Sierra Mar

I’ve been here three times in the past 7 years. The food was better when Elizabeth Murray was head chef, but the views make up for the food imo. If you catch sunset, I’d say it’s worth it. But without the view, not sure it is. Photos provided are from the current chef team.

Unforgettable experience! From the moment you arrive, you know this is something special. After checking in at reception, you're guided along a beautiful walking path that gently transitions you away from the everyday and into what becomes a truly elevated dining experience. The views are simply breathtaking, perched above the Pacific, every glance feels like a postcard. But what truly sets Sierra Mar apart is the attention to detail. The staff is exceptionally attentive, thoughtful, and precise, making you feel both welcomed and cared for. And then there’s the food; one of the most refined gastronomic experiences in the Big Sur area. Each dish is beautifully presented, thoughtfully curated, and full of flavor, reflecting both creativity and craftsmanship. Sierra Mar is more than a restaurant; it’s a full experience. Unique, memorable, and absolutely worth it.

I had never eaten at Sierra Mar before last night, and I am not entirely sure how to account for that. I have lived in this part of California long enough to know better. I took my niece, Abriana, to dinner here the night before her high school graduation. Five courses. A window full of Pacific Ocean. The sun going down over the water right as we finished our last course, as though the restaurant had arranged it that way. My friend Germaine Esquivel is one of the managers here, and her presence made the evening feel like being a guest in someone's home rather than a customer in a dining room. But even without that connection, the entire staff was extraordinary. Every person who passed our table found a moment to congratulate Abriana on her graduation. That kind of warmth is not something you train into people. You either hire people who have it or you do not, and Sierra Mar has clearly figured that out. Abriana had never tried caviar before. She had never had crème brûlée. Watching someone experience something genuinely beautiful for the first time, in a place this extraordinary, is a gift I did not entirely expect to receive when I made the reservation. The drive up Highway 1 sets the table before you ever arrive. But Sierra Mar more than honors what the road promises. This is a place worth the occasion. It may become the occasion itself.

Best lunch in Big Sur. Excellent food and incredible service. A truly magical experience at Sierra Mar. If you are in Big Sur, you have to stop here. The views are unmatched, but the food actually lives up to the scenery. The Highlights: The Food: We had the burger and the steak—both were 10/10. The presentation is beautiful. The Service: Ask for Roman! He provided top-tier service and made the lunch feel super special. The Drink: Do the wine pairing. It matched perfectly with the courses. For a high-end location, the lunch felt reasonably priced given the quality and the atmosphere. It’s rare to find a place that nails the view, the food, and the service all at once. We will definitely be back.