Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed
Learn More
Restaurant Reviews
Find Restaurants in Your Area
Select a Location
Reserve now:

Big Sur River Inn Reviews List

Big Sur River Inn

Renew your spirit at the Big Sur River Inn"s full service restaurant and bar. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast, lunch or dinner in the historic dining room, or outside on the deck, the lawn, or along the banks of the Big Sur River. Have a seat on one of the many chairs in the river and let the smooth current cool your feet as you enjoy the best Big Sur lunch around. On summer Sunday afternoons, check out the Big Sur Backyard BBQ - our own ribs, brisket, chicken and burgers served on the lawn next to the river! What sets us apart from other Big Sur restaurants is our 100-year-old tradition of locally grown fine food, friendly, efficient service and warm hospitality. And yes, we still serve the original homesteader's version of "Hot Apple Pie!" Nestled amid towering Redwoods along the scenic Big Sur River, the historic River Inn is the essence of the Big Sur experience.
See more Big Sur River Inn details
19 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
(19 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 19 reviews
5 stars
(5)
4 stars
(9)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Service 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • great for outdoor dining(13)
  • good for groups(6)
  • romantic(6)
  • scenic view(6)
  • great for lunch(5)
  • special occasion(5)
Big Sur River Inn Reviews List
Review 1 for Big Sur River Inn
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

a shank of lamb as big as your head

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This food was delightful! The lamb was as large as my head and just melted in your mouth. We had excellent service. Afterwards you walk to the river and sit in a wooden chair. Overall, amazingly romantic! My only complaint was our reservation was at 9 and they had just closed the kitchen! They only reopened it because we had a reservation!"
Dined on 6/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Big Sur River Inn
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/01/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Scenery was great, a pity that the food was far from greatness. Bad food."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Big Sur River Inn
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good meal, wonderful location

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/28/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Beautiful view snd nice menu. Memorable experience"
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Big Sur River Inn
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Breathtaking setting

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Modern Californian food with an Asian influence served in a room with floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows looking over the cliffs of Big Sur. I've never had a more dramatic view to accompany dinner.
Food was very good, though the daily menu was a bit heavier on seafood and entrails than I would have liked.
Service was subdued and competent."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Big Sur River Inn
Based on the average of (15) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
7 out of 9 recommend this product
Food 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Service 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic