AVANT

4.5

1667 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Great for fine wines

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 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
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
Neighborhood
Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Cross street
Pomerado Road
Parking details
Complimentary valet parking.<br />Self parking also available.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Christmas Day Dinner
$0.00 - $125.00 per person
Dec 25, 2024 only
Step into the magic of Christmas Day with a festive four course seasonal menu at AVANT for only $125 per adult and $65 per child plus tax and 20% service charge. The 20% service charge is distributed to the staff as gratuity.
NYE Dinner
$0.00 - $179.00 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Ring in the New Year with a celebratory five course seasonal menu, priced at $179 per adult and $85 per child plus tax and 20% service charge. The 20% service charge is distributed to the staff as gratuity. Raise your glass to a night of culinary delight as you welcome in 2025!

west coast oysters$24.00
escabeche + horse radish + lime
seafood tower$80.00
oysters + king crab + prawns + hamachi
- Small$80.00
- Large$130.00
local blue fin tuna$18.00
watermelon + strawberry + cilantro
Baja seas Hiramasa$19.00
shishito peppers + pear aguachile + red onion
Kerwee Farms Wagyu beef carpaccio$25.00
esquites + caviar + beef tendon chips
Koa king salmon belly$17.00
cherry + persimmon + tomato

garden + small plates

chef's garden lettuces$17.00
pear + macadamia + hibiscus creme fraiche
french sorrel 'caesar' salad$17.00
shaved kohlrabi + preserved lemon + citrus dressing
summer melon salad$18.00
chef's garden tomato + melon + mozzarella
hokkaido scallops$28.00
hominy + chanterelle + apple
raviolo$28.00
bellwether ricotta + egg yolk + truffle

land + sea

koa king salmon$42.00
pineapple + shishito peppers + squash
wild blu bass$38.00
asparagus + kombu + spinach
iberico pork secreto$52.00
persimmon + carrot + chipotle
kerwee farms wagyu striploin$68.00
potato mochi + chayote + guajillo marmalade
grimaud farms aged duck breast$46.00
rhubarb + truffle + tangerine
chiles en nogada$28.00
acorn squash + pomegranate + walnut
whole roasted branzino$62.00
garden fall greens + citrus beurre blanc + caviar
beef filet wellington$95.00
swiss chard + bordelaise

accompaniments.

crispy sunchokes$14.00
bone marrow + chimichurri + gruyère
foraged mushrooms$14.00
charred onion + flower consomme
charred broccoli rabe$12.00
broccoli emulsion + lemon
twice cook potato$14.00
red onion + dill + black garlic
Carrots$14.00
chili crunch + babaganoush + sesame seeds

sweet.

'coffee and donuts'$16.00
espresso cremeux + brown sugar streusel + cocoa nib gelato
chocolate terrine$14.00
cumberland sauce + pistachio + kumquat
new york cheese cake$14.00
sable + berries + meringue
french camembert cheese$32.00
pear + pepita butter + brioche
tres leches flan$14.00
caramelized espresso + orange tuille
apple jack brown butter cake$14.00
salted caramel + fennel + aged cheddar

Wines by Sommelier Joe Baumgardner

Sparkling

Zonin, Prosecco$13.00
prosecco, italy
Scarpetta$15.00
brut rosé friulli, italy
emmolo by caymus$19.00
brut, california NV
Moët & Chandon$25.00
brut 'imperial' epernay, champagne

White

Benvolio, Pinot Grigio, Friuli$13.00
Vidal Fleury White Blend, Cotes Du Rhone$14.00
Three Brooms, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$14.00
Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley$17.00
dr. loosen$13.00
Les Belles Roches Chardonnay, Burgundy$14.00
Zd Chardonnay, California$18.00
Frank Family Chardonnay, Napa Valley$25.00
Mont Gravet Rosé, Pays D'oc$13.00

Red

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

Draft Beer

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

ZERO PROOF

LIFE WATER$12.00
rishi golden chamomile tea, coconut water, orange essence
MOROCCAN DREAMS$12.00
coconut milk, rishi maghreb mint tea, aquafaba, soda water, lime essence, mint
ORANGE CREAMSICLE$12.00
orange, lemon, vanilla, aquafaba
VIOLET COSMOS$12.00
blue spirulina, cranberry, lemon ginger, garden flowers

OLD-FASHIONEDS

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

REFRESHING & NOVEL

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

BOLD & NUANCED

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

NIGHT CAP

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

What 1,667 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

Loved For

North San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

AVANT offers an "amazing experience" with "incredible food" and "superb service" in a "beautiful setting." Guests rave about the "extensive variety" and "delicious" offerings, especially the seafood and brunch. While some find it pricey, the attentive staff and "fantastic views" contribute to memorable celebrations and dining experiences.

1,667 Reviews

K
Kymberly
VIP
San Diego
56 reviews
5.0
56 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place to enjoy exceptional food and service.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
VIP
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Avant! The ambiance was perfect, feeling luxurious and special. The food was delicious, and the cocktails were on point! My husband and I actually had a lovely massage earlier at RB Inn's amazing spa and then cleaned up to have dinner after at the Avant. It was the most relaxing, wonderful date and was much needed in this busy holiday season. We will definitely be back!
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S
Sally
VIP
San Diego
50 reviews
4.0
50 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food execution was a little off tonight. Branzino was pretty much raw and mushy, not flaky. Duck breast was a little undercooked and pretty tough. Current cut is a square log with skin on. Hard to cut and hard to chew versus the medallions they have served in the past. The sauces were flavorful amd well-suited to cut the richness of the meat and I wished there was more. Accompanying truffle cakes were light and airy with a subtle sweetness to them. The roasted carrots on baba ghanoush were the best item on the menu. Service was top-notch as usual.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
AVANT is one of our favorites!!! The staff is always so friendly and attentive, and the food is phenomenal. The flavors and the presentation is always 10/10. It is a little pricey so we save it for special occasions, but it’s totally worth the price.
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P
Patti
San Diego
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
The salmon was under cooked. When we requested additional time on grill, our server responded "you realize it is sushi grade salmon, correct?". We explained we didn't order sushi and thus we would like it cooked more. When the plate was returned, it was slightly cooked more but still raw in center and as such, abandoned eating any further. The ravioli was overpowered by the roasted garlic. Two bites and it sours the stomach. We tried to scrape off the sauce to no avail and abandoned that dish as well. The twice bakes potatoes were WONDERFUL though unfortunately they ultimately were split between us as our dinner. The service was overall very good. We wished there was holiday music vs. regular since it was 12/21 and we were there for this reason as well as our anniversary. The staff was great though and brought us champagne and a slice of flourless chocolate cake for our celebration and this gesture saved the evening for us both! We have no problem paying for a wonderful meal. But honestly, I would have preferred to return to the Veranda bar and partake in more appetizers :) Better bang for our buck!
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R
Roni
VIP
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I reserved 2 places at the bar and we were not accommodated. They sat us in main dining room and we weren’t there for full dinner. We only wanted drinks and appetizers. Our awesome waiter was able to get us a place in the bar. I don’t understand why the hostess’ could not. But Francisco was a great server.
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B
Brian
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The twice baked potato was just small russet potatoes in a bowl with seasoning and cream on it. Not a true twice baked potato that was open and recooked. I think they boiled the potatoes and then put it in the dish whole, then they put the seasoning and cream on it and baked it for 10 min. Drinks were delicious and the waiter was great. The food was subpar for the price of a high end steakhouse in La Jolla or Del Mar but without the view.
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R
Ryan
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great everything thank you very much! Food really good
Is this helpful?
I
Ivy
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My husband and I are so pleased with our choice to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary at the AVANT. The service was outstanding! Exceptional experience since the beginning of our arrival to the farewell! The food is definitely the main reason we made our reservation here! Our friend highly recommended this restaurant and I am so glad we came here for our special day! We ordered the chef’s garden and charred broccolis with Blu Bass and Duck Breast for the entrée. I finished every bit of the Blu Bass! Highly recommend to anyone who calls him/her self a foodie! From the first timer dinners
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W
William
VIP
San Diego
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service. Casual vibe during happy hour. Decent selection of food options.
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FAQs

AVANT is rated 4.5 stars by 1667 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

Additional information

Cross street
Pomerado Road
Neighborhood
Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Christmas Day Dinner

NYE Dinner

shared.

parker house roll$10.00

gougères$19.00

chef's garden crudite$17.00

French Camembert Cheese$32.00

raw + crudo

west coast oysters$24.00

seafood tower$80.00

local blue fin tuna$18.00

Baja seas Hiramasa$19.00

Kerwee Farms Wagyu beef carpaccio$25.00

Koa king salmon belly$17.00

garden + small plates

chef's garden lettuces$17.00

french sorrel 'caesar' salad$17.00

summer melon salad$18.00

hokkaido scallops$28.00

raviolo$28.00

land + sea

koa king salmon$42.00

wild blu bass$38.00

iberico pork secreto$52.00

kerwee farms wagyu striploin$68.00

grimaud farms aged duck breast$46.00

chiles en nogada$28.00

whole roasted branzino$62.00

beef filet wellington$95.00

accompaniments.

crispy sunchokes$14.00

foraged mushrooms$14.00

charred broccoli rabe$12.00

twice cook potato$14.00

Carrots$14.00

sweet.

'coffee and donuts'$16.00

chocolate terrine$14.00

new york cheese cake$14.00

french camembert cheese$32.00

tres leches flan$14.00

apple jack brown butter cake$14.00

Wines by Sommelier Joe Baumgardner

Sparkling

Zonin, Prosecco$13.00

Scarpetta$15.00

emmolo by caymus$19.00

Moët & Chandon$25.00

White

Benvolio, Pinot Grigio, Friuli$13.00

Vidal Fleury White Blend, Cotes Du Rhone$14.00

Three Brooms, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough$14.00

Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley$17.00

dr. loosen$13.00

Les Belles Roches Chardonnay, Burgundy$14.00

Zd Chardonnay, California$18.00

Frank Family Chardonnay, Napa Valley$25.00

Mont Gravet Rosé, Pays D'oc$13.00

Red

Davis Bynum Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley$15.00

Ken Wright, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley$22.00

Grgich Hills, Zinfandel, Napa Valley$17.00

Numanthia 'Termes' Tempranillo, Spain$15.00

Cecchi Chianti Classico, Italy$15.00

Catena, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina$17.00

Hourglass 'hg3' Red Blend, Napa Valley$25.00

Treana Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles$14.00

J. Rickards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley$22.00

Draft Beer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stella Artois Lager, Belgium 5. 0%$10.00