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Where to Eat in Big Sur: Sierra Mar Restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn


A pomegranate margarita at the bar at Sierra Mar in Big Sur

If your budget doesn’t allow for you to spend a night at the amazing Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, be sure to dine at the hotel’s Sierra Mar Restaurant. With unobstructed views of the Pacific and a prixe fix lunch menu for $50 (with optional trio of wine pairings for $29), a memorable meal in these special surroundings is a fine dining bargain.

People who live in glass houses should enjoy the view at Sierra Mar Restaurant

Chef Jon Cox’s dinner menu changes frequently based on the best of locally sourced ingredients. There is a four course option prixe fix for $120 and a nine course Taste of Big Sur for $160 (with optional wine pairings offered for $110). I wasn’t up for a four course dinner, and fortunately you can also order a la carte.

Part of the the breakfast buffet at Sierra Mar Restaurant

The Morro Bay oysters came highly recommended, but due to my shellfish allergy I had to pass. Instead I went for the mixed green and chicory salad with cucumber and buttermilk dill emulsion. The salad was beautiful  with bright flavors and perfectly dressed. 

House made guacamole & salsas are offered on the bar snack menu

Service is top notch– when I found my beef tenderloin a little underdone for my liking, my server quickly got it back on the grill and delivered to me perfect.

The firepit on the patio at Sierra Mar takes the nip out of of cool California air

Sierra Mar has an extensive wine list with over 2,600 selections. There is also wine by the glass and cocktail menu. The pomegranate margarita had just enough kick and was very refreshing at lunch.

John Steinbeck memorabilia on display at Sierra Mar

Guests at the Post Ranch Inn have breakfast included in the room rate, and the buffet spread is impressive with house cured lox, an omelette station, fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries.

Sierra Mar is sexy at night

Reservations are essential at Sierra Mar (as you have to pass by the security gate to get to the restaurant).

The mixed green salad with fennel and a light buttermilk dill dressing

Beef tenderloin and brussel sprouts

With sexy surroundings, killer views, delicious cuisine and great service, Sierra Mar is worth the splurge for a memorable meal.

Sierra Mar Restaurant at The Post Ranch Inn

47900 California 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States

Reservations: (831) 667-2800

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Lunch: 12:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (three-course prix-fixe $50)

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (four-course, prix fixe $120)