Dining

For a small community, Big Sur has an amazing number of excellent restaurants, gourmet delis and homestyle cafes to serve residents and visitors. Grab picnic fixings and head to the beach or don your least-crumpled hiking shorts and savor fresh, inspired cuisine at these local dining spots.

BIG SUR BAKERY & RESTAURANT Located at Loma Vista. Serving fresh pastries, breads, pizza and more--baked daily in a woodfired oven. Breakfast served from 8-9:30, lunch 11-3:00 and dinner from 5:30 on. Self-service deli foods available between these hours. Lovely garden setting with views of Big Sur Valley. Beer and wine. 831-667-0520, www.bigsurbakery.com

BIG SUR CENTER DELI Wonderful selection of freshly prepared deli items and desserts for breakfast, lunch and dinner. General store and grocery with good variety of wines and beer. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. In the Post Office center. 831-667-2225

BIG SUR LODGE RESTAURANT AND ESPRESSO HOUSE Indoor and patio dining on the banks of the Big Sur River. Freshly prepared foods served in a spacious, airy atmosphere with views of the redwoods. Wood stove adds cheer on those foggy mornings. Children welcome. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh pastries, specialty coffees and teas. Take-out meals on request. 831-667-3100, www.bigsurlodge.com

BIG SUR RIVER INN Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served inside by the big stone fireplace or outdoors on the wonderful deck overlooking lawns that stretch down to the Big Sur River, inviting a post-meal reverie on the Adirondack chairs in the sun. Guard your plate from rapacious blue jays that take advantage of tranced-out diners. Live entertainment on Sunday afternoons. 831-667-2700 or 800-548-3610, www.bigsurriverinn.com

BIG SUR VILLAGE PUB A local's favorite, this friendly spot features specialty beers, a pub-style menu and an informal atmosphere. 831-667-2355

CAFE KEVAH On the terrace just below Nepenthe, with sweeping views of the south coast. Open March through December, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brunch, beverages and light lunches. 831-667-2345

CIELO Located at Ventana Inn, this special dining choice will delight you with simple but innovative cuisine using fresh local ingredients. The views from the terrace may even take your mind off the fun that your mouth is having. Lunch and dinner served daily, bar open from noon to midnight. 831-667-0573, 800-6286500, www.ventanainn.com

COAST CAFE Lunch, baked goods, coffee and estate-bottled wines are served on the deck at this charming spot on the second floor at the Coast Gallery. 9-5 every day. 831-667-2301

DEETJEN'S BIG SUR INN Breakfast 8-noon and dinner from 6 p.m. Reservations recommended. Time has indeed stopped in this enchanted canyon. $31-667-2377, www.deetjens.com

NEPENTHE Justly famous for its history, atmosphere and killer views from the terraces, decks and inside tables. Simply not to be missed! Family owned since 1949. The menu actually lives up to the scenery--order with the confident happiness that you will leave in a state of sated transcendence. Deck diners be on your guard--as you watch for whales offshore, burglar blue jays are waiting to swoon in and snatch a tidbit from your plate. Open every day 11:30-10:00 p.m. 831-667-2345, www.nepenthebigsur.com

RAGGED POINT RESTAURANT Unique dining room architecture of stone columns and glass walls is tucked in a glorious garden setting. Original gourmet cuisine on a par with the surroundings. Patio or indoors--all tables have 360 degree ocean and mountain views. Snack bar and espresso bar on the terrace. 805-927-4502, www.raggedpointinn.net

REDWOOD GRILL Restaurant and bar at Fernwood Resort. Popular with campers, motorcyclists and other visitors. 831-667-2422

RIPPLEWOOD CAFE Friendly unpretentious cafe serving generous portions of well-crafted homestyle food. Dine outside on the verdant patio or indoors in the quaint dining room. 831-6672242, www.ripplewoodresort.com

THE ROADHOUSE Local's favorite, the Roadhouse serves California-Latin American cuisine at affordable prices. Open for dinner 5:30-9:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 831-667-2264

ROCKY POINT RESTAURANT Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or drop in for drinks and appetizers to accompany the gorgeous cliff-side setting. Ocean terrace with open-pit fireplace and gazebo. The candlelight sunset dinners are truly memorable. Breakfast 9:00-11:30, lunch 11:30-3:00 and dinner from 5:00 p.m. 831-624-2933, www.rocky-point.com

SIERRA MAR RESTAURANT At the Post Ranch Inn high above the Pacific, enjoy eclectic California cuisine from the lunch and dinner menus. Winner of the Wine Spectator Grand Award. Breaktaking views, awe-inspiring dining. Reservations required. 831-667-2800, www.postranchinn.com

WHALEWATCHER CAFE Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy indoor or patio dining featuring creative California cuisine and irresistible homemade desserts. Located at Gorda Springs. 805-927-3918 or after hours at 805-927-4600, www.bigsurgordasprings.com