76 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Big Sur Restaurants AMERICAN/REGIONAL AMERICAN Deetjen’s Restaurant Big Sur favorites have a habit of sticking around for a while. Maybe it’s the setting, maybe it’s the homestyle cooking paired with a carefully curated wine list. Candlelit dining rooms don’t hurt the mood. 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2378, deetjens.com Homestead Restaurant Tucked into Big Sur Lodge in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the kitchen keeps the menu small, but somehow manages to have something for everyone (where else is it possible to find plant-based seafood next to a Wagyu burger?). 47225 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-3100, bigsurlodge.com Nepenthe People come for the scenery and fall in love with the food, drinks and charismatic staff. For over 75 years, Nepenthe has been cooking up all-American favorites like steak, seafood and burgers; it also boasts one of the world’s best south-facing views of the Pacific. 48510 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2345, nepenthe.com Restaurant at River Inn Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served inside. But there’s that deck, seemingly part of the forest itself, and the plates—meat, chicken, fish, salads—can be brought outdoors. 46800 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2700, bigsurriverinn.com ASIA/PACIFIC Wild Coast Sushi An omakase tasting experience with a Big Sur view. Dinner is 18 courses prepared by the chef for a seating of eight fortunate diners. Just two seatings a night, but the intimate place does offer takeaway bento boxes for lunch if you can’t get a dinner reservation. TreeBones Resort, 71895 Highway 1, Big Sur. (877) 424-4787, treebonesresort.com BURGERS/PUBS/DINERS Big Sur Roadhouse A mandatory stop along your travels down the coast for breakfast or lunch, the Big Sur Roadhouse offers outdoor patios with fire pits to enjoy the day. 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2370, glenoaksbigsur.com Big Sur Taphouse Beyond the great (and constantly changing) selection of beers on tap, there’s a robust menu of pub food to keep you happy, from sandwiches and wings to tacos. There are vegetarian options, too. 47520 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2197, bigsurtaphouse.com Fernwood Tavern Dine under the redwoods on the spacious back deck or pick a table inside. It’s a relaxed space with an equally comfortable menu of tacos, pizza, salads and the always-popular tavern burger. 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2129, fernwoodbigsur.com There are restaurants in Monterey County that become mainstays. Nepenthe in Big Sur, for example, is 76 years old. Monterey’s Sardine Factory opened in 1968. Old Fisherman’s Grotto—we’ve lost track. Yet there are always new places and trends driving the dining scene. Many chefs take advantage of the daily catch and seasonal local produce. But some keep the same reliable menu. There are two restaurants with Michelin stars, and more that are recommended by the guide. Hidden gems exist, as well. As a result, there is something for most every taste. The following list is by no means comprehensive. Sandbar & Grill DANIEL DREIFUSS FOOD Note: Carmel approved numbered addresses for the first time for homes and businesses in the village. These were planned, but not yet in place at the time of publication.
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