We arrived around 4:30 PM, they're open for dinner starting at 5 PM. We were seated within a 30 mins. During our wait, we grab a few drinks at the bar to enjoy the Big Sur cliffside view and sunset. They do not offer Wi-Fi here so you may not get any signal. Perfect timing to leave the phones aside and talk to each other. The servers and busser(s) were so friendly and assertive. 800 feet above the ocean, we had the following: Soup of the day ($9): creamy pureee potato with califlower with bacon. This soup was delicious, similar to a clam chowder. The Famous Ambrosiaburger ($26) Our version of a ground steak sandwich, served on a French roll with our Famous Ambrosia Sauce. May add Swiss or cheddar for +$1.5 Ribeye Steak ($71) 12 oz. Ribeye steak medium-rare, topped with Chimichurri sauce, grape tomato and fresh herb salad and garlic mashed potatoes. Their steak comes from premium naturally raised beef. Steak was cooked to perfection. All Entrees are served with a tossed green salad and choice of dressing. read more

See all

It's been three years since we've been back, but the Ambrosia Burger and Lollys Chicken Dinner have always stuck with us because they were that good. We had drinks and apps at the bar while we waited for our table. The goat cheese and garlic was really good. The caprese salad was just okay, and the drinks were solid. At the table we had the artichoke special, which was good, and the cauliflower soup, which was just alright. The Ambrosia Burger came out and thankfully still delivered. It's still one of the best. But the Lollys Chicken Dinner, which my wife had literally been dreaming about, was a total letdown. The chicken and gravy were flavorless, the stuffing was dry, and the whole thing just fell flat. She didn't say anything because our son's steak was an even bigger issue. He ordered it medium rare and it came out well done. We sent it back, and the second time it was undercooked. The third attempt was closer, but still not quite right. Not sure if something has changed in the kitchen or if it was just an off night, but for what we spent--apps, mains, dessert, a bottle, more drinks--the experience did not match the price. Since the prices here are on the higher side, we expected the food to be more consistent. Our server was great. But the manager who handled the food issue honestly made it worse. No apology, no real care, just whatever. Cannot believe that is who they have running the place. We have had great memories here and always loved the views and a few standout dishes. Just sad to walk away this time feeling like it was not worth it. Hope it was just a fluke. read more

Hair on the food is my last straw. Thank god I caught it before taking a bite.It was literally melted with the cheese... Definitely don't recommend the food. More for views And a drink. read more

Nepenthe - Food - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Nepenthe is famous in Big Sur for stunning views and delicious food. We were recommended to come here by multiple sources. We had a great experience. We walked in for a late lunch after a big hike. It was about 3pm and the restaurant was busy! They were still able to seat us right away with a nice view of the mountains. What we ordered: -French fries: perfectly salty and hot -Burrata caprese salad: very fresh! Had a lot of cucumbers which was unique. -Beet salad: Incredibly fresh and a huge portion! It was so good, I ate the whole thing. But it could definitely be split between two people. -French dip burger: Jake loved it. It came with a bean salad. The prices are definitely tourist prices. It was a very expensive lunch! But we knew we were paying partially for the views. While the prices were steep, we ultimately had a great meal with a lovely view. I would recommend coming here. The service was good, too! read more

See all

The scenery was outstanding BUT the menu was weak and way Over Priced. Who wants to spend $27.00 on an ambrosia burger ( whatever that was) with a side of mixed beans or a clump of lettuce in a bowl with a side of watered down salad dressing. Fries don't go with the ambrosia burger so you have to spend an extra $15.00 for a basket of fries. If you plan on taking your kids or other relatives or friends plan on taking out a small loan "but the scenery was spectacular" read more

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! read more

See all

Been meaning to go for years lovely! Once the sunset lookie loos cleared out it was even better! read more

The place / spit was really beautiful Every aspect of it The server where great and very friendly except ours she didnt comeback and ask us of we need anything else even if we dont the food was nothing special the fries was great but the rest nah not worth driving there But overall at least i can say we stip and ate there one time and thats it read more

See all

Tucked away in the mountains of Big Sur is Nepenthe, a restaurant that provides the most spectacular of views. If you do find yourself here then I'd recommend sitting outside if able because they really are stunning. As for the restaurant itself, it seems that the food prices include the view because wow, it is quite a lot considering the quality. It wasn't necessarily bad but it was traditional fare that could be done better. For an appetizer we ordered the Laura Chenel Goat Cheese and Roasted Garlic, as for entrees I ordered the Ambrosia Burger and my girlfriend had the Steak Frites which weren't bad but definitely not worth the price tag. Our drinks were nice and hot for the chilly atmosphere but nothing that blew us away. Personally this was a one and done place for me and it was great to visit and enjoy a meal up in the clouds, but I probably won't be making my way here again. read more

See all

We were so excited to experience Nepenthe! We got there early at 11:15am to avoid the crowds and long wait times. We waited along the benched rail area enjoying the spectacular views and were seated at 11:50am. Service was good but the food was nothing special for the overpriced $ cost!!! The $27 Ambrosiaburger was flavorless and unappealing. Not sure how the Ambrosia sauce became famous. Came with salad. We chose the French Vinaigrette which was also flavorless. The fries were good but not $18.50 worth but the stellar jays especially loved them as they swept in for a fast getaway! The deep dish apple pie was just ok. Not a $17 delicious pie! I guess you're paying for the experience and the cost to get the ingredients up the mountain. read more

See all

My boyfriend and I came here for our anniversary week & was blown away by not only the views, but the food! We ordered the fries as an appetizer and MY GOSH, they were the best fries we've ever had! So crispy outside and soft on the inside, paired with the ambrosia sauce... immaculate! \|~.~|/ The Ambrosia Burger was even better! It came with the bean salad which had a superb flavor. Definitely 10/10. It was pretty breezy outside so we ended it with a warm hot chocolate. Creamy, rich and nostalgic! The service was amazing as well. Very attentive waitress with a great sense of style! She was serving looks and food! If I'm ever in Big Sur again, this place is a MUST! read more

See all

If you're looking for ocean views in a patio space (or enclosed) Nepenthe is for you. Staff are busy but attentive. Be sure to ask your server for help as there are a lot of floaters. The second floor restaurant offers a sit down menu that is different on the cafe level which is take out only. We ordered Tri tip sandwich 4/5 Ambrosia burger with blue cheese 5/5 Salmon appetizer (think lox) Fries to share (this was a lot! Like a huge basket lol) My burger (I guess they're known for this) was served on a thin bun and delicious dipped in blue cheese which took it from good to great. read more

Nepenthe - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

The food was alright, the view was great. We went here because it was convenient on our highway 1 drive. It's a cute place. I have no idea how the ambrosia burger is world famous though... it wasn't anything special. The clam chowder was decent read more

Nepenthe - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

We stopped here two days ago for lunch, while touring Big Sur. What a major disappointment. The only pro I can offer is the view from the restaurant. Cons - slow service, quality of food, and cost. I had the Veggie burger, my companion had the Ambrosia burger, both included a very small side salad, and we shared an order of fries. Water only. It took about 45 minutes, and cost $88!! (I'm suspicious about the charge) Won't ever go again, and wouldn't recommend. read more

Very nice experience. Beautiful scenery along the drive there and even once you get there. Great food

The view is awesome. The food is just average. The service is not good. The price is very high. There is no WiFi. The bathroom is extremely small, when you sit on the toilet, your head will bang on the door. read more

You come for the food you stay for the views. You can not beat the scenery from this place. Complete with their own gift shop you can shop around before or after eating. The best service and staff. The food was perfect and the drinks were refreshing. read more

See all

Yes yes yes. Hour and half wait was worth the view! We rode to McWay waterfall while we waited. Came back in under an hour. The waitstaff were all so friendly. Ambrosia burger & beer was a nice treat by the fire for a late afternoon lunch on a cool misty day. So nice and cozy. read more

Nepenthe - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

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. read more

Nepenthe - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

Named after a fictional drink or drug that makes you forget pain and sorrow. With an origin like that it's no surprise it has attracted poets and creatives since 1949. The original cabin was once owned by Orson Welles and Henry Miller was a frequent diner here. The parking lot is deceptively small, there are 3 different levels you can park at. If you drive a large vehicle the parking spots are small and shallow and we saw people getting stuck and having to do crazy driving in reverse because others weren't parked well. The views are insane with great coastal views from high up, I think the best spot is the outdoor seating area in back but we were already in the sun for a long time and enjoyed the scenery from inside which is also nice. Service was quick and our waitress was friendly and inviting. We took her rec. for the banana pie dessert and loved it! Ambrosia Burger: There is a reason it's famous, it's a must try if you like burgers. They have the exact recipe online but the mix of local ground beef and the experienced cook time make it truly unique and best enjoyed at the restaurant. We also loved the coleslaw, it had just barely enough mayonnaise and you could really taste the fresh cabbage and ingredients more than the sauce. Shrimp BLT: also excellent, this was my wife's favorite. The tomato comes as a jam and the basil aioli was a nice pairing, it was a sloppy to eat but so good the whole thing got destroyed. Steak and Fries: we asked for double fries with this and wish we tried another side, the fries were OK. Steak was good but we didn't want butter on top so we just scooped it off. read more

See all

SERVICE & AMBIANCE: One of the most stunning views along the California coast can be seen from the terraces of the famous Nepenthe restaurant. The drive From Monterey to the Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur takes around 45 minutes . They don't take reservations, just walk-in, first come-first serve basis so when we arrived it was a 30 minute wait So get a drink and sit on the sunny cushioned concrete stairs. The ordering process took another 30 minutes until we got our food. FOOD: We both ordered the French Dip served with a crunchy but bland coleslaw that had no taste at all. We rated the sandwich as follows: 1) the french baguette was more like a Ciabatta roll but tasted ok with the au jus 2) the havarti cheese gave it some flavor, 3) the roasted prime top sirloin was the least favorite. Breathtaking View and beautiful drive across the Bixby Bridge to this stunning spot but a bit expensive, so I can now check this off my of my must visit bucket list. read more

See all

Nepenthe is a very popular place but let's be honest, most people are really coming here for the beautiful views and not the food. The food is just okay and nothing to write home about especially based on their Big Sur prices. I ordered their famous ambrosia burger and it was just a regular burger, nothing special or famous at all. The bread to patty ratio was off as well with more bread than patty. My husband ordered their special menu item, a fresh albacore tuna sandwich for $29 and it was just a regular tuna salad sandwich. We were expecting a grilled fresh tuna filet sandwich but it came to the table looking like a canned tuna salad sandwich. The coleslaw was a bit bland too. What a disappointment! Again you are coming here strictly for the views ! read more

See all

Views alone is worth the drive up here! Breathtaking and picturesque! Food was very posh with a limited lunch menu, the views alone were filling enough. We had just a mid day snack just salads, they were refreshing. The wait staff were very kind and service was great. I can't imagine this place during the sunset, definitely considering coming back. 5 stars for views! Food 4/5 read more

Nepenthe - Beet salad - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Parking there is hell and the owners clearly don't care. Not only is there woefully insufficient parking for the amount of people flooding the place (there really aren't a lot of other options, so the restaurant draws people in), the parking lot needs an attendant badly. It's already a cramped space, and so some people park in a crooked manner. That makes for a nice fifteen minute effort to enter or exit a space. I watched as a car crunched another trying to squeeze into a space. Hey Nepenthe, please get a parking attendant. As for the food, it's overpriced and just ok. Kind of like eating in an airport. The captive audience without other options allows for what feels like a lack of effort. It's not the worst, but far from the best. On a positive note, the staff are friendly and attentive. read more

Good food with a great view! This place has been on my list for a while now particularly because this place is out of the way unless you are specifically driving down the scenic PCH. Due to road closure from Big Sur to around San Simeon it was particularly a hassle to get here, but it was well worth it! Only downside I'd say is the price but hey, if you're not gonna being doing PCH very often, you may as well splurge a little! Service was only ok particularly because we came in when a large group came in at the same time. Parking is good tho you have to walk a few flight of stairs to get to the restaurant. Food was great. We ordered the smoked salmon and duck special. The smoked salmon was good and very flavorful. Paired well nicely with the fixings. The duck was very good but I feel it was drowned out by the sauce. Masked potatoes and asparagus sides were good. If you're driving up or down PCH, this place is worth a visit! read more

See all

Ahh Nepenthe.. If in Big Sur, this is the place to reserve for a beautiful Sunset Dinner. The view is spectacular, placed on a cliff side with stunning ocean and Mountain View's. We went with the steaks. I enjoyed the ribeye, cooked to perfection. I asked for no ChimiChuri sauce due to preference (I'm a purest when it comes to steak). My wife and daughter had the Steak Frites. Both enjoyed their meals very much. For Dessert... the four layer chocolate cake was devoured by my daughter. **Tip** I do recommend reservations. It can get packed fast, and the table seating is limited. There is bar seating along the rail of the restaurant which works for a date, but not for family dining. read more

See all

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'd expect from a coastal California restaurant. The burger focuses on the flavor of the meat instead of fancy garnish, which I liked. Coleslaw was a bit bland but I heard others saying the bean side option was pretty great. The waiters are very friendly and have great options/suggestions on menu items. Well known and solid gastropub establishment for Big Sur. I'm sure it's a high wait time for weekends especially when it's sunny, coming early when they open for your table is highly recommended. read more

Nepenthe - Ambrosia burger - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Stunning views, decent food, cute bohemian shop, stressful parking, moronic management. This was my 4th visit in the past 10-15 years. The first time I stumbled on it, it was quaint, great food, and local charm. Each subsequent visit, they've added more friction. This time they really pissed me off sitting 2 people at a table for 8, and then telling guests 90 min wait for lunch at Noon! And they open at 11:30A. I asked if we could ask a couple of guys at the 8 person table if we could share it (only 2 of us, also men) and the clueless host was "uncomfortable" doing so. So they'd rather lose the business and turn away a loyal customer than get creative with their success/growth. Really unfortunate. Was one of my favorite spots on the PCH. read more

This was the most amazing place not just beautiful but the views are amazing . The food was so good a 10 out of 10 .. I had the beet salad it was delicious. Our server was very knowledgeable and we didn't wait long for the food it was super fast .The gift shop the phoenix had everything two floors so much to choose from . Don't forget to go ring the bong out back the sound it gave was amazing . I do recommend to get there an hour before they open because the parking lot is super limited and very hard to find a spot . . read more

See all

This is a must visit if you are anywhere near"Big Sur" this is a must visit. The food is awesome, portions are adequate, and tasty. It is open air dining as and in the evening they have a bond fire where everyone sits around and visits. People from all walks of life. It is friendly and very interesting. You will live the ambiance. If you look to the west's you can catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean It's worth a trip to Big Sur area just to enjoy this awesome restaurant read more

Came because my husband said he loves coming here back in the day so we made the trip. You are mostly paying for the experience. The food is really expensive and unfortunately not that great. I was pretty surprised there weren't that many options on their menu. I got their famous hamburger and it was just an alright burger. Honestly for the price I wish it came with better side options too. The service was actually great. We came right when they opened and got to sit outside for the best view. Once it hit 12pm it started to get really packed. So best time to go is opening. Overall, I'm glad I came to try it, but I think maybe I'd stick with the cafe downstairs for the same view. read more

Nepenthe - The view - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

Great food in a beautiful scenic restaurant off the coast of California. You are paying for the views for sure! The prices can be steep since the steaks were $69-71. Entrees were generally between $60-70 while appetizers are $15-20s. The wait can get pretty long on weekends. We came on a non-holiday weekend and waiting 1.5hrs for a table. Got there around 5:30PM. No reservations accepted so make sure to come a bit earlier if you are hoping to eat before 7:30/8. They have great spots to wait and enjoy the views but it can get chilly into the night so make sure to bring a jacket. The service was good; the staff was very attentive. read more

Nepenthe - New American Near Me - Big Sur, California

See all

What a cool find! We stopped off on our drive down US Highway 1 - what a welcome respite. Beautiful views to enjoy on a gorgeous day, great service, good food. We had an awesome server who's parents had met at Nepenthe many years back - we were so charmed by her story. :) We shared the ambrosiaburger (delicious), which came with a side bean salad. We also ordered a basket of fries which was way too much for two of us to share - it might be nice to have a smaller order for patrons to choose from to avoid wasting. Loved the gift shop too with so much amazing stuff - we spent at least another hour in there after lunch! We also loved perusing the "My Nepenthe" book featured in the store to learn more about the history of this amazing local gem. read more

See all

What a gem! We arrived on a very busy afternoon hoping to get a table at Nepenthe. We were seated right away inside with the most spectacular view. We ordered several beers along with burgers , salads and fries. Our waitress was really kind and attentive. We did ask for a few extra things and she brought it all out very quickly. The food was hot and fresh and it was all very good. We had the best time. Thank you to Nepenthe for a wonderful afternoon. read more

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. read more

See all

Came here on Saturday afternoon by myself. The place is very popular since there aren't many restaurants in the area, and the views are amazing. It was very crowded but worth it. Expect to loop around a few times before finding parking. I waited an hour to get a table outdoors (the best seating), but they had a nice waiting area with plenty of seating options. You can also sit in those areas and walk around the balcony with a drink from the bar without having to eat at the restaurant, which is pretty nice and allows you to enjoy the views without the need to wait for a table or eat. It's a tourist place, so expect to pay tourist prices for meals and drinks! I had the Steak Frites, one of the house favorites, with the garbanzo-kidney bean salad. The steak was good and flavorful. I was not a fan of the roasted shallot mustard butter, it can overpower the flavor of the actual steak, but in moderation, it paired well. The garbanzo-kidney bean salad was very well-balanced, and the vinegar didn't overwhelm the rest of the flavors. I really liked it! The fries were absolutely delicious and perfectly crisp! Though the food is simple and pricey, you're really paying for the breathtaking views from a side cliff in Big Sur. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. My waiter even provided suggestions of free scenic places to visit around the area! Bonus: the restrooms were very clean. It's a place I would visit again if I'm in Big Sur. read more

See all

Today my dear friend found herself in the Santa Cruz area with cancelled family Mother's Day plans, so her husband and daughter quickly pivoted to whisk her off to Nepenthe in Big Sur. I called from afar to arrange a surprise for the table and despite this being one of the busiest days of the year for Big Sur/Nepenthe, the delightful and incredibly gracious host, Zheya, helped me arrange a treat for the table. Rohana also went above and beyond as their server to make my friend's family feel truly special. Truly an unforgettable experience even for far away me on the other end of the phone. I've said it for years and I'll keep saying : Nepenthe is more than a destination--it's a heartfelt memory. (Also food and ambiance - goes without saying) read more

What an exceptional experience we had. The view is obviously the biggest allure to Nepenthe as it has the most fantastic vantage point of Big Sur. However, the staff and the food would have me go back again! We ordered cocktails, which were very expensive so don't be staggered by the price point, keep in mind you are paying tourist prices, looking at about $24 a cocktail. I will say though it was the most incredible lavender gin fizz I've ever had. The food was also great and the staff were very sweet. All in all would love to return. read more

See all

I ordered the 12 oz ribeye and it was horrible. I told them I wanted medium rare and it came out medium well and absolutely no pinkness on the inside. It was very small and thin and did not look like a 73$ steak. I sent it back and got another and this time it was bigger and thicker. I cut it and the first half was perfect medium rare. The next half was medium to medium well again and was so chewy and chary. The server was very nice and the view is very good but the food was mediocre at best. read more

High quality food and ambience with a view you can't get anywhere else! The service was excellent. This place has the most amazing view that can come with lunch or dinner. I recommend going in the evening to view the sunset. It's stunning. They pair great quality food with amazing wines and a full stocked bar. Their outdoor seating is just as great as their indoors. They have two fire places that just cement the entire vibe. Classy and casual all at once. read more

See all