Experts' Choice Award Nepenthe
What the experts agree on
Nepenthe's legendary Big Sur perch delivers some of California's best coastal views and sunsets. The 1949 icon serves simple comfort food that tastes elevated by the setting—burgers on a former Welles-Hayworth estate, best enjoyed on the back deck
“The food was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed taking our time exploring the interesting gift shop below.”
– Afar Magazine
Fodor's "It may be that no other restaurant between San Francisco and Los Angeles has a better coastal view than Nepenthe." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Enjoy an “Ambrosiaburger” on the terrace of a house reputedly once owned by Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth." Full review
Gayot12.0
"âNepentheâ means something that makes you forget your troubles --- and this restaurant exceeds expectations." Full review
Afar Magazine "This restaurant/shoppe/cafe along Highway 1 in Big Sur has one of the best views in the area." Full review
Afar Magazine "Even the simplest menu items take on a best-ever taste here." Full review
Zagat3.7
"For “a true Big Sur experience”, this “iconic” stop (since 1949) is the place to “sit on the back deck and hang with a mixture of locals and tourists” while taking in the “stunning” Pacific view." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The restaurant, which opened in 1949, offers stellar views of the sea and dazzling sunsets thanks to its position in the Santa Lucia Mountains."
Big Sur Travel Guide
March 10, 2022
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Meat eaters should consider the famous Ambrosia Burger, which includes ground steak topped with ambrosia sauce on a soft French roll.
Frommer's " For the most part, the food is industrial fare (big-box-store-style hamburger patties for the grown-ups and Kraft macaroni and cheese on the kids' menu). " Full review
Fodor's "The coastal views are utterly spectacular from Nepenthe, named for an opiate mentioned in Greek literature that would induce a state of "no sorrow." For the best vistas, settle on the..." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "I always look forward to a stay at one of the incredible places below, along with my usual rituals, such as hiking down to Partington Cove and a potent sunset margarita at Nepenthe"
