Finally got to eat their eggs benedict again. When I came here for the first time long time ago, I did not know what it was. (It is now popular in Japan, but it was not so widely known in my time.) I have tried a quite a few eggs benedict, and now I know Deetjen's benedict is really really good. The hollandaise sauce is a bit more tangy than other places. It is very thick and got a little spice. The eggs were perfectly soft poached. Home fries is very very good. I usually get a little stomach pain after eating potatoes, but I did not get any pain in my stomach after eating breakfast here. We will come here again:) read more

We had an excellent dinner here with friends on our last night in Big Sur. The Good: - Amazing roasted garlic in olive oil with the bread basket - Nice wine selection - Lamb & Paella were both excellent The Bad: - It was a chilly, rainy night, and though we had a reservation, our table wasn't ready when we arrived, and we were sent to this odd little room (they call it their "library") with one tiny heater someone else was already in there using. To say it was an awkward wait for our table would be an understatement. - Though cute, and I'm sure very cuddly, the sight of the Inn's cat roaming around the restaurant and in & out of the kitchen was a bit unsettling... read more

It's attached to a place called Big SUr Inn. The hummus they give you with fresh bread is AWESOME. The vegetarian ravioli is delicious - my girlfriend and I split it and it was more than enough. DO NOT get the bread pudding, it's severely disappointing. PS: they like it when you call and make a reservation. read more

We had an intimate dinner at Deetjen's on Saturday night. The ambiance was amazingly quaint with a lot of woodsy/ homey character. I'd say the ambiance is what sets this place apart from other food establishments. It feels like a cozy discovery off the lush path of Highway 1 and a nice respite from swanky, uber-modern decor that is abundant these days. We had an early reservation and the hostess was very friendly, seating us by the fireplace and taking our drink orders even though they were technically not open yet. The food was very nice. I started with a chantrelle mushroom soup that was super delicious. For my main I had perfectly seasoned lamb chops. Entrees were in the $30 price range which is a bit expensive but the flavors were unique, the ingredients fresh, and we were having a FIRESIDE dinner in the woods! Deetjen's was a large part of our enjoyable weekend in Big Sur. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant is so cute and romantic, I WANT TO DIE! So this restaurant is located in what appears to be a very old log cabin type house with low ceilings, a crackling fireplace, and candlelit tables. Being in such a small space I at first found it to be a little too intimate- people were pretty hushed in the section I was sitting in. But it all worked out once our charming and extremely friendly waitress came by and took our orders. I had a lovely grilled fish, which was expertly deboned yet presented head to tail whole, and my partner ordered a bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with bacon. Both dishes were hearty, comforting, and very satisfying. For dessert we had the bread pudding, which was also delicious. Everything about the night went off without a hitch- our table was ready when expected, service was great, ambiance was romantic, and the food was wonderful. It couldn't be any better! read more

A quaint cottage tucked away into the mountains. Feels like a fairy's house. Perfect for taking your honey on a romantic getaway. No wait and the most amazing stuffed French toast and egg scrambles. Everyone is kind. It feels like you are in another world, secluded away from city life and all worries! Enjoy the gardens and take a peak at the cute little reading nook on the way out, if you can. :) read more

I love Big Sur and whenever I make the trip down to the south coast I make a stop (or two) at Deetjen's. For me it feels like home and the breakfast they serve is among the best I have had anywhere. Their eggs Benedict is amazing, the pancakes fantastic, and their potatoes are cooked to perfection. The space itself is beautiful and their bathrooms are inspirational. Deetjen's is hands down the best place for breakfast in Big Sur and should definitely be high on your list for a romantic dinner. read more

Eggs Benedict- extremely flavorful sauce and cooked perfectly Blueberry pancakes- excellent and cinnamony Great setting- grounds very pretty and rustic decor inside read more

This review is for my dinner experience at Deetjen's. First of all it sounds to me like this is a great spot for breakfast and I wish I had come in for breakfast instead of dinner. Perhaps dinner is not their strongpoint! LOL. I hate to give them a bad review because the people there are so incredibly nice. They were very knowledgeable about the food options and were just genuinely friendly. I give their service 5 stars for sure! However, their food was just not good! I had the rack of lamb which was delicious. But the rest of the plate was just gross. It was a random mix of beans and carrots and sauce that was gravy-like but sour. It had the strangest taste to me. My husband had the halibut which was just ok. Then I had their cobbler which was mushy and fell apart but not in a good way. The portion of cobbler was huge with a little tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream. It just did not work for me! read more

Incredible food! And great atmosphere, great service. I can't find a single thing to say bad about the place. I'm eating there every time I go to Big Sur, possibly for every meal! It's certainly worthy of a spot on No Reservations. read more

We opted for Deetjen's on our second night at Big Sur after dropping by a few other more casual restaurants and finding unappealing menu for upscale prices. I understand it's Big Sur, but if the casual place wants $12 for a burger, I'm going to say screw it and spend $30 for a nice dinner entree at a place that's more likely to give me my money's worth. Now, on to Deetjen's. First and only problem: parking can be a pain. There's a small lot with limited space in front of the restaurant. That was full, so we luckily found an open spot in their narrow alleyway (in front of their hotel rooms I think). Not the easiest spot to park in. We had the Seared Duck breast and the special pasta of the day (fettucine with tiger prawn). Unfortunately, it's been long enough since I've been there that I can't remember details of the dishes. However, I remember that both were delicious. The chef had also kindly substituted the cheese that would've been on the pasta with some sort of crunchy bread crumbs that went quite well with the pasta. The waitress was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and attentive without being intrusive. Overall a very pleasant dining experience. read more

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This was my favorite spot to eat while staying in Big Sur. Came for the breakfast as soon as they opened and there was already a line at 8am. Service was still quick and and eggs Benedict was yummy. The atmosphere is so quaint and cozy, would definitely return. read more

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We went there for dinner and it was a huge disappointment. The food was exceptionally bad, more so given the price and high expectations for the place. We will never go back, and we will always recommend friends avoid Deetjen's in favor of Ventana, Post Ranch, or even Nepenthe. - The risotto was a complete disaster. This alone is responsible for the 1-star review. It was basically a bowl of stringy poorly melted cheese with some rice and undercooked peas. No subtlety, no creaminess, and a very bad mix of flavors. Worst part - I barely touched it, I still got a stomach ache that lasted the next 2 days of our visit to Big Sur. When will I learn sending food back?! - My husband's paella was edible, but strangely had a rather aggressive tomato sauce. "Paella"was a misnomer - this was a re-branded Italian frutti di mar. The seafood was of good quality, but the recipe was poorly conceived and executed. - The salads were the only saving grace. The Caesar was on part with say Applebee's, only lettuce wasn't fresh. The radicchio/spinach salad was the only enjoyable dish at the meal. - Be careful going there for dinner if the temperature is under 60 degrees outside. The "charming" restaurant has doors opening directly into 2 of the 3 dining rooms. Which means your nether regions will be chilled as cool forest air wafts over you every 5 minutes as guests arrive and leave. - Also, the hostess didn't go out of her way to accommodate us when we asked to change tables, saying rather sharply "Is there a problem with the table"? read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. The staff treated me with warm hospitality and complimentary coffee when we walked in. The eggs benedict, deetjen's dip and blueberry pancakes tasted great. No wonder this place was packed and parking was so hard to find. read more

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A park ranger told us about this place and mentioned how good the eggs benedict were. The next morning, moments after being seated, I overheard a local/regular order eggs benedict. Naturally I followed suit and I was delighted -- perhaps the best benny I've ever had. My wife (not big on breakfast) enjoyed a simple but well executed eggs/bacon/toast combo. The coffee was also great -- I would've had more than two cups but we had to hit the road. Ahem. Great service, quaint decor. read more

What a one of a kind place. Incredible food in the middle of nowhere, in just about the most romantic setting possible. (Gorgeous old cabins in a redwood glade with its own waterfall, really?) Waitstaff treated us like family, the price was really reasonable for the quality of the food. Very good wine selection, lots of California represented. We came back for a fantastic breakfast the next morning as well (best eggs benedict I've had in a long time!) I can't wait to come back and actually stay here, they were all full this time. The only thing I hated about this place was the whiny stupid people from LA sitting at the table next to us who kept talking about private jets they had rented for trips to Vegas, their trust fund kids careers in "art", and similar baloney. So be careful who you sit next to. read more

Awesome breakfast place in Big Sur. Generous portion.. tasty food. vegetarian friendly.

This place is legit. The people talking trash on this place are just snobby folk who think they know food or want to be a food critic. Chef blew my socks off with vegetarian pasta! Just visit this place. You will not be disappointed. read more

Oh so romantic and a must if you're in town! Dinner was amazing & staff was excellent!! Make sure to make a reservation before hand.

My man brought me to Big Sur for my birthday weekend. We stayed at Deetjens and Ventana. Our first night we stayed and dined at Deetjens. The waitstaff was very friendly which I believe may be hit or miss. We popped in about 4 months ago by chance and asked if there was availability. The host man was not very hospitable at all, bordering on rude. Maybe it's because they were full, I don't know. Moving on, when we did eventually dine there the experience was quite pleasant, food was ok, not amazing for the prices but the roaring fire, cabin like setting and wine made up for it. The mosquitoes were abound and eating my man alive. They had to close the door to spare him. Breakfast was a bit different. This time we sat on the other side of the restaurant which had windows and a view of PCH. Our breakfast was AMAZING. I guess they are famous for their eggs benedict and now I know why. The pancakes were huge and delish. The only thing that freaked me out a bit were the bizarre insects freely flowing in and out of my personal space. I'm more of a city girl but still can appreciate this setting as long as I can see the end in sight. read more

Special experience at Deetjens - like being in someone's home in the mountains. Our table was by the fireplace, we had Fabio the cat dining (ok sleeping) at our table, we enjoyed good wine and great food. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive, and willing to accommodate our (my) special requests. They served warm bread with olive oil and whole roasted garlic (YES!!!) and when I went to eat a piece that had been sitting for a bit, one of the servers noticed and insisted (even when I said not to worry) on bringing out a fresh, warm roll. I love that! I had their veggie pasta alfredo - it had breadcrumbs. Amazing! She had the chef serve the smoked salmon and capers on the side so that my husband could try it (I am not a salmon / capers person). Jordan had the bacon wrapped tenderloin - it was scrumptious. We splurged - we enjoyed the creme brûlée and berry cobbler for dessert. The creme brûlée was fantastic. The cobbler was HUGE (she warned us) and also not great. There was no cobbler, it was mostly berry soup. I did enjoy the cold ice cream on top though. Go there for the experience and the super service. Deetjens won't disappoint. read more

Disappointed. We ordered filet mignon steak and seafood paella. The steak was nothing special. The seafood paella was spicy and taste like jambalaya . The dessert crème brûlée was good. The seat was not really comfortable - we made a reservation but still sat in the middle of the restaurant. I felt guests in restaurants seems are senior people. It was so dark, and I always fall asleep when I was eating. The beets salad was delicious. I got diarrhea after got back to the hotel. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

5 Stars! This is a great place with great food. The prices are great and it's all served by friendly people. We loved everything about this place. Lots of charm, great views and yummy fresh food. What more could you want? read more

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What a beautiful place and a wonderful meal. The photos don't do it justice-- the interior is so lovely and quaint. It was the perfect place for a romantic dinner the night after we got engaged. I had the vegetable stack which was amazing. This place is a must if you are planning a trip to Big Sur! read more

No but really, get the eggs benny. Btw the half order is plenty... Eat outside surrounded by forest and rustic charm. Unique and delightful. A too-cheery waitress borders on annoyingly friendly with her calling me "mamacita" and asking if we were "all groovy", but it's Big Sur, so we'll let it slide ;) read more

So we went there twice during our Big Sur stay, once for a romantic dinner and once for breakfast. Overall, the food was simple and terrific. For dinner, I had the steak served with a tasty potato mash. The steak was cooked medium rare, just as I ordered. The potato mash was lovely and very tasty. My man had tasty halibut or mahi mahi, either way it was delectable. The service was a little wishy washy but the atmosphere at dinner was candlelit and perfect. For breakfast, I ordered the eggs with potatoes and chicken apple sausage. Everything was amazing including the eggs which are made to order - I got the perfect medium. My man had blueberry pancakes. Yum, those pancakes were amazing. I wish I could eat them everyday. read more

Love this place. Perfect food, if you know what to get. Hint get some blueberry pancakes! Note this place is wonderful after a long trip on the road. Staff friendly, everyone inside seemed to know everyone else read more

Went for breakfast a couple of weeks ago with a huge crowd after our camping trip ended early due to rain. The food was really good. Service was pretty good but it wasn't always easy to flag down a waitress when we needed one. Prices are fairly high, but the quantity and quality are both very good so it's hard to complain. I'd absolutely go back if I find myself back in the area. read more

'met some awesome friends here for breakfast before a trip down to Santa Barbara. The service was okay. They were a little freaked out about a large party, then were late and slow with water, coffee, tea, saucers, ... The food was excellent. The eggs benedict, home fries, and pancakes were all excellent. 'lots of quiet, busy chewing at our table. The ambience was fantastic. From the eclectic, cabin-esque atmosphere, to the cozy fireplace, to the overall feel. 'excellent. We'll definitely be back. read more

There really aren't enough great things to say about Deetjen's. We've come here time after time, and every time the food is absolutely perfect. From the appetizers to the dessert, from the wine to the seasoning, everything is absolutely unforgettable. It's not often in life one can enjoy the perfect meal, and it's even more rare to have that experience repeated, but as far as food goes, Deetjen's has yet to disappoint. I would wholeheartedly recommend it, especially for couples! read more

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California Historic Charm. This is the best breakfast in all of California - if not the states. This historic treasure is one of my favorite things about Big Sur. You have a relaxed vibe that allows you to feel the energy of Big Sur as it used to be, kind people, locals, and delicious food. The coffee is good. It's perfectly cozy - especially if you are lucky enough to sit by the fire. I have enjoyed meals with friends or my wife ...and have equally enjoyed eating alone over a delicious home cooked feeling meal & a book. It's a place to relax. Slow down. Enjoy. It feels like a welcoming home of a grandparent that loves to collect antiques and fill your body with love in the form of food. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Morning cup of coffee and a beautiful cozy spot. - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

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Candelit tableclothy place. Booo expensive. My veggie cassoulet sans cheese was $24. It was good, but not $24 good. When the waitress set my meal down, she immediately told me that the bread had cheese on it and that she'd give me new bread. His seafood paella was $30. Spicy and good. Portion size: I don't eat that much in one sitting. Normally, I'm usually satisfied with about half of what I'm given to me, and it was the case here, although I will say that it looked smaller than if it were to be served in other restaurants. The paella looked sizeable to me, although he noted he thought it was going to be too little but ended up being just enough. The food here is no doubt really good, and props to them for serving their bread with HUMMUS! Service was adequate -- the waitress and busboys were really nice, but a little slow on the water front. Everyone knows that food in Big Sur is expensive but this was expensive for an expensive place. But, again, the food is great, so you should eat here if you are willing to spend. A perfect place for a date if you're in the area! read more

Disappointed after high expectations from the great reservations. Service was efficient but not very friendly. Caesar was great and loved the citrusy sardines. That was the best part. My gazpacho was a bit chunky for my taste. The hummus was grainy and tasted processed. Grass fed filet mignon was way over cooked -- our medium steak had no sign of pink in the middle. Truffled potatoes tasted oddly sour. The pork tenderloin was cooked perfectly but the sauce was overwhelming and overdone. Too many things on the plate -- wished the chef showed a bit more restraint. Added a star for the ridiculously sweet decor in the restaurant. Try another one of the charming restaurants on highway 1. read more

Wait, did I get lost and walk into some magical restaurant run by fairies? ADORABLE place surrounded by vines, flowers and magic! It is a small and quaint restaurant that is located at the Big Sur Inn - surrounded by vintage and eclectic decorations housed in what looks like an old cabin that has a rich past. Oh and the food is delicious! I ordered the stuffed french toast - its stuffed w/ a raspberry cream cheese filling and is cooked amazingly, the french toast melts in your mouth! It is topped w/ seasonal berries as well. My BF ordered the huevos con chorizo - DELICIOUS as well, very tasty, fresh and a good portion. Our friends ordered a two stack of blueberry pancakes and eggs benedict w/ ham - I had a small taste of each and both were amazing, the hollandaise sauce was honestly one of the best I have tasted! The pancakes were huge!! If you are not sharing, I think a one stack such suffice for one person - unless you are the hulk, and if you are - can we be friends? Our waitress only added to the wonder - osity of the place - a sweet redhead w/ beautiful curls who was friendly and provided great service. She reminded me of Merida from Brave! Key points: 1. Cute place w/ good ambience 2. Delicious Eggs Benedict, Stuffed French Toast, Huevos con Chorizo and Blueberry Pancakes 3. Good service. 4. A must visit. read more

Breakfast was great! Lovely environment!so LUSH!Friendly Staff,quiet and romantic. Beautiful fireplace..We got there and there was no wait at all! Blueberry pancakes were incredible..the turkey avocado English muffin was good and the Huevosrancheros was so tasty! The Decor inside was my favorite part,it's very historical and gives you a good feel of vintage Big Sur. The experience was beyond my expectations. They also serve dinner,we asked to look at the menu and were surprised at the variety and such amazing choices with organic local ingredients!We decided to return tonight! If the food was as good as breakfast we might consider staying at the hotel next time we take a trip up here! read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Right outside of the restaurant..it was such an unbelievable environment.So historical and romantic - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Had the most amazing breakfast! I had the huevos con chorizo! Delicious! My friends ordered the smoked salmon and eggs Benedict. We shared the French toast which was out of this world. Loved the atmosphere. Cute restaurant! Will definitely come again!! read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - I fell in love with Deetjen's! I definitely want to come back. I had their chorizo con huevos- delicious! French toast - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

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I would recommend reservations. My husband and I didn't make reservations, but luckily we had an early dinner so there were seats available. Food was delicious. Got their prawns & Calamari salad... so fresh and tasty. Rack of lamb was also very delicious... There were only 2 racks and I really wished there was more... so good. The sauce wasn't as delicious, but I ate around it =P Husband got their steak of some sort and it was cooked really well too. Overall, very impressed with food. Staff was super friendly as well :) read more

Not planned to eat here but it was on our way back home, glad we decided to go, the food was excellent, the place inviting and the service was exceptional. Next time we're staying over. read more

This place is awesome. A must stop on you're drive ln highway one for breakfast or brunch. The inside is set up like an old colonial inn. And the food was great. Highly recommend read more

A dining experience matching the quality of the Inn. Extraordinary! Breakfast is what they are known for, the Eggs Benedict in particular. I loved mine, and the 3 items I choose for construction were spinach, mushrooms, and ham. The roasted potatoes have just the right amount of onions and green peppers sauted in the mix. Another morning I had blueberry pancakes; also terrific. I ate dinner twice this stay. First night the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. Second night a pasta special (changes daily) which had chicken, chorizo and artichoke hearts in a butter and white wine reduction sauce. The pork was tender, cooked medium and the pasta exactly al dente. Both entrees were great. read more