicious dinner with a view! You don’t necessarily need to buy anything to enjoy the deck and view but the wine was great, the food was delicious, and the cozy fire place inside kept us warm. The service was phenomenal and if you want a nice, fancier dinner, this is a great spot around sunset. Just arrive early as it is fist come first serve!

+17

space cadet

Went for the view and was not disappointed, we were there at sunset time and the view was perfect. I loved my veggie burger (one of the best veggie burgers out there) and my son said those were the best fry’s he has ever had… they were nice and crisp. Christian was our server and he really made us feel welcome, we definitely stayed a little longer because the service was great 😊 can’t wait to go back Big Sur and Nepenthe 👍

Devang Mistry

An absolute architectural masterpiece!! Views are incredible and food is great. Interiors are super nice. Not much to have for vegetarians but we tried vegetarian burger with fries as a side. Surprisingly vegetarian burger was delicious, the tomato basil soup was creamy and rich. Views are fantastic, a bit pricey but worth the experience!

+18

KEITH Q.

This was a wonderful visit merely because of the spectacular views. The food was good, it was okay. Nothing great, nothing bad. The worst thing was the price, but OMG the views are breathtaking. Choose your seat well because the views are gorgeous. The story of how this became open to the public because the view was too good to deprive from the public says it all. The facilities were meticulously maintained inside and outside. Overall you come for the views, expect little more than a decent, overpriced menu....but oddly enough you will love it overall and become a repeat customer for every season of the year.

+25

Sara Volpatti Knutson

Nepenthe honestly felt like a little slice of magic tucked into the cliffs of Big Sur. The second we walked up to the terrace, the view just stopped me — ocean for days, the cliffs, the breeze… it’s one of those spots that makes you instantly slow down and just take it all in. We ordered drinks and just enjoyed the moment, and the food did not disappoint. The Ambrosia Burger is famous for a reason. It’s juicy, flavorful, and that house sauce is perfection. Everything tasted so fresh, and the whole experience just felt easy and relaxed in the best way. The vibe is unmatched — warm, inviting, and a little bohemian. You’re basically having lunch or dinner in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it actually lives up to the hype. It’s definitely pricier, but honestly, the views alone make it worth it. If you’re heading through Big Sur, make Nepenthe a non-negotiable stop. It’s one of those meals you remember long after you leave.

Kyle

Beautiful views and great vibe, pretty average (still good) food. Service was pretty slow but we still had a great time. For sure worth a visit, you won't find many restaurants like this. Views were amazing and make the stop, highly recommended.

Lisa M.

Just love Nepenthe — breathtaking and therapeutic to one’s soul as its name defines. The hour-long scenic drive from Monterey is worth it. Make sure you get there early or you’ll be waiting long to be seated. You can always pass the time by visiting the cool Phoenix gift shop before you climb the stairs or you can stop by after you savor Nepenthe’s tasty generous basket of fries and shrimp sandwich; it’s the best I’ve tasted in a long while. A sandwich lunch with an appetizer and a basket of fries for three people will set you back at least $150, but it’s worth every penny. Enjoy!

Todd Johnson

Absolutely spectacular views - can see for miles! Feels like a hidden retreat, surrounded by nature, deer grazing nearby. Excellent food and service, great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

+15

Adam Rowe

This is hard to beat on all levels. Go for the atmosphere, the views, the service and the great wine. We loved it so much on our first night in Big Sur, we went back for sunset cocktails on the deck the next night. Go, it's a crown jewel and the rewards are rich!! Get the chicken!! Wow!!

+2

Kytka

A timeless Big Sur experience. The grounds at Nepenthe are a destination all their own — perched high above the Pacific, where ocean mist meets redwood air. Between the sweeping coastal views, the lush terraces, and the inviting mix of locals and travelers, this spot captures the spirit of Big Sur like nowhere else. Whether you’re here for coffee, a glass of wine, or simply to watch the sunset melt into the horizon, the atmosphere feels both lively and sacred. Every visit reminds you that beauty doesn’t need to shout — it simply exists, effortlessly, right here.

+14

Amandeep Kaur

Nice place to have lunch. Little expensive but the view makes it worth. Sitting outside and looking at the ocean while birds are chirping is beyond words!! Food is good too. Everyone is friendly and so helpful.

Raymond Kumar

We were warmly welcomed by Hugo, who had a table for us at seat 102. While waiting, we enjoyed a couple of strong, yet tasty drinks, the perfect way to set the mood. The views were breathtaking, with the Pacific Ocean stretching out in front of us as the sun set. It felt surreal 😁 Instead of appetizers, we decided to share three entrées: the Ambrosia Burger, the scallops, and the steak, and every single dish was outstanding. The scallops were perfectly cooked, the steak was tender and flavorful, and the burger? Hands-down delicious. The quality of the food was jaw-dropping. This was one of those rare, special dining experiences where everything just clicks, the setting, the service, the food. Huge thanks to Hugo and the Nepenthe team for making our evening so memorable!

+1

Worth at least stopping by for probably the best view of Big Sur you'll find at a restaurant/ shop/ establishment. They have a bunch of cute souvenirs in their shop too.

Worth at least stopping by for probably the best view of Big Sur you'll find at a restaurant/ shop/ establishment. They have a bunch of cute souvenirs in their shop too.

This is an absolutely beautiful and wonderful restaurant to visit it's tucked in the ocean cliffs at Big Sur, the food was delicious and the service was right on point. This is the most must see.

This is an absolutely beautiful and wonderful restaurant to visit it's tucked in the ocean cliffs at Big Sur, the food was delicious and the service was right on point. This is the most must see.

This is an absolutely beautiful and wonderful restaurant to visit it's tucked in the ocean cliffs at Big Sur, the food was delicious and the service was right on point. This is the most must see.

Been a minute as they say these days, been a few ten years maybe but feels like a minute...Yes so highway one "the Cabrillo Highway" is open once again! What roadtrip on highway One wouldn't be compl…

I can't review the food but I loved the coffee/tea service and the views. I was referred to this location by a family member and stopped by on a coastal CA road trip. The parking is easy and free. …

Always amazing! Usually crowded but great service. Food always terrific! Get there early as parking is tight. Views are some of the best in Northern California. Great gift shop as well.

The food was delicious. Loved the beet salad! The service was wonderful! And the ambiance of sitting outside on the patio overlooking the redwoods to the left and the Pacific Ocean to the right... …

Gorgeous views and relaxed atmosphere. The food was amazing, I had the best salad and it was the best beet salad ever. They source their cheese locally and it is outstanding. Everyone who helped …

In Big Sur, California! A wonderful setting with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean , in the winter and spring, an opportunity to see migrating whales. The service staff is well experienced …

In Big Sur, California! A wonderful setting with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean , in the winter and spring, an opportunity to see migrating whales. The service staff is well experienced an…

The vibe is just pure California in the very best sense! The location is unsurpassed. And the food is excellent! The Ambrosia Burger is a huge personal favorite. The architecture of the restaurant…

The vibe is just pure California in the very best sense! The location is unsurpassed. And the food is excellent! The Ambrosia burger is a huge personal favorite. The architecture of the restau…

The vibe is just pure California in the very best sense! The location is unsurpassed. And the food is excellent! The Ambrosia burger is a huge personal favorite. The architecture of the restaura…

Sometimes places don't live up to the hype but Nepenthe DEFINITELY DOES! The views, AMAZING! The food, delicious! Also loved the vibes all around, we will be back for sure!

Sometimes places don't live up to the hype but Nepenthe DEFINITELY DOES! The views, AMAZING! The food, delicious! Also loved the vibes all around, we will be back for sure!

What a magical place and oh what a view! We just had drinks and fries at the bar but it was still wonderful. The bar tenders were so nice and engaging and everyone is in a great mood here. Loved…

What a magical place and oh what a view! We just had drinks and fries at the bar but it was still wonderful. The bar tenders were so nice and engaging and everyone is in a great mood here. Loved…

Wonderful view , very good food, and great service. We definitely will be back next time we’re in Big Sur. We had the shrimp BLT with the bean salad. Yum! The daily special sandwich was good too. …

Such a great place, it felt magical to me like Disneyland. The views are AWESOME! The restaurant sits 900 ft atop the cliff, °180 view. Food is good, drinks are great, terrific ambiance........…

We got there early a few mins after 11.30am opening and was a half an hour wait. No problem we took in the views with a glass of wine. Server was lovely. Food was good. I mean it’s the views and t…

We had the most amazing view for dinner ever! My wife loved her scallops, salad dressing, and her chocolate cake for dessert. I had filet mignon, which was very good. Protect your French fries f…

AMAZING view with excellent food and service! Friendly atmosphere and very busy. fries are so good the woodpeckers swoop in to steal them!

VHS1075

The location is everything with Nepenthe. The food was definitely overpriced, but you pay for the view. My best salad was delicious, husband’s French dip was ok-bread too hard. Daughter’s Ambrosiaburger was delicious! Service was super friendly, which I always appreciate!

Juhyun Lee

We had the grilled chicken breast and it was good. The food is pricey, but the beautiful ocean view makes it worth it. We wanted to sit indoors or outdoors, but the wait was about 40 minutes. Since we were hungry, we chose the bar seats. Unfortunately, once you sit at the bar, you can’t move to a table, which was a little disappointing. Still, overall, Nepenthe was a great experience!

We went yesterday and were told there was about a one hour wait, which sounds pretty typical for this place.\n\nLet's start with parking, because it's rough. Be prepared for street parking. The res…

We went yesterday and were told there was about a one hour wait, which sounds pretty typical for this place.\n\nLet's start with parking, because it's rough. Be prepared for street parking. The r…

Service was good but the food was poor from the wilted salad to the over cooked entree. Very disappointing as we were expecting an excellent meal after reading previous reviews. Maybe it was becaus…

My visits from the early 70s til mid 90s were great. Now a way overpriced burger and fries ($40+ !?!). Great gift shop and impossible parking. Lolly mama is turning over in her grave.

I came around noon on a Thursday by myself and was seated right away on the patio. For lunch they have some reasonably priced options, the ambrosia burger is about the size and price of what you'…

This place has a nice view... and I could leave it that for posterity... but wait there's more!\n\nParking is atrocious, get there at or before opening, park where the upper level is, but right whe…

Amazing experience, location, views and staff (there really more like ambassadors for this unique, cool place). Our favorite place and guests love it when we take them there. Almost every seat in t…

Amazing experience, location, views and staff (there really more like ambassadors for this unique, cool place). Our favorite place and guests love it when we take them there. Almost every seat in…

Amazing experience, location, views and staff (there really more like ambassadors for this unique, cool place). Our favorite place and guests love it when we take them there. Almost every seat in…

Nepenthe is THE place to go to take in sweeping ocean views as you eat lunch. The view is breathtaking. The food is quite good. I had the hamburger, which was delicious. The French fries were great…

Great place for lunch and dinner. The views are spectacular. Kids meals were highly praised by my children. Their signature burger is delicious as are their fries and chips. Would have given 5 …

Jim McDaniel

Views and atmosphere were great, food was just OK, but service was not great. I think we just had an inattentive waiter who prioritized others then tried to make it up at the end by giving me a birthday mug to take home (even though it was no one's birthday at our table), but I don't think we'll go back if we visit the area again. Expect high prices for the experience of eating with amazing views.

Jennifer Uranday

We arrived around 4:30pm the sun was setting at 5:25pm the back deck was packed. We were not able to get a spot to see the sunset. The view is its best asset. I checked in for a table, they told me 45 mins to an hour. We waited an hour. I checked in again ant they said there were still four people in front of me. I saw two open seats at the bar. We snagged those and the bartender was awesome. He really saved the day. He was so nice and helpful. We wanted a filet, but I couldn’t imagine eating that at the bar without the ocean view. That’s what you’re paying for after all. We ordered two burgers. They were good. If you visit for sunset arrive super early because you will be waiting for a while.

Isabel C

Beautiful coastal views, definitely worth the drive. However not for the food. Mediocre, lacking flavorful, small portions. Overpriced 'cafeteria' food. Not worth the wait or the money. Very nice gift shop though. Parking can be tricky and limited. FYI Not accessible for wheelchairs nor anyone with difficulty walking. Several stairs, no ramps, to climb to restaurant. Go for the views, not the food. Disappointing.

+4

view and service were absolutely amazing but I do have to give this restaurant a lower rating because of the food. Simply, it was just not worth $31. I ordered the chicken breast on French bread, a…

View and service were absolutely amazing but I do have to give this restaurant a lower rating because of the food. Simply, it was just not worth $31. I ordered the chicken breast on French bre…

View and service were absolutely amazing but I do have to give this restaurant a lower rating because of the food. Simply, it was just not worth $31. I ordered the chicken breast on French bread, a…

Beautiful view and great staff. Lovely venue. The food is a bit pricey and is good, but not excellent. The hours, setting, and staff make it a great choice. I had the veggie burger (dry) and frie…

Beautiful views and great service but a very limited menu. The food was good but very very overpriced. Details of our order: Appetizer: caprese salad- 5 stars Salads that came with dinner only h…

the view was beautiful but it was definitely not worth it at all. unfortunately this was just overpriced mid white people food sorry. service was ok and our server was nice. wait was 2 hours long a…

the view was beautiful but it was definitely not worth it at all. unfortunately this was just overpriced mid white people food sorry. service was ok and our server was nice. wait was 2 hours long a…

the view was beautiful but it was definitely not worth it at all. unfortunately this was just overpriced mid white people food sorry. service was ok and our server was nice. wait was 2 hours long…

the view was beautiful but it was definitely not worth it at all. unfortunately this was just overpriced mid white people food sorry. service was ok and our server was nice. wait was 2 hours long a…

the view was beautiful but it was definitely not worth it at all. unfortunately this was just overpriced mid white people food sorry. service was ok and our server was nice. wait was 2 hours long a…

Horrible service. I travelled with elderly parents and my 11 year old son, early in the morning to Big Sur. It was raining and the breakfast cafe didn't have indoor seating. With the restaurant st…

Horrible service. I travelled with elderly parents and my 11 year old son, early in the morning to Big Sur. It was raining and the breakfast cafe didn't have indoor seating. With the restaurant sta…