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    Sierra Mar

    4.2 (542 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndNew American
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Sierra Mar Photos

    SIERRA MAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Romantic
    Upscale
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Sierra Mar

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    Reviews With Photos - Sierra Mar

    Salmon
    Carlos M.

    Came here to celebrate my birthday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was an amazing view in atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was great and cooked perfectly. I wish they had a beef option on the prefix menu, but that was the only choice we were given. this was dinner service if I forgot to mention, salmon was cooked perfectly nicely balance the salad was good with the dressing It had at the bottom. The highlights for me were honestly the abalone, the chicken and the chocolate cake dessert. The abalone felt very comforting and hit a core memory. Chicken was well balanced with the sauce pairings and not dry. the chocolate was rich, but not overly sweet. Later on in the dinner we had we noticed some people had beef around us, which was a let down besides that everything else was good. Will definitely come again to see the lunch menu

    Sunset
    Olivia P.

    Really enjoyed my experience at Sierra Mar for a special occasion. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I sat outside and highly recommend it if the weather permits. We watched the sun set throughout the meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The dishes were all played well and were unique combinations of food. Everything tasted delightful.

    1st course
    Ryan M.

    Sierra Mar is more than a meal -- it's a full-on experience, and easily one of the highlights of our honeymoon. From the moment we sat down, the service set the tone: warm, attentive, and perfectly paced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Add in a breathtaking location (floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views that stretch for miles) and a refined yet relaxed ambiance, and you've got the recipe for a truly memorable night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food? Outstanding. Each dish felt creative, thoughtful, and distinct. The oysters were briny, fresh, and among the best I've ever had. The duck was executed perfectly -- tender, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Course after course, we were surprised in the best possible way. It was the perfect place to celebrate something as special as our honeymoon, and it lived up to every expectation. Sierra Mar isn't just dinner -- it's a destination.

    Yum
    R G.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Wow. Beautiful, wondrous and deelish! Didn't realize how chic, lux and straight up perfect the Sierra Mar would be for prifix lunch and wine pairing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Brought our appetites and thirst - Everyone loved it. Lucious fried naan with eggplant spread and pickled veggies- light crisp first bite. Tasty fresh salad. Then the star- medium rare chimmichuri topped Bavette steak, grilled veggies and roasted lemon. Perfection on the cliffside! Service was very good, Only two notes- gin should be stirred, NOT shaken. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Security was a little off putting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    From the garden
    Evon T.

    What can I say! I love the view and the food was average, but it could be better. Me and friend booked a table at 7:45pm for a dinner and we came early around 7:10pm. However, we had to wait until 8:30pm for my table to be ready which was 45m past my reservation. Not even an apologize from the receptionist, we were just waiting and hopelessly waiting outside and it's getting cold and colder. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Finally got our table at 8:30pm and they put us in a right next to the door when people walking in and out the balcony to check the view. Feeling we were in a Zoo not a fancy restaurant lol[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 2.5 hours from where we live to get there, the experience was the worse than I ever had. Food came out around 9:15pm and we just wanted to finish it and drove back as soon as possible (which took me another 2.5 hours) $185/ person plus tax and tips. Food was average. Service at the table was okay If you're thinking about looking this place for a special occasion, please save your money, time and energy for better options out there. We left and barely enjoyed the dinner, both of us felt stressed after the long wait of times.

    Jeff T.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]A magical lunch above the clouds.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ask for Roman! ​I cannot recommend Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn enough. We came for lunch and were blown away by how special the experience was from start to finish. ​[[HIGHLIGHT]]We were lucky to have beautiful weather, which made the view absolutely stunning--it feels like you are dining on the edge of the world.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We started with a fresh, beautiful salad course that was plated like art. For our mains, we split the burger and the steak. Both were excellent; the steak was cooked perfectly and served with a delicious green sauce and grilled lemon that really brightened the dish. ​The wine pairing was completely worth it and elevated the meal. What really sealed the deal was the service--Roman is a gem. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel so welcome. Considering the world-class view and the quality of the food, it felt reasonably priced for such a luxurious experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even the little details, like having binoculars at the table to scan the ocean, made it unforgettable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Xiaobei W.

    I visited the restaurant at Post Ranch Inn for lunch on November 15, 2025. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The view was stunning and the food was very good, and under normal circumstances I would have happily recommended this place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Unfortunately, the way the restaurant handled payment completely ruined the experience for me. Because of a power outage, the staff said they could not use the POS terminal. Instead, they asked me to write my full name, full credit card number and CVV on the back of a receipt so they could process the charge later. I specifically asked if this was safe, and was told it was, so I reluctantly did it. After I left, I received a voicemail from the restaurant manager and messages through OpenTable saying they "still need your credit card information" and asking me to call back and leave my card details with the hostess. The wording and tone made me feel as if I had not paid or was trying to avoid paying, even though I had already written down my full card number and CVV for them. I was traveling and on a flight, so I couldn't respond immediately, but when I landed I called back, provided the expiration date, and also expressed how uncomfortable and upset I felt about the whole situation. I fully understand that the restaurant should be paid for the meal. My issue is how my card information was collected and how I was treated afterwards. Writing full card details (including CVV) on the back of a receipt and then repeatedly calling and messaging for more "credit card information" feels extremely unsafe and unprofessional, especially for a property at this level. Because of this, I cannot recommend this restaurant despite the beautiful setting and good food.

    Lisa T.

    We came here on a weekend away from the city. Big Sur is like a dream land and that extends to Sierra Mar. The atmosphere of the restaurant made me feel like I was floating in water. We got the tasting menu. I thought it was paced really well and that there was a wide variety with seafood and vegetables. Felt like there was a nod to Asian tastes with the cooked abalone. Loved how it was seafood heavy and earthy with mushrooms. I would definitely recommend for a try.

    Brenda B.

    We enjoyed a great Sunday lunch. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and courteous. Our server Roman was extra ordinary and made our visit extra special. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is full of beautiful views.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Jabez P.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Easily one of the most beautiful restaurants i've been to.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was great and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I came at 7:30 pm to catch the sunset which was absolutely gorgeous.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The course meals were tasty and [[HIGHLIGHT]]we were rewarded with the view of the stars post meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall gr8 experience

    Menu
    Victoria S.

    Beautiful restaurant with a nice view, delicious, healthy food & friendly service. We came for a lunch prix-fixe menu $85/person. We had the Chef's Garden Harvest, Tabouli Salad, Soup, Niman Ranch Bavette Steak & Coconut Panna Cotta. I paid an extra $48 for half a dozen chilled oysters, which were so good! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because they forgot we were celebrating our anniversary, even though we put it in the reservations. We also mentioned it to our server before we ordered & he promised to bring us champagne but forgot. We had to remind the hostess, who brought it at the end of our meal with our dessert.

    Dessert- Apple Crisp with a great view
    Alyssa E.

    Courses were curated with a creative flare, paired perfectly with a nice red and beautiful scenery that goes as far as the eye can see! The view alone was enough to be fill you honestly. Breathtaking, in complete awe of Gods creation while enjoying a wonderful catch of the day (still thinking about it) Our service was wonderful, wish I remembered our servers name. She was gracious and genuinely kind, not found too often in with that age group. Perfect for place for dates or a great dinner with family and friends definitely an experience you want to share! As a last minute decision we truly enjoyed our time and will be back in the future

    Ryan W.

    Sierra Mar is the restaurant located at the Post Ranch Inn. It's an absolutely beautiful restaurant with amazing views. We had reservations for 5:30pm so we were able to watch the sunset from our table. I'm sure the views during the lunch hours are just as beautiful, but I opted for dinner since the menu caught my eye more. Once you arrive and drop off your car at valet, you enter the reception area of the hotel and they let you know to walk up the stairs and out to the patio area. You'll then climb a few flights of short stairs and once at the top, you'll see the sign for Sierra Mar. // COCKTAILS ($27) // Aster: Blackberry, mint infused Tito's vodka, lemon, mint syrup. It was on the lighter side with no real hints of blackberry and the mint was very tame. 1/5 Coastline: Bixby gin, chareau aloe liqueur, lemon, fennel syrup. I'm typically not a fan of gin, but thought this cocktail was well balanced and was delicious. 4/5 // FOOD // 3 course meal is $145 plus any additional items at a supplemental cost Ad Astra Bread: Sourdough, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar. The sourdough is from Ad Astra which is a pretty popular bakery located in Monterey. The sourdough was good, but not memorable. 3/5 Course 1 Stone Fruit + Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes: Burrata, aged balsamic, basil. The stone fruit was nice and sweet and paired well with the slightly acidic tomatoes and smooth, creamy texture of the burrata. 3/5 Yellowfin Tuna (+$18 supplement): Ponzu, avocado, togarashi mayo, fried wonton. The ingredients and flavors all worked well together. The fried wonton strips added the much needed difference in texture. 4/5 Course 2 Roasted Maitake Mushroom: xo sauce, cashews, garden herbs. Absolutely amazing! I love Maitake mushrooms and they cooked this one perfectly and the sauce made it so rich and inviting. A must if it's on the menu when you dine here! 5/5 Chilled Monterey Abalone (+$30 supplement): brown butter gremolata, garden potatoes, parsley jus. I am a huge fan of abalone and this was the one dish that I was looking forward to the most. However, the abalone was tough, the flavors did not mesh well together, the potatoes brought nothing to the dish at all. Even without the supplemental cost, I would not order this at all! 0/5 Course 3 24oz Ribeye for Two (+$72 supplement): Twice baked potatoes, scallions, bacon, mushroom jus. The ribeye came out cooked perfectly to a medium rare for being a thick piece of steak. Each of us received two halves of the twice baked potatoes. Since the steak was so thick, I personally could have used a touch more salt and pepper on it, but maybe that is just my opinion. 3/5 Overall, I'm glad I came here to try Sierra Mar. The views are absolutely stunning - especially if you come for dinner and it's not too cloudy outside. On the other hand when it comes to the cocktails and food itself, I felt like it was mediocre. While some dishes were excellent, other dishes were extremely disappointing. Like I mentioned, I'm glad I came here once, but I don't need to come back again.

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    Page 1 of 14

    Sierra Mar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sierra Mar

    Is the menu only prix fixe now?

    Can you come in for just a drink?

    No. Reservations

    Have you reopened? Can we stop by for a drink?

    Hi Jack - Sierra Mar is open for dinner. Please visit postranchinn.com and click on the dining tab to check for availability. At this time, we are offering our 4 course dinner for $145 pp.… 

    Have you reopened to the public? Are we able to come by for a drink?

    Good afternoon, We will be opening to the public very soon. As of now we have not set a date yet.… 

    Are you guys ready to take outside guest?

    Good morning - Post Ranch Inn is accepting hotel guests on property until further notice. Thank you !1

    When you guys will be able to take people's reservation who dont stay in the ranch?

    Good afternoon, We will be able to serve guests that are not staying at the Ranch as soon as the… 

    Is there vegan options? Thanks

    Hi Brynn, Yes, absolutely. Please be sure to communicate your dietary preferences when making… 

    Can me and my friend come in for just a drink?

    Is it kid friendly?

    I would highly encourage that you call the property. I know they discourage bringing children, as it is quite an exclusive resort and an adult oriented atmosphere. The times I have been there, no kids found anywhere.

    Is the patio dog friendly?

    How much they charge for corking fee?

    Corkage is $45 according to the sample wine list on their website. https://www.postranchinn.com/download/Sierra-Mar-Wine-Cellar_sample-list.pdf

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    The Sur House

    The Sur House

    4.1
    (228 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    Phenomenal dining experience…read more Eating here is an integral experience of staying at Alila. They serve a brunch menu (for breakfast and lunch) as well as dinner. All food and non-alcoholic drinks are included with your stay (with a 1 entree limit for dinner). Over the course of our stay here, we tried the majority of the menu. Most of the food was top notch with the highlights being: *Moroccan Shakshuka - Comes out pipping hot in a mini cast iron pan. The spicy kick is infused within the eggs and peppers. Pairs perfectly with the toasted pita *Porchetta Sandwich - The pork was so rich and juicy and the crusty roll soaked up all the juices *Smoked San Marzano Bisque - The tomato flavor is very concentrated and infused with a pleasant smoke. A touch of creme makes it perfect. *Salt Spring Mussels - The fresh mussels were very tender and paired well with their spicy, smokey sausage. *La Bistecca - Medium-rare filet with roasted onions and chimichurri. Can't go wrong here. Areas for improvement: Their pizza crust is a tad thick and too floury for my taste. Their squid ink pasta is also too thick and chewy. A note about service: On the first night, I ordered their signature Marine Layer drink which has a bubble with Lavender smoke in it. Their machine malfunctioned, resulting in no smoke. I spoke to the manager about it and he personally rectified the issue for the second night and provided two complimentary drinks. This is an example of stellar service. Kudos to the staff for their commitment to a quality experience. Ambiance: The view is simply unbeatable. Ask for a table on the far edge near the water. You get a landscape view of the ocean and the adjacent hills. At sunset, the view is bathed in orange. PSA: The dinner reservations for the good times fill up rather quickly. Ask the concierge to book for you as soon as your book the hotel!

    POV: you wanted a romantic date night in Big Sur…read more From Alila hotel entrance, you drive all the way to the top of the hill, and park in front of the Sur House. We got lucky and seated at the terrace on this misty weekday evening. There's a NY strip off menu which was perfect. It had chimichurri, trumpet mushrooms, whole grilled onions, and mushroom sauce. My husband doesn't even like mushrooms but he enjoyed this entree. The halibut was so delicious. The flavors and texture was everything. High quality fresh ingredients. The citrus butte black was incredible. Even the guy seated at another table behind me said that he was doing everything not to lick the plate. I assume he was talking about this dish. Lol. The view was good but foggy, the food was great, although I would have loved if the restaurant provided something special or any little thing to make it memorable for celebrating our milestone here.

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    Inside
    Inside
    Mussel and Sausage
    Mussel and Sausage
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    Cafe Kevah

    Cafe Kevah

    4.1
    (276 reviews)
    0.9 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
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    Deetjen's Restaurant

    Deetjen's Restaurant

    4.4
    (332 reviews)
    1.4 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.

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

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    Nepenthe

    Nepenthe

    3.7
    (2.9k reviews)
    0.9 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.

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    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!)
    Post Ranch Inn

    Post Ranch Inn

    4.3
    (361 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$$

    Unfortunately for us, Post Ranch Inn was one of our first stops on an eight-day coastal road trip…read more Unfortunate because they set a standard no other property or restaurant was going to match. I knew that going in. It was still starker than I expected. Start with the property. When that is the view off your deck, why go anywhere else? Stunning doesn't cover it. We hiked much of the grounds and every turn delivered something new. The kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. Then the restaurant. Everything was perfect -- service, quality, execution. Much of the food sourced on property or from the surrounding community. My wife declared the salad the best she'd ever had. High praise for a salad. High praise, full stop. Special shout out to our server Yasmany and bartender Thomas -- both exceptional. What struck me most was how effortless the entire staff made it look. These are people who deal with guests from around the world, all arriving with high expectations of a high-end experience. And yet nothing felt forced. Nobody appeared to be trying to impress us. It was just perfect service, perfectly delivered. That's the rarest thing in hospitality. Highlight of the trip. Hands down. And I suspect, never to be repeated.

    PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION -- IT MAY SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS…read more If you are considering booking an ocean-view room at Post Ranch Inn between May, June, July, or August, I strongly encourage you to do extensive research about Big Sur's seasonal coastal fog before spending your money. Based on our experience, I would never book an ocean-view room during these months again. We paid nearly $10,000 for two nights in one of the resort's premium ocean-view accommodations because the breathtaking ocean views shown throughout their website were the main reason we chose this property. Unfortunately, during our entire stay, the ocean view was completely hidden by dense fog. We never saw the spectacular view that was advertised and pictured online. What disappointed us most was the lack of transparency. The website showcases beautiful, clear ocean views but does not adequately prepare guests for the possibility that the view may be completely obstructed for an entire stay during certain times of the year. If guests are paying thousands of dollars specifically for an ocean-view room, they deserve clear information about the seasonal risk of persistent coastal fog so they can make an informed decision. Throughout our stay, we repeatedly asked staff whether the fog would clear. We were consistently told that it would likely clear within a few hours. Unfortunately, that never happened. The fog remained throughout our stay, and we never got to enjoy the ocean view we paid a premium for. What made this even more frustrating was that, after repeatedly being told by multiple staff members that the fog would clear soon, one employee later told us that they were not supposed to tell guests that the weather was expected to remain the same for several days and that these foggy conditions are common during this time of year. According to that employee, this type of weather often persists throughout much of the summer season. I cannot independently verify that statement, but if that information was accurate, it raises serious concerns about transparency. Guests spending thousands of dollars for an ocean-view room deserve honest information about the likelihood of actually seeing the ocean during their stay. The room itself also had maintenance issues. The bar sink was clogged, and the shower valve/faucet was loose and repeatedly fell while being used. We reported both problems, but neither was repaired during our stay. Staff apologized, but no one came to address the issues. For a property charging close to $5,000 per night, I expected much better communication, transparency, maintenance, and overall value. I fully understand that the weather is beyond the hotel's control. However, what is within their control is how honestly they communicate the risk of seasonal fog to potential guests. Had we known there was a realistic possibility of spending our entire stay looking at a wall of fog instead of the Pacific Ocean, we would have chosen different travel dates, a different room category, or a different destination altogether. The property itself is beautiful, but based on our experience, the value did not come close to justifying the cost. If an ocean view is important to you, think very carefully before booking an ocean-view room during the late spring and summer months.

    Photos
    Sierra Mar restaurant
    Sierra Mar restaurant
    Post Ranch Inn
    Post Ranch Inn

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    Big Sur Roadhouse

    Big Sur Roadhouse

    4.0
    (431 reviews)
    2.9 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.

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

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    Outside
    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant

    3.0
    (388 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    Big Sur River Inn is a lovely spot right along the river that invites you to turn lunch into a long…read moreafternoon lounging on the river. Beautiful scenery , must sit outside and enjoy the views, we sat on the little deck facing the grassy area and loved it. Grassy area was perfect for our after lunch frisbee session!! I had the crab cake sandwich and my wife got a burger, we really enjoyed both. Service was good, manager was very friendly!! We were on a long 10 day camp trip from San Rafael- Santa Barbra so stopping in for lunch was a lovely treat and we will definitely stop in next time we are in the area. We didn't do it but loved seeing folks sitting in the river in the adirondack chairs , doesn't get much more relaxing than enjoying your favorite beverage while you lounge with your feet dangling in the Big Sur river!!

    3 star only for location. Food was sub par at best. Ordered the ribs off the waitresses…read morerecommendation, bbq sauce tasted like a poor attempt to make their own from ketchup. Ordered a kids chicken strip, asked for a bun so she could make it a sandwich. Bun was $4.00 and came with a wilted piece of lettuce I was shocked was even put on a plate. Also ordered a milkshake. Warning-not made from ice cream but from a powder. My daughter said it was warm so I tried it and it tasted like a glass of whipped cream, not a shake. Location on the river is awesome.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Guac & Chips
    Guac & Chips
    Arnold Palmer

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    Arnold Palmer

    Sierra Mar - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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