What should I order at Nepenthe?
Nepenthe
Ambrosiaburger
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dish, praised for being juicy, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by the house Ambrosia sauce, which tastes like a spicy ranch.
Roasted chicken dinner
Highly recommended for its value, consisting of half a roasted chicken with lots of vegetables and one of the best cranberry sauces. Noted as a great option for dinner.
Shrimp sandwich with basket of fries
Recommended as one of the best shrimp sandwiches tasted in a long while, often paired with generous fries, making it a popular lunch choice.
Smoked salmon appetizer
Described as the best smoked salmon appetizer some have ever had, highlighting its fresh and memorable flavor.
Prime top sirloin sandwich
Noted for flavorful, hot sandwiches with fresh baguette and perfect au jus for dipping, featuring perfectly cooked prime top sirloin.
Banana Cream Pie
Called a must-try dessert when available, praised for its richness and worth every calorie.
Sea bass and pasta
Mentioned as excellent dishes that complement the overall dining experience, appreciated for their combination of flavors.
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
About Nepenthe
Eatery perched on a Big Sur cliffside offering California fare & a terrace with breathtaking views.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Nepenthe known for?
Nepenthe is best known for its cliffside ocean and sunset views, especially from the terrace and outdoor seating in Big Sur. Reviewers also repeatedly call out the Ambrosia Burger and house ambrosia sauce as signature items that make the stop memorable.
What dishes are most recommended at Nepenthe?
The most recommended dishes are the Ambrosia Burger, shrimp BLT, veggie burger, tomato basil soup, and fries. Reviewers specifically mention the burger’s house sauce, the soup as creamy and rich, and the fries as especially crisp, with the chicken also getting a strong shoutout in one review.
What is the atmosphere like at Nepenthe?
The atmosphere is a mix of casual, cozy, historic, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with a fireplace inside and terrace seating outside. It suits couples watching sunset, groups stopping through Big Sur, and solo diners who want to linger over the view and a drink.
Is Nepenthe good value, and what is the price range?
Nepenthe falls in the $20–60 range, and multiple reviewers describe it as pricey. Even so, they often say the food, drinks, service, and especially the ocean view make it worth the cost, particularly for a sunset meal in Big Sur.
When is the best time to visit Nepenthe?
Sunset is the most recommended time, because reviewers repeatedly say the view is perfect as the sun goes down over the ocean. Reservations are accepted and recommended for lunch and dinner, and reviews note that waits can be about an hour, so arriving early helps.
Is parking available at Nepenthe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Nepenthe have vegetarian options?
Yes, Nepenthe offers vegetarian options.
Is Nepenthe kid-friendly?
Yes, Nepenthe is good for kids.
Restaurants like Nepenthe in Big Sur
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