Just over 30 miles or 44 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea, there’s usually a wait for those wanting to eat at Nepenthe and Café Kevah (the name of founder Bill Fassett’s mother, a one-time suffragette, numerologist, and astrologer to the stars) below. Still owned by the Fassett family, the vibe is totally Big Sur—blooming plants, colorful umbrellas and pillows, friendly waitstaff, open-air dining, a phoenix carved out of driftwood, a Bohemian-chic look, and a sense that the 60s never died. The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe which opened in 1964 is the place to buy artwork, fabrics, furniture, Nepenthe Aromatherapy by Moss Botanicals, foodstuff, and jewelry such as the Simply Cool series— sterling silver and high karat gold mixed sprinkled with diamonds and vivid gemstones, created by jeweler Goph Albitz.

If your idea of communing with nature is a comfy chair in the shade, a leafy salad, and a view of the rugged coast, then grab a seat on the deck of the Cafe Kevah, located one flight of stairs below the fabled Nepenthe Restaurant. The food wonderful (think Eggs Benedict, Cobb Salad and sandwiches including a Caprese baguette) and a bit less expensive than its always popular neighbor. The clincher, though, is the location: perched 800 feet above the glimmering Pacific, the cafe’s deck has a phenomenal view of the Big Sur coastline.

Hidden below the iconic Nepenthe restaurant, this relaxed spot invites guests to savor California fare while enjoying panoramic ocean views from an inviting outdoor terrace. The menu features an array of tempting options, from a delightful Café Kevah benedict with Dungeness crab to classic breakfast choices like eggs benedict and creative offerings like the breakfast burrito. For lunch, indulge in sandwiches like the reuben or caprese baguette, each served with a mixed green salad.

Cafe Kevah is a chill spot right below Nepenthe, perfect if you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe with the same incredible ocean views. If Nepenthe is closed or packed, Cafe Kevah is a great alternative to grab a drink or a light meal. It’s a solid caffeine and breakfast stop (try Cafe Kevah Benedict), so if you’re just looking for a good cup of coffee or a quick bite, it’s a good place to be.

Nepenthe is famed for its cliffside views and famous visitors including Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth. Peep the same casual view at the order-at-the-counter Cafe Kevah downstairs with an expansive deck. It’s not really about the food here (think old-school breakfast burritos and uninspired egg dishes) but that invigorating view is worth a stop for coffee and baked goods.

Cafe Kevah is very close to Big Sur's famous restaurant (below it, in fact!), Nepenthe. Here, visitors can wake up to a hot breakfast while admiring the dramatics of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Available only for walk-ins, hungry patrons can stuff their faces with breakfast burritos, cheese plates, filling salads, sandwiches, and other scrumptious breakfast foods.

Nepenthe/ Cafe Kevah - A must-see for any Big Sur trip, Nepenthe is a cozy restaurant/ bar perched high on the edge of a cliff and offers some of the best Big Sur views. You have full panoramic views of the Pacific from their outdoor patio. Cafe Kevah is also on the Nepenthe property and offers a smaller breakfast/ brunch menu.

My boyfriend and I arrived around noon and it looked very crowded. We were quoted a 45 minute wait but luckily only had to wait 20 minutes and had the best view!!. If you’re looking to kill time while waiting there is a small gift shop at the bottom and also Cafe Kevah for a cheaper option.

Just south of Pfeiffer Beach is Nepenthe Restaurant and Cafe Kevah, a popular stop along Big Sur for food, drinks, and stunning views. Nepenthe Restaurant serves upscale and overpriced classic California cuisine. Located downstairs, Cafe Kevah is reasonably priced but still expensive.

A must-stop along the way is at Nepenthe to admire the view (but not the price -- walk over to Café Kevah instead). Everyone loves the down-home Big Sur River Inn, which has something for all tastes. For romance, nothing tops the view at Sierra Mar restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn.

First opening in 1949, Nepenthe is a large bar/grill type restaurant with one of the nicest views of any restaurant in the world. They have a large selection at the bar and make great cocktails!. Sip on those drinks slowly while you watch the sun set over the ocean.

If you’re looking for Big Sur cafes, Cafe Kevah is a popular favourite. This Big Sur Cafe overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains surrounded by terraced gardens. It offers Californian cuisine with a healthy twist and has been open since 2000.

It’s a restaurant, but the grounds (collectively referred to as Nepenthe) also contain the Café Kevah. Both are outdoor eateries that sit high on a bluff with stunning views of the coastline.

Cheap: Cafe Kevah for pastry (Big Sur--you can skip Nepenthe), Central Texan Barbecue (surprisingly good barbeque in Castroville), Margie's Diner (Monterey and a few other locations)

Half of our group choose to go downstairs on a lower deck to Cafe Kevah. It was less crowded, offered even more sweeping views, and served breakfast until 3:00.

We detoured partway down the stairs to peek at the buildings that hold the cafe and gift shop, which were added years after Nepenthe was built.

Several major additions have been made over the years including the Phoenix Shop, which opened in 1964 and Café Kevah which opened in 1992.

Pop into Café Kevah for a light snack and coffee, and, of course, more amazing ocean views surrounded by lush greenery.

Pop into Café Kevah for a light snack and coffee, and of course more amazing ocean views surrounded by lush greenery.