Landmark
Nepenthe (restaurant)
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Perched 800 feet above the Pacific, Nepenthe has been a Big Sur landmark since 1949. The restaurant's open-air terrace offers panoramic ocean views that are as memorable as the food. The menu features California cuisine with local ingredients, including their famous Ambrosia Burger and Phoenix cocktail. The adjacent gift shop, Phoenix, sells unique crafts and books. Whether for a meal or a drink at sunset, Nepenthe provides an iconic Big Sur experience that combines natural beauty with relaxed sophistication.
Don't miss
- Savor the Ambrosia Burger while taking in the ocean view
- Watch the sunset from the outdoor terrace
- Browse the Phoenix gift shop for local art and souvenirs
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Nepenthe (restaurant)
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inDriving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour4.6★ · 17 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →
Best full daySan Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch4.6★ · 3,397 travelers~11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$179 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleCarmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco5★ · 24 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$1025 per personSee dates →More attractions in Big Sur