Ratings and reviews

Travelers' Choice2022
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Mentioned in

About
Nepenthe open for Dining In - with full service Outdoor and Indoor Dining. For Outdoor Dining, please wear layers to ensure your comfort, as outdoor heaters do not provide equally distributed heat to all tables. Hours - 11:30 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week.
PRICE RANGE
€18 - €45
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
CUISINES
American, Bar, Pub
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront
Reviews (3,472)
Filter reviews
3,472 results
Traveler rating
1,766
1,113
398
125
70
Traveler type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveler rating
1,766
1,113
398
125
70
Show reviews that mention
All reviews burger fries french dip beet salad bread great view gift shop enjoy the view long wait parking lot big sur coastline california coast a late lunch the pacific ocean road trip views basket
Sort and selected filters
Sort Filter
Updating list...
Reviewed 6 days ago

Racist, Horrible service - disgruntled staff Cold, mediocre, overpriced food Poorly run - Victor is a disgrace!

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 week ago

Nepenthe is unlike any place you'll go for lunch or dinner. It opened its doors 74 years ago, but It's million dollar views never get old. Perched on the cliffs and overlooking the spectacular Big Sur coastline, it has a 100% wow factor. If you...catch it on a sunny day, the views are jaw dropping. Everything about the place is eclectic. You can order the best burger you've ever had and wash it down with a beer, a $100 glass of champagne, or anything in-between. Our waiter, Adrian, was upbeat and knowledgeable about the menu and extensive wine list. Plenty of nice wines by the glass, and If you want two glasses rather than a bottle, fear not, they have one of the largest half-bottle wine selections. Adrian told me that the wait staff has weekly trainings to master their expansive wine roster. He confirmed that my choice of a half-bottle of a 2008 Rioja was an excellent wine. It was. I ordered the signature Ambrosia burger--it never disappoints. My wife ordered the steak frites. The cooks know what they're doing. If you want medium rare, you don't need to order rare to compensate for overcooking. If you ask for medium rare, you get medium rare. I've been to Nepenthe many times and never been disappointed.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Picked the end of December for a drive down from Sacramento to Los Angeles along the west coast, on the beautiful, incomparable US Coastal Highway 1. This was along anticipated, 36-year dream plan to experience that coastline up close… Of course, the weather and our...airline (Southwest) both conspired to screw things up royally !! It rained every day of our 10-day vacation except the last, and when we were to fly from Seattle to Sacramento, the airline industry had a meltdown, leaving us stranded at SeaTac at 5:30 in the morning. Well, we couldn’t give up, and rented a car and drove 17 hours through pelting rain to get to CA and assume our planned itinerary. Wouldn’t advise anyone to try this !! Big Sur ! The fabulous coast just south of San Francisco. Another stop, while rushing pell-mell down the rainy coast, and we stopped at this place because of their fabled view of the rocky coastline 808 feet below…. And saw zip-zilch-nada ! Just loads of foggy, low clouds and trees taking a soaking. Getting there is another story: go check their website for directions – we didn’t, and thought we were going miles and miles in the winter dusk and had missed it, till we stopped at a small roadside store that gave us directions – “1.28 miles down on your right. You can’t miss it.” Nepenthe (Ancient Greek: νηπενθές, nēpenthés) is a fictional medicine for sorrow – a "drug of forgetfulness" mentioned in ancient Greek literature and Greek mythology – from Wikipedia ! So why did they choose this name ? The property is huge: spread across a number of buildings that house the restaurant, a cafe and an art gallery/store.. plus there was more in the hill behind that we couldn’t see at the time – had to get back on the road to our next hotel before it became too late. But the stop was essential since we had heard so much about this place from friends and others, but not exactly timed it right for a full meal. The structure was designed by a student of America’s favorite architect: Frank Lloyd Wright. And it shows: the design style of buildings integrated into the rolling hillside with low, overhanging eaves and sprawling windows to capture the coastline (when available, obviously !) and use of natural materials throughout, is definitely the master’s hallmark. I wish I had known this fact when I was there ~ as an architect, I would have paid more attention to the architecture and been more reverential instead of just acting the coastal-tourist. Though daylight was fast fading at 4pm, the flickering fires in firepits both in and outdoors with the rainy mist, low clouds and tall, overhanging trees imparted a dreamlike quality to the scene.. but no sight or sound of the elusive ocean. So, to use our break, we shared a “snack” – that became an early dinner. Nepenthe has a formidable and award-winning selection of fine wines, largely sourced from California’s most distinguished wineries. The food menu may seem somewhat limited but has some great and well portioned preparations, from what we saw on the tables. The place was busy despite the weather and time of day, and though we had no reservations, they were able to seat us fairly quickly. We selected a glass of white wine and a burger each, as best available options. The chilled, crisp wine was just the perfect setter for the hour and “The Famous Ambrosiaburger” is aptly named and superbly flavored with their “Famous Ambrosia Sauce”. Ground steak, with some mysterious seasoning, served on a French roll – not too small and heavy enough, so, a great choice for a light dinner. And enough to make you sleepy for the dangerous curves ahead… though, thankfully, we didn’t have far to go to our next hotel. Overall… at $84 plus tip for the two of us ? Great. Well worth the stop, sights (or lack therof) and walk in the rain from the car.More

Date of visit: December 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Why? It's not the food, although it's good. It's the view, which is one of the best I have seen anywhere, particularly for restaurants. Big Sur, where the restaurant is located, is a phenomenally scenic...place in the United States or anywhere else. Nepenthe has a particularly auspicious perch high up on the coast with views in both the south and north directions. You may actually partake in the views without eating there, but unless you're not hungry or are trying to be super frugal, I see no reason not to have a leisurely meal with your views. The only thing that might stymie your plans is the relatively small parking lot, which during popular times, which is most of the year, fills up quickly. Get there early for lunch or dinner or after lunch, like 3PM.More

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 23, 2023 via mobile

We stopped by this restaurant without any research and it did not disappoint! The views are incredible and the food was wonderful. Our waiter was so knowledgeable about wines and the area. We would love to go back.

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed May 11, 2023 via mobile

From the moment we arrived we were greeted by all staff. The view was spectacular, and so was the food and service. This is a must visit if you are in Big Sur.

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 16, 2023 via mobile

The restaurant offers a breathtaking view! It was definitely worth a drive but food is extremely overpriced . My husband ordered their famous burger that was served on a soggy bun.. it looked like a “ bloody” sponge from a meat . Their Service was...mediocre but a spectacular view was definitely something that we will treasure for many years to come. Come for a view but not for the food!More

Date of visit: April 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 8, 2023

Great place for lunch and dinner. The views are spectacular. Kids meals were highly praised by my children. Their signature burger is delicious as are their fries and chips. Would have given 5 stars except for the long wait to be seated and didn’t really...love the hot cocoa nor the soup of the day. Otherwise a very enjoyable evening with a wonderful server.More

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 5, 2023 via mobile

Could this place live up to its reputation? YES!! We arrived for a late lunch on a sunny weekday and were seated immediately on a gorgeous outside table. Friendly staff and lovely menu for vegetarians. Great atmosphere, delicious food. Delighted.

Date of visit: April 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 19, 2023

Located just off of Pacific Coast Highway 1, Nepenthe is definitely worth a stop. Try to get a table outside on the terrace, which offers a fabulous view of the coastline and the ocean. Good food (would recommend the soup and sandwiches) and friendly staff....There’s also a little art shop downstairs with lovely textiles, postcards, etc.More

Date of visit: September 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 14, 2023

Such a fun place - quintessential Big Sur experience. Gret server shared interesting information, the view was amazing, the ambience was cozy and friendly and the food was delicious.

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 2, 2023

Get there right around 11:45am if you want to get a prime table for lunch. The menu is surprisingly varied and high quality. It's not a tourist trap at all. Service was great.

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed February 26, 2023 via mobile

Visited on a rainy Friday afternoon and seated right away by the window. Beautiful views! Service was friendly and prompt. Prices are very high (a Corona is over $11, and a basket of fries was $14). Ended up ordering a hot chocolate and a small...cup of Manhattan clam chowder, and the total with tip was over $18. Probably wouldn't visit again but can definitely see the draw.More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed February 22, 2023 via mobile

Great views, cool vibe. There were a lot of people there and we wondered where they all came from! Good food, good service, great views.

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed February 11, 2023 via mobile

Excellent food with large portions, but the real treat is the view from the dining room and deck. It’s perched on the side of a hill overlooking a beautiful valley that runs all the way to the Pacifix ocean.

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
View more reviews
Best nearby
Best nearby hotelsSee all
Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
1,028 reviews
.51 miles away
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
487 reviews
.58 miles away
Post Ranch Inn
1,709 reviews
.90 miles away
Glen Oaks Big Sur
1,484 reviews
3.59 miles away
Best nearby restaurantsSee all
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
561 reviews
.58 miles away
Sierra Mar
791 reviews
.88 miles away
The Sur House
645 reviews
.36 miles away
Best nearby attractionsSee all
Pfeiffer Beach
1,381 reviews
2.36 miles away
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
733 reviews
2.65 miles away
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
75 reviews
2.65 miles away
Partington Cove
97 reviews
4.80 miles away
Questions & Answers
Ask a question
Navigate17999016308
September 21, 2022|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from willtravel1973 | Reviewed this property |
Yes - it’s a nice drive
0
Votes
Chindi
July 2, 2022|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from Warren G W | Reviewed this property |
Yes. Very easy access.
0
Votes
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

NEPENTHE, Big Sur - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Nepenthe

Yes, Nepenthe is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Nepenthe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5