Nestled on a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen—widely known as the Cavalier Restaurant—is a crown jewel of Central Coast dining. Located within the beautiful Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, this family-friendly establishment pairs classic American comfort food with unparalleled ocean views.
Whether you are driving up Highway 1, visiting the historic Hearst Castle, or enjoying a weekend getaway, the san simeon cavalier restaurant menu satisfies every craving. Chefs craft each dish using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including premium Hearst Ranch Beef and local seafood. Below, we break down the cavalier restaurant full menu, highlighting popular dishes, price points, and budget-friendly options to help you plan your visit.
Exploring the Cavalier Restaurant Menu
The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a robust selection of seafood, hearty burgers, and fresh salads. The following menu items and prices reflect their all-day lunch and dinner offerings.
Starters & Shareables
- Shrimp Cocktail ($18.00): U15 prawns served with house-made cocktail sauce.
- Charcuterie Plate ($19.00): Artisanal meats, cheeses, house-made berry jam, pickled onions, and crostinis.
- Chicken Wings ($18.00): Your choice of buffalo, BBQ, mango habanero, or teriyaki, paired with blue cheese.
- Steamed Clams ($16.00): Prepared in a savory shallot and white wine sauce.
Salads
- Grilled Salmon Salad ($25.00): Mixed greens topped with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, avocado, and egg.
- Chicken Caesar Salad ($19.00): Crisp romaine hearts tossed with chicken, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
- Greek Salad ($17.00): A refreshing mix of romaine, olives, bell peppers, feta, and Greek dressing.
Sandwiches and Wraps
(Served with your choice of french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or coleslaw)
- BLTA ($16.00): Classic bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, elevated with fresh avocado on toasted sourdough.
- Wish I Were in Philly Cheesesteak ($19.00): Shaved steak or chicken with provolone, grilled onions, peppers, and mayo.
- Grilled Turkey and Ortega ($18.00): Turkey breast, Ortega chilis, provolone, and chipotle aioli on sourdough.
- Fried Chicken Wrap ($18.00): Breaded chicken, cheddar cheese, avocado, and Sriracha aioli inside a spinach wrap.
Premium Burgers
(Served with your choice of side. Make it ranch style by adding a fried egg and avocado for $4)
- Hearst Burger ($19.00): A classic preparation highlighting locally sourced Hearst Ranch beef on a brioche bun.
- BBQ Burger ($22.00): A house-made patty piled high with pulled pork, white cheddar, bacon, and grilled onions on a distinctive black brioche bun.
- Impossible Burger ($19.00): A plant-based patty with black garlic and almond spread on a vegan bun.
Cavalier Favorites (Entrees)
- Fish and Chips ($22.00): Fresh house-dipped cod served with tartar sauce and coleslaw.
- Chicken Chipotle Pasta ($27.00): Penne pasta tossed with chicken breast, red peppers, and asparagus in a spicy cream sauce.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie ($27.00): A hearty, meatless take using Impossible burger meat, fava beans, roasted corn, carrots, and white cheddar.
- Roasted Chicken ($29.00): Half a chicken coated in BBQ sauce, served with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
Cavalier Restaurant Best Items
When evaluating the cavalier restaurant best items, local sourcing makes all the difference. The Hearst Burger easily takes the top spot. Because the restaurant sits just down the road from Hearst Castle, the kitchen utilizes fresh Hearst Ranch beef, resulting in a rich, flavorful patty that outshines standard burger fare.
If you prefer seafood, the Fish and Chips consistently earns high praise from coastal travelers. The cod features a perfectly crisp, house-dipped batter that stays crunchy without becoming greasy. Finally, the BBQ Burger is a visual and culinary standout; the combination of a savory beef patty, sweet pulled pork, and an artisan black brioche bun creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
Cavalier Restaurant Cheap Items
You do not have to break the bank to enjoy an oceanfront meal here. The cavalier restaurant cheap items provide excellent flavor and satisfying portions for travelers on a budget.
Start with the appetizer menu, where the Onion Rings ($9.00) and Buttermilk Popcorn Shrimp ($13.00) serve as inexpensive, filling snacks that pair perfectly with a local draft beer. If you want a full meal for a lower price, the 1/2 Sandwich & Soup or Salad Combo ($16.00) is the smartest choice on the menu. You can choose a Tuna Melt, Chicken Salad, or Turkey Ortega half-sandwich and pair it with a fresh side. The BLTA ($16.00) and the Quesadilla ($16.00) also offer substantial value without compromising on ingredient quality.
Price Insights
Looking at the cavalier restaurant menu san simeon offers, pricing aligns perfectly with mid-range, coastal resort expectations. Sandwiches and burgers generally run between $16 and $22, while larger dinner entrees range from $22 to $29.
While these prices might seem slightly higher than a standard roadside diner, you are paying for premium local ingredients—like the Hearst Ranch beef—and a pristine, cliffside view of the Pacific Ocean. Compared to the ultra-expensive dining options located further north in Big Sur, the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen provides an exceptional balance of high-quality food, generous portions, and genuine affordability.
Location
Address: 9435 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA 93452 The restaurant sits conveniently on Highway 1, inside the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. It is located just three miles south of the famous Hearst Castle, making it a perfect lunch or dinner stop after a day of historical sightseeing.
Opening and Closing Time
The Cavalier Coastal Kitchen offers consistent daily hours to accommodate early risers and late travelers alike:
- Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Note: During peak summer months, the restaurant occasionally extends evening hours to 10:00 PM. Breakfast is typically served from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Cavalier Restaurant offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. The culinary team goes out of their way to accommodate dietary restrictions. The menu features an excellent Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie and a fully vegan Impossible Burger served on a vegan bun with black garlic and almond spread.
Are there gluten-free choices available?
Absolutely. The kitchen offers gluten-free bread and gluten-free buns for any sandwich or burger for a small $2 upcharge. Diners can also enjoy naturally gluten-free salads, though guests with severe Celiac disease should notify their server to prevent cross-contamination.
Do I need to make a reservation?
While walk-ins are always welcome, reservations are highly recommended during the busy summer tourist season (June through August) and around major holidays. Because the restaurant boasts stunning sunset views, window tables fill up quickly in the late afternoon.
Does the restaurant serve alcohol?
Yes. The Cavalier Coastal Kitchen features a full bar. They proudly serve a fantastic array of celebrated Central Coast wines, including local favorites from Hearst Ranch Winery, Harmony Cellars, and J. Lohr, alongside craft beers and signature cocktails.
