If you are interested in grabbing something for breakfast or just a quick mid-day snack, our guide to the top three cafes and bakeries in Big Sur, California promises a delightful fusion of ambiance and flavor. Step into an intimate 1930's ranch-style house, renowned for family-style dining and culinary excellence, offering wood-fired sourdough levain, chia seed parfait, and locally inspired dinner options. Nestled beneath the iconic Nepenthe, a second spot invites you to savor California fare against panoramic ocean views, featuring tempting choices like Café Kevah benedict and diverse lunch offerings. Lastly, discover a unique rooftop cafe within a creatively repurposed water tank at COAST, promising a culinary journey with organic, locally-sourced delights, including artisanal sourdough pizza and decadent homemade ice cream. Here are more details:
COAST Big Sur
Photo courtesy of COAST Big Sur
Distance from Wander Big Sur Point: 7.5 miles
Location: 49901 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Hours: 11AM-4PM Thursday- Monday
Phone: (831) 667-2301
Website: https://coastbigsur.com/
Located within a creatively repurposed water tank, COAST stands as a one-of-a-kind fine arts venue with a charming rooftop cafe. This hidden gem offers more than just a picturesque setting – the menu is a culinary journey with a commitment to organic, locally-sourced, and ethically-produced ingredients. Indulge in delightful offerings such as hearty veggie stew, artisanal sourdough pizza, and decadent homemade ice cream, all complemented by a selection of craft beers and wines curated from California's vibrant small-scale producers.
Cafe Kevah
Photo courtesy of Nepenthe
Distance from Wander Big Sur Point: 10.6 miles
Location: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Hours: 11:30AM-10PM daily
Phone: (831) 667-2345
Website: https://www.nepenthe.com/
Hidden below the iconic Nepenthe restaurant, this relaxed spot invites guests to savor California fare while enjoying panoramic ocean views from an inviting outdoor terrace. The menu features an array of tempting options, from a delightful Café Kevah benedict with Dungeness crab to classic breakfast choices like eggs benedict and creative offerings like the breakfast burrito. For lunch, indulge in sandwiches like the reuben or caprese baguette, each served with a mixed green salad. The cafe also boasts a diverse beverage selection, including coffee drinks, espresso, smoothies, and a curated assortment of beer and wine. Whether starting the day with brioche french toast or opting for a refreshing cobb salad, this charming spot offers a delectable culinary experience against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific coastline.
Big Sur Bakery
Photo courtesy of Big Sur Bakery
Distance from Wander Big Sur Point:
Location: 47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Hours: Breakfast/Lunch: 9AM-2PM; Dinner: 5PM-8PM Wednesday- Sunday. Closed Tuesday
Phone: (831) 667-0520
Website: https://bigsurbakery.com/
Step into the charm of an intimate 1930's ranch-style house, where family-style dining meets culinary excellence. With limited tables, reservations for dinner and brunch are a must at this hidden gem. Indulge in wood-fired sourdough levain with cultured butter, a chia seed parfait bursting with house granola and market fruit, or savor a breakfast sandwich featuring sausage, bacon, cheddar, and house hot sauce. For dinner, let the freshest local ingredients guide your culinary journey with options like Mt. Lassen trout, grass-fed short rib, and delightful potato dumplings with cauliflower, chanterelles, and dill. As a testament to their excellence, this establishment has garnered acclaim from Time Magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times.
A cafe run in a scenic area like Big Sur can be so therapeutic, especially on vacation. Whether you're going there for a quick pick-me-up drink or some breakfast, a good cafe can will feed you and your soul and we're happy to share more with you so that you have the best wholesome vacation ever. Our 24/7 Wander Concierge is on standby and is ready to answer any questions you may have about the area ahead of or during your trip. Just send them a message directly in the app or via text at 737-377-3205. We can't wait to host you; see you soon!
