Come for the view and surroundings, but stay a while with these five restaurants in Big Sur. I have been visiting Big Sur for years and I honestly never grow tired of coming back. On a trip recently, I was so fortunate to stay in a private house on a ridge with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. And right in the middle of a state park by the pink sandy Pfeiffer Beach. It was heaven. 

But the choice of restaurants in Big Sur is rather limited. Just like finding a signal on your mobile phone. Digital detox! There are only a few but luckily the quality is quite high. They are all located along the famous Highway One, as this is the only major road in the area. 

Five restaurants in Big Sur

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn

While this is also a hotel, their restaurant is really cute and one of the best in the area. Come for the breakfast and get their delicious pancakes, frisky French toast or their full Eggs Benedict. And enjoy the atmosphere and the other guests also ready to venture out on hikes in the surrounding forrests. 48865 Highway One
www.deetjens.com

Ventana Big Sur 

The view from this hotel and restaurant is nothing like than spetacular. With a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, make sure to come for the lunch and grab a table facing west. The menu offers tasty international dishes like cauliflower salad, Gulf shrimp roll and a falafel wrap. Or come for sundowners in the late afternoon. 48123 Highway One
www.ventanabigsur.com

Big Sur Bakery 

One of the best of the five restaurants in Big Sur is Big Sur Bakery. They make heavenly bread to go and for dinner they serve the best wood fired pizzas. I am not a huge pizza person, but these are among the best. Cosy up by the fireplace before heading to your hotel or airbnb – or even campsite. You can also stop by during the day for sourdough sandwich. 47540 Highway One
www.bigsurbakery.com

Nepenthe 

Not necessarily my favourite restaurant, however, it is hard to beat the view from this place. From their terrace you can look all along down the coast towards McWays Falls. And the bar and terrace is quite lively so it is a fun place to do people and coast watching. 48510 Highway One
www.nepenthe.com

Big Sur Roadhouse

Surrounded by the tallest redwoods, Big Sur Roadhouse is located away from the coast, but along the river. They serve breakfast and lunch and is a fairly priced alternative to the rather expensive five restaurants in Big Sur. The open room is light and cosy, while the outdoor terrace is a great place during the warmer days. 47080 Highway One
www.bigsurroadhouse.com