One of my favorite places to eat, along the Big Sur coastline is Rocky Point. The outdoor terraces literally hang on the cliffs and the views are unbeatable. Looking north you can see the Carmel coastline, to the south is Bixby Bridge and the Big Sur coastline.
While there is indoor dining, my favorite time to go to Rocky Point is for lunch and I always eat outside. The fresh sea air, combined with the sound of the surf beating on the rocks provide an ambience that money can't buy.
The menu selections at lunchtime include some strangly placed Mexican dishes and assorted seafood. I had the Bixby Sandwich, an open faced crab sandwich that was just great. The cole slaw is delicious; light and tangy rather than drenched in mayonnaise.
Sometimes we will stop at Rocky Point after a hike or drive down the coast for an appetizer (calamari or seafood cocktails!) and a drink. It's incredibly relaxing and beautiful.