Rocky Point restaurant near Carmel sold for $8M

BIG SUR — Rocky Point restaurant, a nearly 75-year-old roadside haunt with stunning cliff-side ocean vistas along the Big Sur coast, has sold for $8 million to Esperanza Carmel.

Situated about 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, the restaurant first opened in 1947 as a roadside lunch spot that capitalized on its perch of expansive views of the Big Sur coastline and Pacific Ocean. Over the years, Rocky Point has been a magnet for locals and visitors eager to soak up its viewpoint, atmosphere and romantic appeal.

The 2.5-acre ocean-front property includes the restaurant and three apartments totaling three bedrooms, six full baths, and three partial bathrooms, with an interior space of 7,386 square feet.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant has been closed along with access the public once enjoyed but the new owner is working to reestablish accessibility as soon as possible.

The new owner, Esperanza Carmel, is partnering with local restaurateur, hotelier and CEO of Mirabel Hotel and Restaurant Group David Fink, and Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel Michelin Star chef Justin Cogley to steward the property to its next incarnation.

Esperanza Carmel is a real estate investment and development company focused on the Carmel area that was established in 2015 and currently has a growing portfolio that includes residential, mixed-use, retail and hotel assets.

Esperanza Carmel President Patrice Pastor said his organization is thrilled to be able to purchase Rocky Point and work with Fink and Cogley to refresh this piece of the California coastline.

“We love the location and the views and wish to act as stewards of the land in making sure to provide a top class restaurant as well as restoring the surrounding area to provide the best possible experience for both guests and the general public,” said Pastor in a press release.

Fink is well regarded in the area as a seasoned professional and his “heart of a servant” motto focuses his business entities on quality of service and product, according to the release. He has served as a board member and past president of the Big Sur Land Trust, helped to preserve the Big Sur Coast, and is excited to preserve and enhance the Rocky Point site.

Cogley is Monterey County’s only Michelin Star-awarded chef and is excited to develop a menu that is a more casual version of his signature coastal cuisine at Aubergine, with an emphasis on local shellfish, line-caught fish and a great burger for Rocky Point restaurant.

Esperanza Carmel says it is known for its environmental credentials, and is keenly aware and prepared to deal with the sensitive habitat that Rocky Point restaurant occupies.

Chris Mitchell, managing director of Esperanza Carmel, said the company looks forward to working with the California Coastal Commission and Monterey County to resolve any of the historic issues with the property, and also with the local community to restore the site as one of the best viewing spots along the California coast.

The property was listed by Michele Altman of Sotheby’s International Realty — Carmel Rancho Brokerage and Olivia Hsu Decker of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty.