Deetjen's Restaurant — Restaurant in Gonzales

We didn't know what to expect from this restaurant but we were in for a treat. Reservations are a must and hard to get by. We got a 5.30PM spot for dinner. The restaurant opens at this time only so we waited outside but the environment of the hotel was super nice. Old west feel. After we were seated at a nice table by the Robinson Jeffers corner, we took in our surrounding. The interior was a mix of English, Old World, Old West mix. We had a 3-courses dinner but we cannot insist enough. Pay attention to the specials! We had few of these and they were exceptional (and include the catch-off the day). The 3-cheese-figs salad was a magnificent exercise of flavor balancing which created a different lovely experience for connaisseur's taste buds. The risotto was another example of the Chef prowess. Despite using fresh veggies, it didn't come out overly "soggy" nor "dry". Perfect texture. And the desserts were out of this world. The overall price per person was in the high side but we had a lovely local wine AND the service was impeccable. Not sure where the staff has been trained but this was high-end discretion and efficiency. We are still mad at us for miscalculating the tip and we will compensate for it next time we dine here because we will come back. This was a Michelin-star experience and I am not sure why it hasn't made the list yet. In short, fun location, exceptional service and unbelievably delicious...

Friends sent us to Deetjen’s for delicious dinner and a “quaint Old Big Sur” atmosphere. The space is a collection of four candlelit small rooms full of cute curiosities. Half doors remain open to the last of the evening light and each window is full of the leafy greenery of Big Sur. It’s a quiet ambience mostly unchanged from the way the original owner designed the interiors when she bought it in 1939.

Deetjen’s prides itself on simple, hearty cuisine and it did not disappoint.

The smallish menu is likely regularly shifting as they aim for locally sourced food where they can. There were about four appetizers and four entrées on offer and a further two appetizers and four entrees on their list of special items for the night. We ate like kings from their specials. The wines that our server Roman suggested to go with our main dishes were perfect pairings.

To my surprise, most of the dishes on the menu were gluten-free.

We were charmed and lulled into a quiet relaxation by the atmosphere and the food at Deetjen’s. We plan to go back for breakfast as we kept hearing from neighbouring tables that the breakfast is to die for.

Update: we came back for breakfast and loved the sun filled space. We had the stuffed French toast and the huevod rancheros and coffees. Breakfast was good but not as fantastic as our dinner experience was. Will definitely be back for dinner when we are...

I've looked inside before and was looking forward to eating here, but the experience was disappointing and I wouldn't return or recommend. The general vibe of the restaurant is homey and warm, but the staff felt cold and snooty - we weren't welcomed or greeted when we walked in and waited for a while before anyone did so. I know they had a larger 4 top for me in the main dining room with my reservation, but this couple that was helped before me asked to sit in there so they gave it to them and put us in a dark corner with the low ceiling. You should prioritize larger parties in the nicer room. They asked me to sit at the bar and wait but the chairs were hooked onto the footrail and they did not lift them out for us. The waiter did not offer me the specials until I asked, and they didn't tell me that they charged for bread when I asked for some - at this price point, it's weird to nickel and dime for that.

Pros: Portions were good Meats were well cooked and tender Really good potato pave Ambiance is nice

Cons: Service was not up to expectations for price point Flavor profile was not up to expectations for price point Everything was oversalted Broccoli was NOT the right vegetable pairing...