Seafood Restaurants near Big Sur

“Staying at the Alila Ventana again allows us to dine breakfast, second breakfast if you're a hobbit, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Yes we could leave the resort for dining but one it's inclusive (minus alcohol) and two it's simply a fantastic restaurant on all fronts. The outside patio is the primary seating area and gives you a great view of the Pacific and the lush green hillsides of Big Sur. On a sunny day you might be lucky to see a California Condor gliding the thermals. This stay in March had a bit of cold weather and on night two dinner was held inside the restaurant, a first for us. Redwood furnishings all around and a huge fireplace adorn the inside. The food is epic of course. Staying two nights allowed us to sample more of the menu which features locally sourced ingredients. Here's what we had: Breakfast-Granola and yogurt, avocado toast, Ventana breakfast, chorizo scramble, French toast, crispy rice, fresh berries, juice and smoothies of the day. Lunch-Churassco with shrimp topping, fish of the day ( swordfish and ahi), fish tacos, burger, gem & kale salad, habanero wings, hummus with pita bread, and guacamole with chips. Dinner-bucatini cacio e pepe, camapnelle, black cod, rigatoni all'amatriciana, Iberia pork chop, and beef tenderloin. I ordered old fashioned's. Special kudos to Arkangel who served us twice during our stay. Arkangel was very welcoming and he gave some fantastic hints for the restaurant namely, if you order the lunch churassco, top it off with shrimp and then at the Social Hour for the complementary Marine Layer drink, have the bartender place your glasses side by side so that when he creates the smoke bubble it actually forms a rainbow shape. See my pictures! Dining here is just a complete 5 star experience!“

“If you are visiting the area, this is a must stop place. It is my favorite restaurant in the county. Every ingredient in every dish is intentionally used, there are no lazily picked side dishes here. The small restaurant is very charming and half of their seating is outside, well covered and heated nicely. Make sure to make a reservation!“

“Spectacular views and nice decor/design. Lunch menu was limited and mostly lunch and brunch fare (salads, sandwiches, eggs Benedict). Food was good but not remarkable. Dinner may be better. Service was very good: pleasant and balanced. We've been many times over the past 30+ years. We still consider/recommend it as a worthwhile destination and trip but feel it hasn't returned from the pandemic (or acquisition by Hyatt) to its past, very high and Northern California iconic standard.“