Big Sur - Nepenthe

Nepenthe 

Hours: Open for lunch and dinner every day

Reservations: Not accepted except for large groups

Location: California Highway One in Big Sur, driving directions below

Best Time to Visit: Nepenthe is best when skies are clear and it's warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the view. The indoor, wood-burning fireplace is nice after dark.

Lolly and Bill Fassett knew they had something special when they bought a piece of Big Sur in 1947. They felt that it was so wonderful that it had to be shared. Architect Rowan Maiden, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed a building for them that seems to grow out of the hillside site, and they named the place Nepenthe, "isle of no care," making the phoenix bird its emblem. Three generations later, the family still owns and run Nepenthe.

Nepenthe Cuisine

Don't let any of your food snob friends discourage you from eating at Nepenthe. The food here is more than adequate if not up the standards of a gourmet, but Nepenthe is not just about the food. The Big Sur coast views and laid-back ambience are Nepenthe's strength. That being said, their most famous (and tastiest) menu items at Nepenthe are the Ambrosia burger, French fries and berry pie (with ice cream). A single order of fries is enough for several people, and they're especially tasty if you ask for Ambrosia sauce to dip them in.

Nepenthe Gift Shop

For me, no visit to Nepenthe is complete without a stop in the Phoenix Shop, which has an especially nice collection of artisan jewelry, handmade scented soaps and books.

Tips for Dining at Nepenthe

• Seats on the Nepenthe back patio have the best views, but expect to wait to get one. Order a drink at the bar (non-alcoholic if you're the driver) and find a spot outside to wait.
• If you're in a hurry, the seats to the left as you enter the Nepenthe patio are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hang out nearby, wait for someone to leave and politely enlist the server who's working in the area to help you.
• Because the views are such an important part of the Nepenthe experience, try to get there before dark.
• Even if you're not a bird-watcher, you'll enjoy the ongoing birdy drama at Nepenthe. For years, the local crows and Steller's jays (the ones that look like punk rockers having a bad hair day) have been outwitting the serving staff, making off with a package of crackers or their latest favorite, a beak-full of French fries.
• From time to time, winter rains precipitate mud slides that can close California Hwy 1 and block access to Nepenthe. Use this guide to find out how to check conditions and find detours.

Nepenthe Review

We rate Nepenthe 5 stars out of 5 for excellent views and laid-back ambience and food 3.5. It's a favorite we come back to over and over again, bringing all our friends and relatives when we can.