Sierra Mar

47900 CA-1, Big Sur
(831) 667-2800

Recent Reviews

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Dominique C

I went to Sierra Mar for Brunch and dinner while I staying at the Post Ranch Inn and it was incredible!! Dining high above the Pacific felt surreal. The views alone are unforgettable, but the experience goes far beyond that.

Every dish was thoughtfully created. The service was impeccable. Everything flowed naturally, allowing us to fully take in the flavors, vibe and views. This was such a memorable experience that I absolutely cannot wait to experience again! đŸ€©

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Xiaobei Wu

I visited the restaurant at Post Ranch Inn for lunch on November 15, 2025. The view was stunning and the food was very good, and under normal circumstances I would have happily recommended this place. Unfortunately, the way the restaurant handled payment completely ruined the experience for me.

Because of a power outage, the staff said they could not use the POS terminal. Instead, they asked me to write my full name, full credit card number and CVV on the back of a receipt so they could process the charge later. I specifically asked if this was safe, and was told it was, so I reluctantly did it.

After I left, I received a voicemail from the restaurant manager and messages through OpenTable saying they “still need your credit card information” and asking me to call back and leave my card details with the hostess. The wording and tone made me feel as if I had not paid or was trying to avoid paying, even though I had already written down my full card number and CVV for them. I was traveling and on a flight, so I couldn’t respond immediately, but when I landed I called back, provided the expiration date, and also expressed how uncomfortable and upset I felt about the whole situation. The manager hang up the phone immediately and didn’t even let me complete my sentence.

I fully understand that the restaurant should be paid for the meal. My issue is how my card information was collected and how I was treated afterwards. Writing full card details (including CVV) on the back of a receipt and then repeatedly calling and messaging for more “credit card information” feels extremely unsafe and unprofessional, especially for a property at this level. Because of this, I cannot recommend this restaurant despite the beautiful setting and good food.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Christopher

Staff (Devon) was ultra-attentive and professional. Spectacular views (duh!), and great menu.

Vishu

The main course wasn't good. I didn't like the chicken, and the mushrooms weren't good either. The appetizers and desserts were good. Our server wasn't good at all, but after we mentioned it to the supervisor, he personally came to assist us with our food.

Fiona

Fantastic multi-course prix fixe meal. Attentive service, well-paced courses, delicious food

Niki Green

Over a decade ago I had one of the best dinners here. Things have definitely gone downhill. I brought my wife here for an anniversary lunch. The views are still stunning but man the food and service have gone downhill.

We had their prix fixe with a glass of wine each. The starters were a Mediterranean salad that had way too much flavorless dressing and a garlic hummus with pickled vegetables. The pita with the hummus was greasy.

For our mains we had salmon and bavette steak with roasted vegetables. They put chimichurri on the steak that was completely unnecessary.

Dessert was a panna cotta that left my stomach in knots because all the dairy.

We arrived at 1pm and the place was not crowded yet the service was slow. The time between courses felt a little too long.

Overall the meal was completely overpriced for what was served and nothing was outstanding as one would hope for a $300 lunch.

I get the cache of Post Ranch Inn but truly the food could have been much better. Sometimes simple, local ingredients just don't need the sauces and the dressings.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 2

Josh Boyd

Average. Not staying at hotel- Forced into a over priced tasting menu

Austin

The view was overcast but still incredibly beautiful, with soft pink clouds stretching as far as we could see. The food was delicious, unique and subtle in its approach. All of the staff were friendly and attentive. We felt lucky to celebrate our anniversary here and will definitely be returning!

Davin

The view is unbelievable and unmatched in Cali. The food was delicious and reasonably priced for a high end restaurant. Would definitely go back and bring friends to share the experience

Nicholas Rosenfeld, MD

We were really looking forward to dining at Sierra Mar, but the experience fell short of expectations. The restaurant is clearly designed around its spectacular view, yet in the winter months when dinner starts after sunset, that view simply isn’t part of the experience. Without it, the atmosphere feels a bit flat.

There was no wine pairing offered, which was surprising for a restaurant of this level, and the service felt unenthusiastic, polite, but not particularly warm or knowledgeable about the dishes. The food itself wasn’t bad, but it lacked inspiration or excitement. I was a bit put off by one course, a small cup of hen consommĂ©, because it felt more like a placeholder than part of a fine dining menu.

We’ve been fortunate to dine at some truly exceptional restaurants around the world, and while Sierra Mar wasn’t terrible, it didn’t live up to its reputation. Overall, it was an underwhelming evening at a place that seems to rely a bit too heavily on its view. Though I’m sure it is spectacular when visible


Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Tim

The menu was pre-fixe, so you got what they wanted to give you, which for $200 a person (total bill >$500 with tip), it might be a better value to at least allow you to opt for something that you prefer to eat. Unfortunately, this was worsened when the gentleman who was sitting at the table next to us, was allowed to eat whatever he wanted and pick what he wished to eat - as he was clearly a "friend" of the restaurant or a fellow employee. Needless to say, his choice looked more appealing than what we were given. Not saying the food was bad. Main course was duck, which I personally like, but which my friend does not, so she was stuck. The other courses were a salad, which was good with bread (unfortunately sour dough bread), and a shot glass full of chicken broth , of course, advertised in a more stylish verbiage. There were multiple deserts, which almost seemed like a 'sorry for dinner, eat these sweets" move, and if that didn't satisfy you, there was always the $50 old-fashions available. This was not the first time we've eaten there but was the first time with a fixed menu. It's better when you have a choice.

Kimberly

Could not have been more perfect. The weather was ideal yesterday and we had the best time sitting outside on the decks. Inside just as lovely.

Mian qaisar

Nicfood and best staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

H NH

Wow! What a meal! And the view of the sunset was equal to the delicious food. The service throughout the meal was top level. My husband started with some sort of squash salad followed by a King Salmon. Both were amazing. I got the tasting menu which did not disappoint. Each small, beautiful bite was bursting with unique flavor. The abalone ssam was uniquely extraordinary. I highly recommend for a special evening.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Vita

We had such a wonderful experience at Sierra Mar! We were driving from far away and ended up arriving at a different time than our reservation, but the staff were so kind and accommodating,they still seated us and made everything perfect. We were celebrating our anniversary, and the whole evening felt magical. The view, the food, and the service were all incredible. It was truly an unforgettable experience

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