Nepenthe
A landmark cliffside restaurant in Big Sur opened in 1949, famous for its panoramic Pacific views and signature Ambrosia Burger.
Perched on a cliff at 48510 Highway 1, Nepenthe was opened in 1949 by the Fassett family. The building is constructed from local redwood and adobe bricks, and its wide terrace offers sweeping views of the Big Sur coast. The signature Ambrosiaburger features a beef patty on a French roll with a special sauce, priced at about $27; the ribeye steak and dirty martini are also highly recommended. Reservations are not accepted and seating is first-come, first-served. Lines are common during lunch and sunset, so arriving early on weekends is advised. The site also houses Café Kevah, a casual cafe, and the Phoenix Shop, a gift store. It was temporarily closed due to wildfires in 2026 but reopened in September; please check Highway 1 road conditions before heading out. It is about a 1-hour drive from Monterey.
Opening hours
Daily 11:30-22:00
Nearby sights
- Nepenthe
- Henry Miller Memorial Library
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Andrew Molera State Park
- McWay Falls
- Point Sur Lighthouse
- Bixby Creek Bridge