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    Ripplewood Cafe

    4.3 (180 reviews)
    Open 12:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Ripplewood Cafe Photos

    RIPPLEWOOD CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Ripplewood Cafe

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    Vy N.

    Stopped for breakfast on our way out, lovely little cafe with an attached store and the kindest people.

    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

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    4 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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    6 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

    Ripplewood Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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    Big Sur Deli

    Big Sur Deli

    4.1(134 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!

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    Big Sur Deli
    Big Sur Deli
    Big Sur Deli - Ruben on sourdough

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    Ruben on sourdough

    Cafe Kevah - French Toast

    Cafe Kevah

    4.1(279 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    The view is absolutely beautiful in the morning and definitely adds to the experience. We ordered…read morethe breakfast burrito, the Reuben, and the kid's quesadilla. The food is a little pricey, but I thought the breakfast burrito was well worth it. It was a generous portion, tasted delicious, and paired with the incredible view, it made for a great breakfast. My husband also really enjoyed the Reuben. The only thing we probably wouldn't order again is the kid's quesadilla. It's just cheese in a tortilla, and there isn't an option to add any protein. Next time, I'd probably just share my breakfast burrito with my little one instead. Overall, I'd highly recommend checking this spot out if you get the chance. Great food, beautiful scenery, and a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing morning meal.

    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
    Cafe Kevah - View of cashier from aisle

    View of cashier from aisle

    Cafe Kevah - Cobb Salad

    Cobb Salad

    Cafe Kevah - Breakfast burrito

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    Breakfast burrito

    Deetjen's Restaurant - Big Breakfast

    Deetjen's Restaurant

    4.4(334 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    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.

    Went here and were very excited to come as we have been planning this trip. Never want to go back…read morehere. The pig tailed punky bruster waitress was extremely rude. I thanked her for seating us, no response. I then thanked her for coffee and not even a smile or response. She was rude. Not to the men or her local friends that showed up. You come for an experience and reality met with some rude waitress. To top it off the other waitress worn short greasy hair was too busy flirting with the guy at the bar. And had zero awareness. Asked the man "who'd you Fu** last night"? Which he replied no one.... So glad that stretch of the highway is free from STD for one night. Pass on this place. It's cute but horrible staff.

    Photos
    Deetjen's Restaurant - Super cozy interior

    Super cozy interior

    Deetjen's Restaurant - One lump or two?

    One lump or two?

    Deetjen's Restaurant

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    Big Sur River Inn - Bedroom

    Big Sur River Inn

    3.0(557 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    First off, the general store had amazing tacos. Al pastor and barbacoa were so good. We bought food…read morethere and some drinks then walked down to the river near the restaurant to enjoy our lunch. Yes it gets crowded so you may have to wait for an Adirondack chair or two.. but once you sit IN the river.. it's amazing. So peaceful and such a unique experience to be partially in the water. Highly recommend checking out this place, especially after a drive through Big Sur and some hiking at Point Lobos. Only negative is some people hoard chairs and may move them for their large group. Otherwise, it's chill.

    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.

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    Big Sur River Inn
    Big Sur River Inn - Interior living room

    Interior living room

    Big Sur River Inn - View from porch

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    View from porch

    Nepenthe - Chicken chicken breast served on a French Roll

    Nepenthe

    3.7(2.9k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$$

    Really love this place perched high above the cliffs in Big Sur, just off Highway 1. It has a cool…read more1970s throwback vibe, but the views of the Pacific are absolutely spectacular. The service was great, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else. It's a bit of a drive and a little bit of a hike up the hill, but once you get there, you'll understand why it's worth it. Great food, incredible views, and a truly unique Big Sur experience. Highly recommend!

    Stunning views but subpar food, service was fine. Went with my friend during the week late…read moreafternoon, so luckily they were able to seat us right away, but I could not see it be worth the 1hr wait I see other people mentioning. Absolutely would NOT recommend the fries, $16 for McDonalds fries. Seriously, they tasted, looked, and felt like Mcdonald's fries but more greasy. The vegetarian burger was fine, not appalling but very bland. The bottom of the bread was so overtoasted it was hard like a crouton, which made it sort of difficult to bite into. For a $30 sandwich I would expect more. The bean salad on the side actually was pretty good. I think the waiter forgot to bring our water for a while, which was fine, but it did really seem like we were getting worse service after not ordering anything to drink. Also, they started cleaning up while I was waiting for my friend in the bathroom, and it seemed pretty empty as we were leaving, so I don't believe they needed to clear it for another party coming in. However, the servers were polite, so I can give them the benefit of the doubt on these fronts. Overall, I understand in some places you're paying for the view, but this is in Big Sur, you can get better views on the side of the highway. We could've had a better lunch if we made it ourselves and packed it, or even went to one of the general stores in town to pick up a sandwich. If the food was good, I would understand the price and hype, but it was honestly below mediocre quality, and I'm not a picky eater. Glad we tried it, but not a place I will return to.

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    Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad

    Nepenthe - 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 - Tomato basil soup with salad

    Big Sur Roadhouse

    4.0(432 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    This is a perfect stop! Beautiful indoor/ outdoor seating. Anke to sit outside under an umbrella…read morewith our dog. Food was great a filling. Also nice clean bathrooms. Such a good find!

    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!

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    Big Sur Roadhouse - Gorgeous mid mod seating area

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    Outside

    Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Blueberry Brioche

    Lafayette Bakery & Cafe

    4.2(671 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!

    Uniqueness: Their pastries are well done! Wait Time:…read more [x][x][x][x][x] Food Quality: [x][x][x][x][x] Service: [x][x][x][x][x] Setting: [x][x][x][x][ ] Cost: [x][x][x][x][ ] Recommendation? Definitely stick with their pastries as their other savory foods looked alright (perhaps one day I'll try and see how they taste). Yelp told me about this bakery in the older Carmel Plaza here that's not in the main Ocean Ave. The plaza was sadly mostly empty but was still curious to see how this bakery is. The inside was also pretty sparse at the time of my visit and there were a decent amount of pastries still on display and first impression of their sandwich & other savory goods was a bit of a miss by the looks of it. Still I ordered a lime tart, tiramisu, and a guava raspberry tart with no coffee, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how good they all were! Not too overly sweet, and it didn't feel like any other generic tart/tiramisu so I would definitely be curious to try some more. Staff were also friendly and the overall price per pastry was slightly on the pricier side but then again, this is Carmel. Perhaps another plus if anything about this place is you definitely won't have to worry about tourist crowds or long lines! Would I come back here? Maybe I will give their savory food a try next time as well but truth be told regardless, I'll check them out again for more pastries as they did a good job. Worth the visit!

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    Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Yuzu Croissant - @rayz

    Yuzu Croissant - @rayz

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    Ham and Cheese Croissant - Toasted - @rayz

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    Ripplewood Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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