We have the most amazing view of Carmel Bay at sunset with glorious colors. My cooking is better, much better. Maybe I should open up my dining room and charge big prices, what do you think SAB?

Hey Tess, I'll be there!!

Tess - Only if you promise to give a Foderite discount. We were all here at the moment of inspiration, afterall ;)

TTess, I'm sure your view is spectacular. My husband and I just happen to find the view from Nepenthe to be right up there with the greatest views in the world (though admittedly, we haven't been to Tibet -- yet.)...again, chacun a son gout, n'est-ce pas? :)

LucieV - so sorry about your gout. I thought men usually got that. :S-

OK SAB & JCorrea - you're on. No charge for you two. You can be my guinea pigs. 8-)

uhoh, I guess I insulted somebody here.
;)

I felt the indoor restaurant was okay, but overpriced for what you got. The outdoor cafe, was a better value IMO.

Not at all LucieV, just having fun in the sunset. \:D/

Thank goodness for emoticons.

I know what lucie means, a meal can be less than superb if the charm or view is very special.

I agree. Thinking back on my 10 day trip to Napa, SF, Monterrey, down to the Hearst Castle and back, I can't remember a "stupendous" or "spectacular" meal - although I'm sure we ate at some very nice places (on expense account so $ wasn't really an issue and we took locals' and concierge's recommendations.

There was one meal that was a stand-out. Perhaps most of it was due to the stupendous and spectacular view - but the food was more than okay. Everyone, including a very, very, very picky (and to be quite honest, elitist) diner enjoyed the meal.

So, some folks don't like Nepenthe. Fair. The great thing is, they aren't required to eat there - and others who have enjoyed both the setting and meals served there can give input and let other travelers make their own decision.

I do know one thing. Next time I'm on the Left Coast in that area, I'm definitely stopping. It's one of my favorite memories of California. Sure there are great "free" views along the way via pulloffs. But, at least for me, have the fun of trips (and life in general) in breaking break with friends and relaxing for a while enjoying a meal. At Nepenthe, you have the chance to do so (and not worry about traveling companions that dart out of a car for a photo op and jump back in eager to "see what's next". At Nepenthe, we relaxed and enjoyed the food, view and being with each other at such an incredible setting.

starrsville,
Do yourself a favor. If you are in the area again, stop at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn (after the remodel) and you will understand what we naysayers are talking about. Nepenthe is a crab apple and Sierra Mar is a lucious, sweet blood orange. Some of my favorite memories of Big Sur are having breakfast, lunch and dinner there. You can even stargaze after dinner with an amatuer astronomer hired by the hotel. Why settle for less than fabulous food AND an amazing view?

MANY years ago, I went to big sur after reading Hnry Miller,and others ta;lk of the beauty and stayed at the then resonably priced Ventana inn where staff from Eselon came at night for drinks.

Okay. Will do.
BTW, what the price comparison of lunch at Nepenthe and lunch at the Post Ranch Inn?

cigale, we stayed at the Ventana 4 years ago. I couldn't wait to leave, honestly. I'm as airy-fairy as the next person, but I found the atmosphere and whole gestalt (!) just too self-consciously, preciously mellow. Ommmmmmmmm...

I stayed years before that, there were few people except for the OHMMMMM,
who came to sit by the fire for drinks.
But I'll never forget it or my night in Santa Barbra, my first time in that area.

Don't get me wrong, cigale: I love Big Sur, and I consider it one of the special places in my life. :)

I didn't lucie, you and I appreciated the view more than the food, It was one of my highlights being from th East Coast

Another fan here ~ what starrsville said :)

In july 05 we had an incredibly memorable lunch on the outdoor patio. While i can't remember 'what' we ate (altho its on fodors in a trip report) i vividly remember the experience shared with my family.

And thats exactly what we look for in our vacation dining ~ the unique experience. We have countless high end restaurants in our own backyard, but none where you gaze upon the stunning pacific.

The food might be average but we could've been eating cardboard and it wouldn't have mattered. It was a delicious, memorable experience.

So to the OP, yes its worth it.