78 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 FOOD Ripplewood Hearty breakfasts—omelets, steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, pancakes—and a lunch menu of burgers and sandwiches, with a couple Mexican dishes. Oh, and you can get pancakes at lunch, too. Popular since 1925. 47047 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2242, ripplewoodbigsur.com FINE DINING/RESORT Sierra Mar Wine Spectator Grand Award. Caviar. Wagyu— all of that speaks to the level of this muchhonored destination. There is a prix fixe menu of four courses and offerings change, often daily. The quality does not. Reservations required for dinner. 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2800, postranchinn.com Solstice Ingredients are sourced with the utmost care, from locally caught rock fish to the seasonal produce of California. And the dishes on this four-course menu are pretty to look at, too. Open seasonally. 46840 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-1700, thevillagebigsur.com The Sur House Organic, seasonal produce harvested from Ventana’s gardens allows for cooking and presentation with an upscale flair, though without being stuffy. The dishes are on the level with the patio’s Pacific-facing views. Alila Ventana Big Sur, 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 6674242, ventanabigsur.com GLOBAL The Lodge Restaurant The chef prepares a four-course prix fixe menu, but the options for each round can be unexpected. For example, how do you decide between main choices of steamed grouper, Iberian pork chop or pepperoni pizza (among other dishes)? TreeBones Resort, 71895 Highway 1, Big Sur. (877) 424-4787, treebonesresort.com Delis, Markets and Shops Big Sur Deli This place has been around for three decades. They serve the expected range of deli sandwiches (loaded), as well as some nice breaks from the usual. 47520 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2225 Carmel Restaurants AMERICAN/REGIONAL AMERICAN Carmel Belle Belle’s motto is “Slow down, say no to fast food!” Chalkboards are crammed with listings built around sourced meats, artisanal cheeses and regional produce, arranged in creative dishes as if to prove counter service can be artisanal, too. San Carlos between Ocean and 7th (in Doud Craft Studios), Carmel. (831) 624-1600, carmelbelle.com Hatch Southwest Kitchen Memories of New Mexico—green and red chile sauce, blue corn—cooked over flame. The portions are favorable and the preparation is mostly from scratch. When it’s not, the items are ordered from New Mexico. 3658 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 330-2332, hatchcarmel.com Hog’s Breath Inn Former owner Clint Eastwood’s Carmel eatery is steeped in cool Western ambiance. The no-fooling-around menu offers straight-ahead American fare. San Carlos and 5th, Carmel. (831) 625-1044, hogsbreathinn.net Nora’s Nora’s is home cooking comfort in the heart of Carmel. Sometimes a bologna sandwich, meatloaf or pot pie calls to you—especially when prepared with fine ingredients (mortadella rather than American bologna) and wellhoned technique. Home never had it so good. San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 250-7447, norascarmel.com Rio Grill A vibrant, lively atmosphere complements Rio Grill’s something-for-everyone approach, with a spread of evolving dishes. A reliable restaurant. Worthy cocktails, too. 101 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 625-5436, riogrill.com Shearwater Tavern Parker House rolls are a staple here, which suggests American culinary tradition. But the chef is not afraid to allow Italian and French influences to sneak in, even as the menu celebrates California. 3665 Rio Road at Highway 1 (in Carmel Mission Inn), Carmel. (831) 6241841, carmelmissioninn.com Stationæry This tucked-away place started a buzz thanks to its seasonal menu and lively but cozy atmosphere. The fare is simple yet has an elegance—lobster rolls, for instance, that can be dressed with caviar. Or the potato chips and caviar service, for that matter. San Carlos between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 2507183, thestationaery.com Sur There is an emphasis on comfort fare served up in generous portions, as well as steak and seafood. But the kitchen likes to sneak in global flair, including a selection of rice bowls. They haven’t downsized cocktails, last we checked. 3601 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 250-7188, surcarmel.com The Pocket The menu can change daily because the chef likes to emphasize the finest ingredients, whether in a burger or locally caught black cod seared with wild mushrooms. There is a happy hour menu featuring quick bites and cocktail prices that will take you back to the 2000s. Lincoln between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 626-8000, thepocketcarmel.com ASIA/PACIFIC Akaoni Sashimi and other dishes are wonders. The tofu can be memorable. There’s an elegance— and then there are the new items scribbled on the board. Amberjack gill, perhaps. Or steamed monkfish liver. This is not your typical American sushi place. Mission and 6th, Carmel. (831) 620-1516 Carmel Valley Creamery DANIEL DREIFUSS
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