We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Nepenthe

48510 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920
831 667-2345
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #2 of 22 restaurants in Big Sur
Price range: $7 - $30
Cuisines: American
Good for: Romance, Special occasions
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Restaurant details
Good for: Romance, Special occasions
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Write a Review

863 reviews from our community

80% Recommend
    415
    275
    118
    29
    26
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

Stopped here on our way up the coast. Vintage restaurant that fits perfectly in the surroundings. Our server couldn't have been nicer. The food is good, but not super. BUT, the view is why you are going here! Really a great place to have a lunch with a view you can't beat.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Oakland, California
2 reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

After a very long drive up and down the coast from San Francisco starting at 5:00 AM and stopping in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel and Pfeiffer Beach, we were tired and just needed a nice dinner before our drive to Yosemite. I chose Nepenthe because of a good experience I'd had before with my sister some years ago. I thought... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
60 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 47 cities Reviews in 47 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 15, 2013 NEW via mobile

Arrived Friday about 5:30PM to see the sun set on the ocean. A quick Internet search would have told us sunset was about 8:30. And, at least in June, from this angle the sun doesn't set on the ocean but through the trees very near the shore. We ate at the wooden bar on the dinner side and the view... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Portland, OR
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
22 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 14, 2013 NEW

Super efficient restaurant, boring and expensive food, and unbelievable views (on a clear day). If you are fogged in, you may want to see if there are less expensive options.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by NWlivin for Big Sur
auckland
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 12, 2013 NEW

Tripadvisor research led us here and on such a stunning day it was a perfect spot to bird watch and enjoy lunch. Loved the design of the space and the way it wraps itself around the panoramic views. Delightful stop on our pacific highway road trip

Was this review helpful? Yes
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
44 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed June 12, 2013

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, we stopped at Nepenthe Restaurant near the southern edge of Big Sur for lunch. Great view. Lots of outdoor seating overlooking the coastline. We had French Dip that was dry, had only a hint of horseradish and some left over ketchup in the basket from a somebody else's meal. Showed it to the server... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

Absolutely unbeatable location, setting and views. Service at the restaurant somewhere between forced friendly hipness and veiled disdain. Pushy about menu choices, rushed. I tried to state my desire and felt like i had to fight for it. Food quality good-ish, but not stellar by any means (lunch) of course the fries were great - can't mess that up!! Surprisingly... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Denver, Colorado
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 9, 2013

What a view! I hope heaven is this pretty! The vegan sandwich was awesome and our waitress was a delight.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Al B for Big Sur
Nashville, Tennessee
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 9, 2013

We had spent the day driving the PCH from Carmel to Big Sur . We saw Nepenthe on our drive and knew we had to check it out. There is a "counter" (think beautiful wood counter) all the way around the edge of the deck at which we were able to sit and enjoy a very tasty dinner with stunning... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Titans-Girl-1999 for Big Sur
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

Stopped here after a morning hike for lunch. Food is fresh and thoughtful, views are amazing. Service was slightly kooky, as if everyone was high. It is Cali, after all.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Been to Nepenthe? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Nepenthe, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing