AVANT

4.5

1680 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

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2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Charming

AVANT is the signature Forbes Four-Star rated restaurant at Rancho Bernardo Inn, offering elevated contemporary California cuisine that unites culinary influences and flavors from Baja California with French techniques and inspiration. The seasonal menu uses the freshest local ingredients and produce from The Inn's on-site garden. Regional Sommelier & Cellar Master Joe Baumgardner has curated an award-winning wine cellar for AVANT, from limited production wines around the globe to bio-dynamically farmed selections, offering the perfect pairing for each course. AVANT's cocktail program serves up imaginative libations ranging from light to direct, all complemented by playful presentations and artistic touches. The essential San Diego dining experience is set in inviting indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views of the surrounding resort.

Private dining

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 17:00–21:30
Phone number
(844) 254-0013
Website
https://www.avantrestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
With about 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering space, championship golf course views, fine dining and professional service, AVANT is ideal for an intimate gathering for 12 or a larger event of 50. We’ve got you covered with three unique spaces. La Taberna, El Biz and Table 65.
Private party contact
Carolyna Ziske: (858) 385-8708

Location
17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
Area
Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Cross Street
Pomerado Road
Parking details
Complimentary valet parking.<br />Self parking also available.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

Date Night Prix Fixe Dinner
US$90.00 per person
1 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025
Celebrate the month of love in the most memorable manner with AVANT's 3-course Date Night Prix Fixe Dinner, priced at $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). including a sparkling wine toast. Join us at AVANT for an enchanting blend of love and culinary delight this Valentine's Month! The regular menu is available as well.
Vine to Table Series - The Wines of Silver Oak
US$165.00 per person
Prepaid
6 Mar 2025 only
Join our Chefs and Regional Sommelier Joe Baumgardner for a five-course dining experience featuring the delectable wines of Silver Oak for $165 per person, which includes a 20% service charge, (tax not included). The 20% service charge is distributed to our staff as gratuity.
Easter Three Course Brunch
US$48.00 - US$95.00 per person
20 Apr 2025 only
Join our Avant Culinary team for a specialty Three Course Easter Brunch dining experience for $95++ per adult and $48++ per child (20% Gratuity and tax not included).

west coast oystersUS$24.00
escabeche + horse radish + lime
seafood towerUS$80.00
oysters + king crab + prawns + hamachi
- SmallUS$80.00
- LargeUS$130.00
local ahi tunaUS$18.00
smoked shoyu + sweet onion + roasted macadamia nuts + wakame
cured salmon bellyUS$17.00
compressed apple & cucumber salad + forbidden rice crisp + buttermilk dashi
hamachiUS$20.00
gooseberry salsa + orange blossom consommé + pickled fresno + sorrel

beginnings

parker house rollUS$10.00
seasonal butter + sea salt
charcuterieUS$30.00
three cured meats + pickled garden vegetables + whole grain mustard
artisan cheeseUS$28.00
three artisan cheeses + seasonal fruit + house jam
'caesar salad'US$17.00
roma crunch + pumpkin seed + cured olives + blue corn sourdough crisp + green goddess caesar
beet saladUS$18.00
girl & dug greens + fromage blanc + hazelnut brittle + endive + chive
wedge saladUS$18.00
heirloom tomato + lardon + pickled onion + brioche + smokey bleu cheese
spanish octopusUS$24.00
chorizo polenta + pickled fennel + tomato & watercress salad + calamansi saffron aioli
ravioloUS$23.00
ricotta + egg yolk + winter squash puree + brown butter + pomegranate + sage
lobster bisqueUS$19.00
maine lobster salad + chive

land + sea

king salmonUS$42.00
heirloom carrot textures + pistachio dukkah + kumquat + cilantro
scallopUS$47.00
parsnip duo + vanilla poached apple + squashinni + blood orange
icelandic codUS$42.00
brick dough + sweet potato + charred fioretto + miso beurre blanc
whole roasted branzinoUS$55.00
garden winter greens + citrus beurre blanc + caviar
niman ranch pork chopUS$46.00
tokyo turnip + red cabbage + quince & jalapeno vinaigrette
colorado lamb rackUS$50.00
heirloom beets + salsa verde + turmeric yogurt + nasturtium
mishimi wagyu new york paveUS$78.00
potato terrine + rapini + cordydeps + black garlic
wood fired roasted cauliflowerUS$36.00
sumac yogurt + kimchi puree + smoked almond crunch + herb salad
creekstone farms beef wellingtonUS$95.00
red wine sauce

accompaniments.

foraged mushroomsUS$14.00
charred onion + garlic
patatas bravasUS$14.00
chipotle + crema + cilantro
wood fire broccoliUS$15.00
herb emulsion + lemon
crisp brussel sproutsUS$15.00
maple bacon vinaigrette + pecorino + winter apple + neuske bacon

sweet.

tropical mousseUS$14.00
mango & pineapple chutney + coconut & yuzu cremeux + sea buckthorn sorbet
apple tarte tatinUS$14.00
speculoos cookie + rice krispies + apple carmel mousse + vanilla gelato
chocolate peanut tartUS$15.00
devils food cake + carmael cremeux + candied peanuts + cocoa nib gelato
strawberry pistachio baked alaskaUS$14.00
strawberry & pistachio gelato + meringue + strawberry consomme
creme bruleeUS$14.00
carmelized sugar + berries

Wines by Sommelier Joe Baumgardner

Sparkling

Zonin, ProseccoUS$13.00
prosecco, italy
ScarpettaUS$15.00
brut rosé friulli, italy
emmolo by caymusUS$19.00
brut, california NV
Moët & ChandonUS$25.00
brut 'imperial' epernay, champagne

White

Benvolio, Pinot Grigio, FriuliUS$13.00
Vidal Fleury White Blend, Cotes Du RhoneUS$14.00
Three Brooms, Sauvignon Blanc, MarlboroughUS$14.00
Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Napa ValleyUS$17.00
dr. loosenUS$13.00
Les Belles Roches Chardonnay, BurgundyUS$14.00
Zd Chardonnay, CaliforniaUS$18.00
Frank Family Chardonnay, Napa ValleyUS$25.00
Mont Gravet Rosé, Pays D'ocUS$13.00

Red

Davis Bynum Pinot Noir, Russian River ValleyUS$15.00
Ken Wright, Pinot Noir, Willamette ValleyUS$22.00
Grgich Hills, Zinfandel, Napa ValleyUS$17.00
Numanthia 'Termes' Tempranillo, SpainUS$15.00
Cecchi Chianti Classico, ItalyUS$15.00
Catena, Malbec, Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$17.00
Hourglass 'hg3' Red Blend, Napa ValleyUS$25.00
Treana Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso RoblesUS$14.00
J. Rickards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander ValleyUS$22.00

Draft Beer

Societe 'The Harlot' Blonde Ale, San Diego, 10, 5.7%US$10.00
Helia, Porter, San Diego 7. 1%US$10.00
Fall 'Magical and Delicious' Pale Ale, San Diego 5. 5%US$10.00
Thorn Brewing 'Hopster Pot' Hazy Ipa San Diego 7. 0%US$10.00
Ballast Point 'Sculpin' Ipa San Diego 7. 0%US$10.00
Modern Times 'Fruitlands' Tropical Sour Gose, San Diego 4. 8%US$10.00
Stella Artois Lager, Belgium 5. 0%US$10.00

ZERO PROOF

LIFE WATERUS$12.00
rishi golden chamomile tea, coconut water, orange essence
MOROCCAN DREAMSUS$12.00
coconut milk, rishi maghreb mint tea, aquafaba, soda water, lime essence, mint
ORANGE CREAMSICLEUS$12.00
orange, lemon, vanilla, aquafaba
VIOLET COSMOSUS$12.00
blue spirulina, cranberry, lemon ginger, garden flowers

OLD-FASHIONEDS

WOODSMANUS$18.00
kikori japanese whiskey, jasmine lemongrass, orange bitters
OLD AGAVEUS$20.00
rbi maestro dobel añejo tequila agave, citrus bitters
GOLD FASHIONEDUS$17.00
sipsmith london dry gin, fernet branca orange bitters
EIGHTY-SIXEDUS$17.00
old forester 86 proof bourbon, maple angostura & orange bitters

REFRESHING & NOVEL

SUMMER THYMEUS$17.00
tito's vodka, citrus, thyme, prosecco
LAVENDER HAZEUS$19.00
empress 1908 gin, earl grey tea, coconut milk vanilla, scrappy's lavender bitters
SWEDISH GIMLETUS$18.00
tanqueray no. ten gin, lime, aquafaba cardamom & orange bitters
JALISCO ROOTSUS$18.00
rbi herradura double barrel reposado tequila, cointreau, ginger, lime
ALL PUFFED UPUS$18.00
courvoisier vsop cognac, cointreau, orgeat, lime, bitter truth pimento dram, east imperial ginger beer, cinnamon
CURES THE BLUESUS$19.00
belvedere vodka, bacardi silver rum blue spirulina, coconut water, vanilla
APEROL FIZZUS$17.00
aperol, grapefruit, lemon, coconut milk, aquafaba, orange flower water, soda

BOLD & NUANCED

AMERICAN THEOREMUS$21.00
rbi private barrel whistle pig 10 year rye madeira, benedictine, black walnut bitters
FUNKY NEGRONIUS$17.00
batavia arrack van oosten, bruto americano, bigallet china-china
NASSAU 1930US$18.00
talisker single malt scotch, cointreau, batavia arrack van oosten, mexican chocolate & orange bitters
CHASING YESTERDAYUS$18.00
the producer mezcal, chareau aloe liqueur lime, agave, orange bitters
SMOKIN' DIAMONDSUS$19.00
old forester 100 proof rye, amaro nonino, benedictine, smoked wood chips
RYE & DRYUS$18.00
rittenhouse rye, carpano dry vermouth, yellow chartreuse, luxardo maraschino liqueur orange bitters
STRAW HATUS$19.00
hibiki harmony japanese whisky, harmless harvest coconut water

NIGHT CAP

DARK PEDIGREEUS$34.00
remy martin xo cognac, boulard vsop calvados benedictine, coffee & chocolate spritz
AIR SAILORUS$18.00
suntory ao world whisky, brown sugar, whipped cream, dark chocolate, sea salt
EL GUAPOUS$18.00
el tesoro reposado tequila, licor 43, kahlúa, mostra espresso, whiskey barrel aged bitters, cinnamon
NAOMI KNOWS BESTUS$19.00
ketel one vodka, mr. black cold brew coffee liqueur, mostra espresso, vanilla bean
WHEN IN BEAUNEUS$18.00
hennessy vsop cognac, caffe moka espresso liqueur, bigallet china-china, cold brew coffee, black walnut

What 1,680 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

North San Diego
Great for fine wines
North San Diego
Romantic
North San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

AVANT at Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a sophisticated dining experience with a seasonal menu featuring fresh ingredients, including produce from their own garden. Guests rave about the "phenomenal" food and "exceptional" service, highlighting unique cocktails and a well-curated wine list. Special events like wine pairing dinners are highly recommended.

1,680 Reviews

D
Daniel
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great time, great food. Beautiful place and great service.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
Seattle
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was great! Was kind of cold where we were sitting.
Is this helpful?
m
micahn
San Diego
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The beef Wellington was very salty $95 is a lot for that if it’s not excellent. Branzino was ok. Couple of appetizers were really good . Thought it was overpriced. Service was really good always a beautiful ambiance there. But all in all value to me just was not there.
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J
Jessica
VIP
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 5 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, service and atmosphere for a team dinner.
Is this helpful?
A
April
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have always loved all of the restaurants in Rancho Bernardo Inn. Avant is my favorite. It is dark, modern/traditional and elegant. They feature an extensive seasonal menu with selections for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. The quality is top-notch and the service matches the overall high-end experience. Their seafood is the freshest and their meats and produce are the best available. They utilize their own garden, which I appreciate. The cocktails are unique and their wine list as well curated A few times a year they have wine pairing dinners that we recommend. We are never disappointed and there are pleasant surprises each visit.
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H
Howard
VIP
San Diego
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an excellent meal. 7 of us and everyone seemed very happy. Mandy was our server, and she was attentive, friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend this restaurant for an upscale experience.
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E
Evelyn
VIP
San Diego
34 reviews
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on 25 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time to Avant. We had happy hour appetizers and they were all so fresh and delicious. Service was excellent. Will be back.
Is this helpful?
R
Rose
VIP
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wanted to try this restaurant for my early bday dinner.. Glad we did ! Place was great , ambience service snd the food we truly enjoyed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 16 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We dined at Avant for Christmas 2023 and it wasn’t the greatest experience due to large parties and food service was backed up. Decided to give it another try hoping for a better experience and it fell short. We ordered some mock tails, the Parker roll, the large seafood tower, the salmon, the melon salad, the Waygu sirloin, and the scallops. For a “large seafood tower” it seemed small for our party of 4. Only 2 king crab legs on the platter. It seemed kind of lame that not everyone got their own crab leg, each had to be shared. Felt like a sample. The prawns were huge and delicious and the oysters were seasoned well. I would skip it to be honest. It is disappointing that the Waygu sirloin and the salmon didn’t come as more of a completed plated dish. The sides offered are nice options but why can’t they be included with the entree offerings at least? …especially for the price. The Parker roll was the shining star of all the dishes we ordered and yet it was such a small bread service but the butter options included with it are incredibly tasty. The menu at Verdana seemed better in terms of offerings but the dining room wasn’t open even though the reservations online made it seem like it was completely booked even though when we got there it was closed. Only the bar section was open but had limited options on the menu so we decided to stick with our Avant reservation for those reasons. The service was ok but could have been better especially for small dinner service that was in attendance for the evening we went. Our server didn’t seem interested in giving a more memorable and enjoyable experience. There were no suggestions offered or a dessert menu offered at the end. We genuinely want to enjoy the dining experience at Avant, but unfortunately, it falls short of justifying its pricing and overall expectations. While it seems it aspires to deliver a Michelin-level quality, it doesn’t quite reach that standard yet.
Is this helpful?
L
Lilia
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Dined for two with their NYE 5 course platted dinner. My partner is still talking about how delicious the food was and it was her best meal in a very long time. I am Vegan, and notified them in advance. I received a response right away assuring me that the chef will have courses for me. They did not fail to provide me with delicious food. I am truly thankful that I was able to have the same experience as my partner and enjoy many of my favorite foods. Thank you.
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FAQs

AVANT is rated 4.5 stars by 1680 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

Additional information

Cross Street
Pomerado Road
Area
Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 17:00–21:30
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Complimentary valet parking.<br />Self parking also available.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
https://www.avantrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(844) 254-0013
Private party facilities
With about 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering space, championship golf course views, fine dining and professional service, AVANT is ideal for an intimate gathering for 12 or a larger event of 50. We’ve got you covered with three unique spaces. La Taberna, El Biz and Table 65.
Private party contact
Carolyna Ziske: (858) 385-8708

AVANT

Make a booking

Private dining

Additional information

Date Night Prix Fixe Dinner

Vine to Table Series - The Wines of Silver Oak

Easter Three Course Brunch

crudo

west coast oystersUS$24.00

seafood towerUS$80.00

local ahi tunaUS$18.00

cured salmon bellyUS$17.00

hamachiUS$20.00

beginnings

parker house rollUS$10.00

charcuterieUS$30.00

artisan cheeseUS$28.00

'caesar salad'US$17.00

beet saladUS$18.00

wedge saladUS$18.00

spanish octopusUS$24.00

ravioloUS$23.00

lobster bisqueUS$19.00

land + sea

king salmonUS$42.00

scallopUS$47.00

icelandic codUS$42.00

whole roasted branzinoUS$55.00

niman ranch pork chopUS$46.00

colorado lamb rackUS$50.00

mishimi wagyu new york paveUS$78.00

wood fired roasted cauliflowerUS$36.00

creekstone farms beef wellingtonUS$95.00

accompaniments.

foraged mushroomsUS$14.00

patatas bravasUS$14.00

wood fire broccoliUS$15.00

crisp brussel sproutsUS$15.00

sweet.

tropical mousseUS$14.00

apple tarte tatinUS$14.00

chocolate peanut tartUS$15.00

strawberry pistachio baked alaskaUS$14.00

creme bruleeUS$14.00

Wines by Sommelier Joe Baumgardner

Sparkling

Zonin, ProseccoUS$13.00

ScarpettaUS$15.00

emmolo by caymusUS$19.00

Moët & ChandonUS$25.00

White

Benvolio, Pinot Grigio, FriuliUS$13.00

Vidal Fleury White Blend, Cotes Du RhoneUS$14.00

Three Brooms, Sauvignon Blanc, MarlboroughUS$14.00

Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Napa ValleyUS$17.00

dr. loosenUS$13.00

Les Belles Roches Chardonnay, BurgundyUS$14.00

Zd Chardonnay, CaliforniaUS$18.00

Frank Family Chardonnay, Napa ValleyUS$25.00

Mont Gravet Rosé, Pays D'ocUS$13.00

Red

Davis Bynum Pinot Noir, Russian River ValleyUS$15.00

Ken Wright, Pinot Noir, Willamette ValleyUS$22.00

Grgich Hills, Zinfandel, Napa ValleyUS$17.00

Numanthia 'Termes' Tempranillo, SpainUS$15.00

Cecchi Chianti Classico, ItalyUS$15.00

Catena, Malbec, Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$17.00

Hourglass 'hg3' Red Blend, Napa ValleyUS$25.00

Treana Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso RoblesUS$14.00

J. Rickards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander ValleyUS$22.00

Draft Beer

Societe 'The Harlot' Blonde Ale, San Diego, 10, 5.7%US$10.00

Helia, Porter, San Diego 7. 1%US$10.00

Fall 'Magical and Delicious' Pale Ale, San Diego 5. 5%US$10.00

Thorn Brewing 'Hopster Pot' Hazy Ipa San Diego 7. 0%US$10.00

Ballast Point 'Sculpin' Ipa San Diego 7. 0%US$10.00

Modern Times 'Fruitlands' Tropical Sour Gose, San Diego 4. 8%US$10.00

Stella Artois Lager, Belgium 5. 0%US$10.00

ZERO PROOF

LIFE WATERUS$12.00