The famous Nepenthe Restaurant, perched 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur, California, is not to be missed when traveling the Central Coast.
Nepenthe is a restaurant located along Highway One in Big Sur, California. The restaurant, at one time owned by Orson Wells, is famous for its dramatic views, but the food is certainly nothing at which to scoff. Visitors can dine at Nepenthe 365 days a year, although dinner is not served on either Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.
History of Big Sur’s Nepenthe Restaurant
Formerly a private home, Nepenthe opened as a restaurant in 1949 under the leadership of Lolly and Bill Fassett, and the restaurant is still operated by the family. Several major additions have been made over the years including the Phoenix Shop, which opened in 1964 and Café Kevah which opened in 1992.
The etymology of the name is rooted in Greek mythology. In Homer’s Odyssey, Helen is offered nepenthe to instill forgetfulness and chase away sorrow. The experience of eating at Nepenthe restaurant is certainly an elixir for any sorrows which may be plaguing the traveler while visiting the Central Coast.
Over the years, Nepenthe has been a popular meeting and dining spot for artists and writers including the famous Big Sur writer, Henry Miller.
Lunch at Nepenthe
The lunch menu has a little something for everyone, and while it may be argued that the food itself is somewhat overpriced, the location certainly makes the price justifiable. Perhaps the most famous item on the menu is “The Famous Ambrosiaburger.” This is Nepenthe’s version of a ground steak sandwich, and it is served medium rare on a French roll. While the burger itself is good, the Ambrosia sauce (a Mayonnaise-based sauce with fresh tomato sauce and mild Chile salsa) is what really puts this sandwich into a league of its own.
Vegetarians will appreciate the grilled tofu-vegetable burger, which is also served on a French roll with lettuce, tomatoes and Ambrosia Sauce. Other sandwiches, a selection of salads and daily specials are also available at lunch. A choice of garbanzo-kidney bean salad, crunchy coleslaw or a tossed green salad accompanies all sandwiches.
Dinner at Nepenthe
For dinner, both the Ambrosiaburger and the Vegetarian Burger all available (for the same price as the lunch menu!), but there are also a range of beef, fish and poultry, and vegetarian and gluten free options available. The steaks are particularly good, as the meat is all premium naturally-raised beef, which is free of chemicals, growth hormones and feed additives. All entrees are served with a tossed green salad.
The wine list at Nepenthe includes a selection of wines made with Gary Pisoni’s Pinot Noir grapes and produced by some of California’s most distinguished wine makers. There is also beer and a selection of cocktails including an excellent top shelf margarita.
Nepenthe Restaurant is located at 48510 Highway One, Big Sur, California.