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    Ripplewood Cafe

    4.3 (179 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Ripplewood Cafe Photos

    RIPPLEWOOD CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Ripplewood Cafe

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    Veggie scramble with sourdough, hash browns on the side.
    Lauren T.

    We came to this adorable cafe 3 times for breakfast while camping at Pfieffer in the rain. Every time was great. The salsa in the Juevos Rancheros was fantastic, my husband asked to have some for his scramble. The pancakes are super fluffy, and the veggie scramble was great. Perfect fruit and avocado. The waitresses are super friendly. Highly recommend!

    Benedict
    Monty H.

    Beautiful, comfy loft ambience and possibly the best Benedict I've ever had. The avocados and sautéed mushrooms were a nice touch, portion was pretty large, and the gratin is super special! Coffee was solid. Everything came out fast and servers were so friendly to everyone. I might have to come here more often.

    Incredible potatoes gratin, pancakes and sausage -- plus their Harris Ranch bacon cheeseburger with salad
    Charles W.

    Rolled in here after a backpacking trip at the recommendation of a ranger up the road. Ripplewood did not disappoint: delicious food, generous portions, and super fast service. The rustic cafe (with a real sample of ripplewood, in case you're curious what that is) and resort there is a plus, too, making me want to come back for a weekend, The redwood timbers and cabin like feel of this cozy restaurant are super cool. In terms of food, it is really delicious. Be sure to try their potatoes gratin if you get a chance - they are amazing! Our meal was pricey, just like eating out everywhere that is good is today, Ripplewood Cafe delivered. We would gladly come back!

    James S.

    Ripplewood Cafe is a gem in Big Sur! The cozy, rustic atmosphere makes it the perfect stop along Highway 1. The food was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we needed after a long drive. The staff were welcoming and laid-back, adding to the relaxed Big Sur vibe. Whether you're grabbing breakfast before hiking or winding down after exploring, this spot is a must-visit. First one to open if you're looking for an early AM grub

    Omi E.

    Stopped by on a weekend around 1230 pm. Place wasn't crowded. Seating available inside and outside. Parking might be hard to find when crowded. Food tasted good.

    Claire B.

    Very cute place and really friendly staff. Quick service and yummy food, but was a little overpriced. There was a moth and a few little bugs inside (ant in my water) which didn't bother us really (added to the woodsy ambiance!) but could be an issue for some.

    Eggs Benedict
    Chris A.

    One of the best roadside breakfast stops for a hearty meal! I stopped in and loved how comforting the inside/outside looked. The menu was full of many comfort food choices. Based on the reviews, I tried the excellent Eggs Benedict. You can choose home fries or their signature potato au gratin. You definitely should try the potato au gratin , so creamy, tasty and served a delightful golden crisp. The restaurant is so laid back. I just loved it here!

    Veggie Enchiladas with beans, avocado, and rice
    Tamira T.

    I loved this place, quite unexpectedly to be honest. We checked out a few other roadside restaurants on our way back from Big Sur, but they were super pricey and didn't offer much I wanted either. The food was so good here I want to go back right now and get more! I had the enchiladas, which only showed a choice of chicken or beef, but I asked if I could have veggies instead and they kindly said "sure!" They came with simply amazing beans, rice, and an avocado. Hubs had the pancakes and they were super fluffy and delicious, too.

    Parking

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    2 months ago

    The perfect cappuccino for a gorgeous drive along the coast. Service was speedy and friendly. Wish I could have stayed for breakfast!

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    4 months ago

    Fair... all around and easily accessible from the highway. There is a very nice outdoor patio. A good place to take a crowd for breakfast.

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    1 year ago

    I really loved this place. My boyfriend and I went here when we drove up the coast and this was our favorite breakfast spot.

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    Page 1 of 5

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    Big Sur Deli

    Big Sur Deli

    4.1
    (132 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Found this gem on Yelp while traveling through Big Sur and holy moly! So glad we stopped!…read more We were driving an RV, which made the stop a bit tricky, but luckily we were able to park at the far end of the lot since no cars were using it. We made sure to be quick since a worker outside said, "'make it snappy!" We ordered the chicken strips and fries, pastrami sandwich and a custom sandwich with turkey, cheese and veggies. All were very good! I didn't get photos of the chicken because my kids devoured it. There were also some Big Sur souvenirs and other items for sale in the store. You could tell it was a local spot, which made it feel like you were from the area when talking to others in the store. It was a nostalgic kind of ambiance! If traveling in the area or you're a local who hasn't visited yet, I highly tell ed you do so soon! We went in a weekday so it wasn't too busy, but I can see the lot filling up very quickly in the weekends.

    Rating: 3.5/5 If…read moreyou're looking for a quick bite, this spot offers a variety of custom-made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, baked goods, as well as souvenirs and more! My husband and I shared the Big Sur Hipster sandwich which was meaty and fulfilling. We got one of the premade ones and it was hefty and perfect for sharing. Overall, it was a solid sandwich but it would've been better if the bread was toasted/warm but nonetheless it was still good cold. I also tried their choco chip banana bread crumb top coffee cake with espresso glaze, but as good as it sounds it was underwhelming and wasn't as moist as I would've liked. Overall, it's a convenient stop when in Big Sur for a quick bite, drink, or souvenirs!

    Photos
    Big Sur Deli
    Big Sur Deli
    Big Sur Deli

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    Cafe Kevah

    Cafe Kevah

    4.1
    (276 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Dont try this place confused with the much busier dining spot to the right and upstairs. Wait time…read morewas about 40 minutes on a Tuesday. We went to the left and downstairs instead and there was no wait time. In fact the majority of the tables were open. Granted their food options are limited as it is a Cafe. But the no wait so that we could get back on our road trip was invaluable. We sat with a beautiful view of the coast. The view is quite majestic. You can move the umbrellas around to give your table shade. Its a first come first sit type place. We ordered their black forest ham panini as well as a chai latte and a hot apple cider. Drinks and food came out quickly. The drinks tasted great. Very hot. It warmed up the soul in this cold February day. They black forst ham panini was really good. Crunchy bread. Good amount of ham. I love the melted cheese inside. It was crunchy, and gooey and tasty all at the same time. The views are just otherworldly. And the food and drinks were really good too. Pricing wasent bad considering its a tourist location. I would definitely recommend stopping by this place to experience the views and try the food as you go on your road trip up the coast.

    If you are driving the Big Sur highway (?)m Hwy One along the California coast you will experience…read morewide stretches of just beautiful views of ocean and hills. Not a lot of commercial stuff. One of the most popular and well-known eatery is Nepenthe, always crowded and murderous, skimpy parking. A challenge for sure parking and also getting seated. Come early or late, but at prime time your best bet is to walk down the hill to Cafe Kevah, just below the main bar and restaurant. Excellent ocean-side viewing and a decent menu. If you are traveling along the highway, see if you can call ahead for reservations. Kevah serves, meals, pastries and drinks. Put your figurative seat belt on as the prices are California and touristy. Breakfast, granola at $18.50 up to their eggs benedict at $36.50. Until noon. Order at their central counter. Salads from $20.75 - $28.75, Sandwiches serve with mixed greens from $17.75 - $24.50. Kids can get a PB&J or Quesadilla for $9 each. More limited than the full bar and menu uphill at Nepenthe but easy to get seated/not too long of wait for table, less crowded and OK, but not cheap food. It is worth a stop here. If going further south there is another place called Ragged Point, depending on traffic, may be 2 hours more south. Enjoy.

    Photos
    View of cashier from aisle
    View of cashier from aisle
    Cobb Salad
    Cobb Salad
    Breakfast burrito

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    Breakfast burrito
    Deetjen's Restaurant

    Deetjen's Restaurant

    4.4
    (332 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to Deetjen's for breakfast for years and it just keeps getting better and better…read more Never been for dinner though, not sure why but that's now on my to do list. The absolute best eggs benedict in the world (I'll fight over this!). I've stayed in San Simeon or Cambria and driven up to Deetjen's just for breakfast, it's that good. Now that Highway 1 is open again, I'll be doing that more often again. The only downside is parking can be difficult at times, but that comes with the territory and the gorgeous location.

    Antique/thrift store setting was kinda charming, and we enjoyed the risotto and paella special…read more Wine and beer only, with a very limited selection for wines by the glass (the only non-sweet white option was also the most expensive). Service was not great. Even though the restaurant was mostly empty when we arrived, we were seating directly across from the staff prep area instead of in one of the cozy rooms. We also had to ask several times for our check, and then our waiter loudly announced that the card declined. My husband tried to explain that you need to tap it since the magnetic strip is worn down, and the waiter got defensive and claimed that's what he did. We ended up using another card, but a call later to the credit card company confirmed that he only swiped it twice and never tapped. I'd still come back here, but next time will request a table in the room on the far right and will ask for the check when our entrees arrive.

    Photos
    Super cozy interior
    Super cozy interior
    One lump or two?
    One lump or two?
    Deetjen's Restaurant

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    Big Sur River Inn

    Big Sur River Inn

    3.0
    (554 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    This place is one of the prettiest places I have stayed overnight. If you are looking for peace and…read moretranquility, this is the spot. Getting up in the morning and walking down to the shallow river with your complimentary room coffee is Heaven. Then sitting on the provided river chairs and listening to the running creek is so relaxing. The staff is nice. Most of the staff have been working here for many years. I have read some negative comments about the cost of the rooms. Yes, the rooms at a little over $800 a night may be high, but remember this Motel is in a unique location of #Big Sur and I don't know of any other motels in Big Sur that can offer a river view just steps away from the water. So for me this was worth every penny. If you are wanting to explore the Big Sur area and spend time away from this Motel resort than you may want to use a budget motel. This motel was designed for rest and relaxation. The pool on site is a plus. The rooms don't have a microwave, fridge, or kitchen, so you will have to pack sandwiches and snacks in a cooler. Otherwise, the restaurant food is good and the general store next to it also sells deli style food, pizzas, hot sandwiches, and wraps. Oh, and the burritos are big enough to feed two. I highly recommend this place for a special occasion or for a wonderful memory to look back on.

    For the restaurant: The food was incredibly bland and overpriced. We ordered a (very dry)…read moreunseasoned chicken sandwich, another unseasoned beef burger, and pasta. We requested a little parmesan for the pasta and they told us it'd be $6... Then after paying, the waiter shoved the tip screen in my face, which surprised me because it was not my credit card, but my dads. He took my surprise as hesitation to tip so made an annoyed face. It was super uncomfortable and forceful but whatever still tipped 20%. I hope they train their staff better. Maybe consider not charging for every little thing. Sitting out in the chairs, almost made up for how underwhelming and weird it was in there

    Photos
    Big Sur River Inn
    Interior living room
    Interior living room
    View from porch

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    View from porch
    Nepenthe

    Nepenthe

    3.7
    (2.9k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$$

    Food is 2 stars Service was 4 stars…read moreAmbiance was 5++ stars. We sat "front row" on the veranda so we are biased with the 5 star rating (see pics). Got there at 11 for 11:30 opening just by chance which got us 6th on the list and as a couple we got lucky with amazing seats with the view to The Pacific Ocean. Bloody Mary was awesome. Garlic and Goat cheese appie was amazeballs. Hamburger was dreadful. Overcooked and Undersized for the bread. You can charge $30 for a burger just don't pretend it is more than it is. Just bad all around. Really a bummer given how easy it is to make a great burger. French Dip Sammie was just ok. French Vinagrette dressing on the salad was nice.

    We visited on Sunday July 5 around 6 pm. Lovely restaurant with a gorgeous view but I can't say the…read moresame about the food or service. The hostess at the front was quite rude, the first thing she said was "Do you want to be added to the 1 hour waitlist?", no greeting, not even a smile. We all looked at each other but agreed as we didn't mind enjoying the view while we waited. She set down a clip board that looked like a waiting list so my sister took it to write our names. She then rudely grabs it from her and says "that's not how it works! Just tell me your name!" She was obviously overwhelmed and not enjoying her job but we just brushed it off. Didn't get her name but she wore a green lace shirt with jacket and sunglasses on her head the entire time...dressed rather sloppily and not professional like a host should represent a restaurant with such steep prices. After more than an hour, they finally seat us...,by an open door that had cold wind blowing through it so hard that it kept blowing wax from the lit candle onto us and all over our plates. The candle kept getting blown out so a waitress finally closed one of the doors but it was still so cold and uncomfortable. The food was terrible for the astronomical prices they charge and the presentation was just horrible. The prices and presentation are insulting.

    Photos
    Nepenthe
    Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad
    Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad
    Drinks (the red beer was super satisfying after a hike!)

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    Drinks (the red beer was super satisfying after a hike!)
    Big Sur Roadhouse

    Big Sur Roadhouse

    4.0
    (431 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    I guess you can say that I am as much of a regular as I can be, considering I live 2 1/2 hours…read moreaway. I can't get enough of this restaurant! Between the amazing people who have become friends over the years to great home cooked meals and atmosphere (the ocean is practically across the road), I cannot get enough of this place! This trip I took a longtime friend with me and although it's been two days since we were there, she's still saying how impressed she was. She was absolutely floored that they use real butter and the portions were huge. In fact the portions were so big that I couldn't even finish half of my food! And I was HUNGRY! LOL Maura and her brother (which I apologize I can't remember his name) both helped us. Maura sat us and we spoke for a quick minute, and her amazing brother served us. I can't believe it don't recall his name! But everyone there is AWESOME! I was tempted to get the super fresh salad, but decided instead on the clam chowder (as did Alicia), and the salmon was perfectly cooked. The veggies were so fresh and flavorful and the rice was exceptionally fluffy and seasoned perfectly. Not to mention the garlic toast was next level. I can't wait to get back over there! Their blueberry pancakes are calling my name! Trust me, if you want a good old fashioned stick to your bones diner, this place right here checks all the boxes! Plus it's pet friendly, if you choose to sit on the patio!

    Love the convenience of this restaurant across Glen oaks where we got complimentary donuts and…read morecoffee/tea for being hotel guests. And the beautiful interior giving cabin vibes plus a warm cozy fireplace. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating and clean restrooms. Loved sitting by the big windows looking at the trees. FYI When dining in you have to grab your own utensils and water and condiments. Their breakfast was delicious. I got the veggie scramble with avocado. And an oat latte. It was strong.

    Photos
    Gorgeous mid mod seating area
    Gorgeous mid mod seating area
    Big Sur Roadhouse
    Outside

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    Outside
    Lafayette Bakery & Cafe

    Lafayette Bakery & Cafe

    4.2
    (666 reviews)
    20.0 mi
    $$

    I stopped by Lafayette Bakery on Memorial Day morning and there were only a few people in line. The…read moreselection of pastries and breakfast items made it so hard to choose because everything looked amazing! I ended up getting the ham and bacon quiche and it did not disappoint. It was flaky, light, and had the perfect crunch. I paired it with a vanilla latte with almond milk, and as a barista myself, I have to say the latte was a 10/10. You can tell it was crafted with care. I enjoyed my breakfast in the patio where they had outside seating, it was clean and very spacious! The service was also great! The barista who took my order was super friendly and made sure I got my items once they were ready. I'll definitely be coming back to try one of their sweet pastries next time!

    Sometimes a place has such great reviews that your expectations end up being much higher than the…read moreactual experience. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to us here. We stopped by while driving along the coast and ordered a cappuccino, a latte, and a tiramisu. The café itself is small and has a nice atmosphere, but it definitely feels like it could use some renovation. The biggest disappointment was the coffee. Both drinks were watery, bitter, and tasted more like regular drip coffee than something you'd expect from a café with such high ratings. The tiramisu was also much smaller than expected and much sweeter than a traditional tiramisu. There was also a small outdoor patio, which could be really charming, but it also looked tired. The wooden tables were weathered, dusty, and in need of some care I know this café is known as an old French café, and I really wanted to love it. I truly hope they invest a little into both the space and the coffee because the location has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, this visit just didn't live up to all the amazing reviews.

    Photos
    Yuzu Croissant - @rayz
    Yuzu Croissant - @rayz
    Ham and Cheese Croissant - Toasted - @rayz
    Ham and Cheese Croissant - Toasted - @rayz
    Chocolate pistachio swirl

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    Chocolate pistachio swirl

    Ripplewood Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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