Start your day at a classic Big Sur Restaurant— simple food, rich flavors, and a warm local welcome
Looking for a Big Sur restaurant where locals actually eat?
Ripplewood Café has been a local favorite since 1925. Tucked beneath the redwoods just off Highway 1, our café offers classic California breakfasts and fresh, flavorful lunches in a cozy, riverside setting. Whether you’re fueling up before a Big Sur hike or relaxing after a scenic drive, you’ll find simple food, rich flavors, and genuine hospitality right here.
Restaurant open daily from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Indoor & garden patio seating
Made-from-scratch classics: pancakes, huevos rancheros, burgers, and espresso
Vegetarian & gluten-free options available
Free Wi-Fi near the café & general store
"I loved this place, quite unexpectedly to be honest. We checked out a few other roadside restaurants on our way back from Big Sur, but they were super pricey and didn't offer much I wanted either.
The food was so good here I want to go back right now and get more!
I had the enchiladas, which only showed a choice of chicken or beef, but I asked if I could have veggies instead and they kindly said "sure!" They came with simply amazing beans, rice, and an avocado. Hubs had the pancakes and they were super fluffy and delicious, too."
– Tamira T.
Dining in Big Sur, at Ripplewood Café — Fresh Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch
Grab a seat beneath the redwoods or unwind on the sunny garden patio—Ripplewood Café invites you to slow down and savor the moment. It’s not just a meal, it’s part of the Big Sur experience. Snap a photo, sip your coffee, and soak in the setting that’s been welcoming travelers since 1925.
A Taste of Big Sur
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Ripplewood Café—where the coffee’s strong, the pancakes are made from scratch, and the redwoods provide the morning soundtrack. Our café has been a local favorite since 1925, offering classic Big Sur comfort food in a relaxed, riverside setting. Whether you’re craving huevos rancheros, a veggie scramble, or just a good cup of espresso, you’ll find something satisfying and unpretentious on the menu.
For those staying in our Big Sur river cabins, our café meals travel well. Pick up lunch to-go and enjoy it on your deck with views of the river, or grab snacks and cold drinks from the general store before heading out on a hike. With convenient access to the best food and essentials on the South Coast, Ripplewood Café keeps you fueled—no matter how you choose to explore Big Sur.
Restaurant and more — good food, great stays, and classic Big Sur charm
Everything you need, right here in Big Sur:
food, fuel, and a place to rest
Whether you’re passing through or settling in, Ripplewood makes it easy to enjoy Big Sur without the hassle. Dine at our restaurant & café, stay the night in a riverside cabin, and pick up everything you need—from hot coffee to campfire wood—all in one peaceful, redwood-lined stop.
