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The Restaurant at Ventana Reviews List
The Restaurant at Ventana
The Restaurant at Ventana serves award winning cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting. The restaurant’s warm, rustic interior opens onto its legendary terrace where panoramic views of the ocean and rugged Big Sur coastline stretch for more than 50 miles. The cuisine makes use of the abundance of California’s Central Coast with local, simple, sustainable ingredients, including items from Ventana’s own organic garden.
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65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(48)
- romantic(44)
- special occasion(40)
- great for outdoor dining(34)
- fit for foodies(31)
- great for lunch(18)
The Restaurant at Ventana Reviews List
Review 1 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There is only one thing keeping me from making the overall rating spectacular - we arrived for our 10:30 reservation, and were told that the kitchen closes at 11:00 - kind of made us instantly feel like we were being rushed. I wouldn't mind, except if you are closing your kitchen at 11:00, then you should probably make your last reservation for breakfast/brunch at 10 or 10:15. Otherwise, food was awesome - service (except for being made to feel rushed) was superb, and the view was spectacular!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ventana lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We arrived at 11:20 just before opening time. The staff was rushed due to setting up the patio for a wedding reception.
I gave my full name and said I had an internet reservation at 11:45, but we were seating immediately on the outside deck under an umbrella. Omar was our waiter, but there were two or three other servers who were also very attentive. Food was excellent, and the view, quiet surroundings, and good company made for an enjoyable two-hour lunch. This was a really good experience for a weekend day in Big Sur when other venues were clearly overcrowded."
I gave my full name and said I had an internet reservation at 11:45, but we were seating immediately on the outside deck under an umbrella. Omar was our waiter, but there were two or three other servers who were also very attentive. Food was excellent, and the view, quiet surroundings, and good company made for an enjoyable two-hour lunch. This was a really good experience for a weekend day in Big Sur when other venues were clearly overcrowded."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 3 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A dining experience doesn't get much better than this. Fantastic all the way through from service to scenic views. The food was beyond delicious. Highly recommend."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
heaven above the Pacific
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been going to Ventana for about 27 years. Over the years the Inn had lost some of its magic. Happy to say the magic has returned in spades. Great food, great service. Highly recommend this wonderful experience."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
a beautiful hotel...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Ventana Inn is a beautiful hotel. It is set in the woods and the views are outstanding. The service at the restaurant is fabulous. The food was good... not great. I didn't think it was anything special. Very lovely.. but I would try someplace else the next time I am in the area."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful dining experience. The 4 course menu offered a variety of choices and everything was prepared well. My date has food allergies and the waiter did a great job with suggestions and offered a choice not on the menu. The setting was very romantic, quiet, and I am sure the view would have been wonderful if not for the fog. I highly recommend stopping in if you are visiting Big Sur."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 7 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It's been a while since we
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's been a while since we had had dinner here, and still found the ambiance and food great. Had a choice of a fix price dinner menus with 4 course (including desssert) or a la carte.
There were 4 of us dining & 2 did a la carte & 2 fix price. The beet salad was very ggod and the scallop course was excellent. Everything beautifully presented. Artichoke & prawn dish very good as well. The entrees, 2 hailbut with fennel puree , duck dish , and short rib & NY strip - excellent.
Cream brullee dessert & lemon with berries both excellent.
Service was great. Def would go back for a special occasian.
Note- nice ofr lunch stop on Big Sur coast, esp if a clear day & dine ouside."
There were 4 of us dining & 2 did a la carte & 2 fix price. The beet salad was very ggod and the scallop course was excellent. Everything beautifully presented. Artichoke & prawn dish very good as well. The entrees, 2 hailbut with fennel puree , duck dish , and short rib & NY strip - excellent.
Cream brullee dessert & lemon with berries both excellent.
Service was great. Def would go back for a special occasian.
Note- nice ofr lunch stop on Big Sur coast, esp if a clear day & dine ouside."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 8 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Generally fine but it took
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Generally fine but it took a very long time for the food to be brought to the table."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2009
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 9 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great view...food, not so much
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a beautiful table and watched the sun set over the Pacific. We ordered the prix fixe menu with great expectations but were disappointed with the meal. The salmon tartar was way over dressed and a strange brown liquid drained from the avocado at the bottom of the dish. The prawns seemed over done and, again, a strange liquid drained from the basil served with the dish. The ahi was a browned hunk of meat that was ok but uninspired. Overall, a pretty lackluster experience."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2005
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Review 10 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was inventive and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was inventive and delicious, the service impeccable. Casual atmosphere, peaceful, with breathtaking views. Choice of cozy room or one more open, overlooking view."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I celebrated a special occasion
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I celebrated a special occasion here a few weeks ago. The inn is stellar! The restaurant was good. The servers were nice. The bacon wrapped pork was fantastic as were the scallops. The best bet is to go for lunch and sit on the patio to take in the beautiful view."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 12 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
If you have any dietary needs
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you have any dietary needs this place is not for you!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 13 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was excellent but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was excellent but the service was amazing. The waiters and service staff were very attentive, professional and it was wonderful that they could speak Spanish as well. One of the best dining experiences I've had."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
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Review 14 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ventana--Excellent Experience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I had a fabulous night recently at Ventana in Big Sur. Despite the rain and the barely visible view the service, food and care made up for my disappointment at the weather. We had the server, Juan, who had been serving at this location for 10 years--he was attentive, considerate and made excellent recommendations.
We will most definitely return to Ventana the next time we are in Big Sur."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a delightful evening!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a delightful evening! Service was attentive, but not overbearing. Food was presented beautiful and was delicious. Highly recommend it!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Definitely going back for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Definitely going back for special occasions - four course meal was delicious and the view over the ocean was breathtaking!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 17 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
After 35 Years, Still Great!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Have been coming for over 35 years; the managers, chefs, menu's change; but it still has the same ambiance and good quality food. Would rank it the #2 restaurant in Big Sur behind Post Ranch Inn."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view
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Review 18 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic food and service. Also good options for vegeterians."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 19 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Warm Night above Big Sur
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We arrived a bit early so we could check the gorgeous post-sunset view. We were seated immediately. With a little trepidation as to the amount of food, we both picked the $75 4-course dinner. We picked different items for each course, intending to share, but everything was so good, sharing was hard. The courses were smallish which suited us just fine, because the bread rolls were irresistible. We washed it down with a bottle of 2010 Talbott Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir. Excellent choice sir!
Our waiter was casual, but not over-friendly. The service was very good. We hated to have to leave and return to our campsite, but were greeted by Orion and the moon reflecting off the calm ocean and whiskey in plastic cups."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 20 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ventana Innhas been a favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ventana Innhas been a favorite get-away of mine for over 30 years! It is a wonderful destination for luxurious accommodations and gourmet meals. The food preparation is at an all time high. Big Sur beauty is abundant in every aspect of Ventana Inn."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 21 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Place!!!! Feel very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic Place!!!! Feel very special being there."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 22 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had lunch outside. The view
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had lunch outside. The view is a twelve on a scale of 10. The Portabello burger was excellent as was the salad. The birds were soaringabove, the bees were buzzing in the lavendar. A perfect California day in Big Sur."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 23 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great way to celebrate my
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great way to celebrate my wifes 65th. Very quiet in the dining room as we were there the 2 days before Valentines day so Ventana wasn't very crowded. The food was really outstanding. No complaints"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2005
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 24 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining at Ventana was an exceptiona
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dining at Ventana was an exceptional experience, our server Paco, made the night truly memorable."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 25 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Five star experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Exceptional service and food. Warm ambiance. Five star. Truly one of the most enjoyable dining experiences I've ever had!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view
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Review 26 for The Restaurant at Ventana
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Window to the Stars!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Celebrated wedding anniversary. Staff was attentive but definitely not overbearing."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Restaurant at Ventana
Based on the average of (39) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate