Powered By OpenTable: Restaurant Reservations. Right this way.
Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

  • PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar

  • Online Reservations

Reserve at PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar

Date

mm/dd/yyyy

Time
Party Size

  • on 1,234 lists
  • Keep track of the places you want to try and share wish lists with friends!
PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.paoncarlsbad.com/
  • Email: info@paoncarlsbad.com
  • Phone: (760) 729-7377
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Wednesday - Sunday 11:30am - 2pm Dinner: Daily: 5:30pm - 10:00PM
  • Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: French, Californian
  • Executive Chef: David Gallardo
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area (patio only), View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Private Party Facilities: Please contact the restaurant for further details.
  • Private Party Contact: Steve Barr (760) 729-7377

Getting there

  • Public Transit: Coaster Rail station 100 yards from the restaurant.
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Parking Details: Parking is available in front of the restaurant and also across the street,northeast corner of Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Dr.Coaster
A word from PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar
Paon restaurant offers California cuisine with French influences. Beautiful patio dining, elegant Art Deco in intimate dining setting. Private dining available in handsome club environment. Paon chef features seasonal, locally grown organic produce for the palates of fine food lovers from all over… the world. Spotlighting organic prime meats, game and fish prepared with traditional French sophistication. Beautiful lounge with old Hollywood feel and relaxing patio in a Downtown Carlsbad Village atmosphere. Paon's knowledgeable and attentive staff looks forward to creating an exceptional experience.Continued
Foodspotting photos
See all photos >
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
  • Diners' Choice WinnerFrench
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNotable Wine List
Diner Reviews
  • "We had a great experience. On our way back and not familiar with Carlsbad restaurants, we found Paon on Opentable. The tuna was seared to perfection and tender, the ravioli was wonderful with fresh pasta, and the service was nicely attentive."
    Dined on 3/2/2014
  • "We went there for the first time and absolutely loved every thing about the place. The warmth of the decor and setup, the friendliness of the staff, the wait staff and their impeccable service, and then there's the food! This was THE best meal we've had in a while. We enjoyed all the different flavors and the presentations were lovely. Thanks for making our vacation in Carlsbad complete!"
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "I have to say I was disappointed in my meal. I have allergies to dairy and gluten. The wait staff seemed very accommodating in the ability to bring me a dish free from my allergies however when I got my plate it had a cream sauce. Luckily we noticed it and had it sent back. As someone with food allergies this is not the best situation when your table has their food in front of you and out of respect want to wait for yours to come before they eat. When my plate returned it was very dry and to be honest I only ate about half which is rare for me. I know there are many ways to make fish moist and sauces without allergens so for this reason I'm disappointed."
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "I have dined at Paon on several occasions and have never been disappointed. The chef tailors the menu to what is in season and everything is always well prepared and beautifully presented. One of my favorite dishes is roasted pheasant with truffle risotto. The risotto is so good, it could stand on its own as an entre. On another visit I had the pan roasted sea bass with a beurre blanc sauce that was very moist with a crispy skin. My husband has enjoyed their venison and lamb dishes. Paon offers a good selection of dishes for vegetarians. Paon has a wine store next door so you can purchase wine from there and bring it to the restaurant. They have a special pricing structure and corkage fees if you decide to do that. Desserts are good too."
    Dined on 2/20/2014
  • "On a return trip to Carlsbad, we made it a point to have dinner at Paon. It was equally as delicious as our first visit. We began with the escargot - perfectly prepared and oh, so yummy and garlicky. Paon serves the escargot in the shells, so be prepared for that if you're used to getting them sans shell. The pheasant didn't disappoint either. Beautifully presented atop truffle risotto with wild mushrooms. Extremely flavorful. I debated between the lamb & rib eye steak. The steak was perfectly prepared and flavorful, but a few bites were a little too fatty and chewy. I would still recommend it. We enjoyed the meal with a bottle of Malbec. Too full for dessert - maybe next time!! All of the staff was friendly; attentive but not hovering."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Food was excellent, service great, server even suggested a bottle of wine that was excellent!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "This was our first time eating at this restaurant. We celebrated our 43rd Anniversary (Feb. 13) and it was a delightful place. We sat outside and the heat lamps provided warmth and it was very quiet -- so nice to be able to converse without shouting across the table. The service was great: an attentive, but not hovering, waiter. My pear salad was tasty and my rack of lamb was perfectly done. We will be back but, because it is a bit pricey, it will be for a special occasion."
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "What a wasted night of dining at this very over rated restaurant. If its an example of some of the best French food in the area, the reviewers do not know anything about French food or fine dining. Not only was the food bad, the seating with the table legs under the table was very uncomfortable to sit with no leg room."
    Dined on 2/6/2014
  • "We were celebrating a special family birthday. The food, service, ambience was wonderful. So many delicious menu choices, it was hard to decide. Everyone had something different and we were all thrilled. The duck was crispy and delicious. The roasted pheasant was delicious. Our waiter was hospitable and friendly. We will certainly be back! I highly recommend this restaurant."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "We have been here many times and it is always excellent. This time we had mussels, "delish" , escargot, yumm with lots of garlic and shared the seared tuna. I had eaten the tuna before and it was equally as good as the first time. Amazing how they can cook it perfectly each time. We'll be back soon! Don't forget to check out their wine store, great bottles from small wineries!"
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "Amazing place! Great food, imaginative and complete menu. Appetizing specials that make use of fresh ingredients. Service is elegant but not stuffy. Really, really love this place, especially for the price. You won't get out without spending some money, but the wine and the food are more than fair in the price department, especially given the large portions."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Food is always good. You can always depend on a satisfying meal. Cocktails are also very good. Service is outstanding. I don't know of any other restaurant in Carlsbad that is as refined."
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "We were in town on vacation and it was recommended by our friends daughter, who is a "foodie!" We were not disappointed.The ambiance was very nice and comfortable and the food was really delicious. All four of us were pleased. we will definitely go back!"
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "My wife found this restaurant while shopping and she was intriqued by it's decor. Went online to review it and glance at the menu, we like what we saw and booked a reservation. We were not disapointed, the food was fabulous and priced reasonable."
    Dined on 1/20/2014
  • "No need to travel to Napa, we have Paon right here in Carlsbad. Quality well-prepared food, generous portions, well-priced and served in a comfortable setting. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, never snooty. Great wine selection at good prices. Our dinners were fish, beef and seafood selections and they were all expertly prepared. The sea bass was delicate, flavorful with perfectly crisped skin and soft inside. Fresh veggies. No heavy sauce or cream, just great flavors. Can't wait to go there again."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "Service was cool and very efficient. We arrived 1/2 hour before the dinner hour and was greeted, "We are not ready yet." versus a preferred greeting, "Welcome, please have a look at the wine cave in the back or have a drink here at the front bar." I felt a bit sad for our guests as it was their first time. They were impressed with the cave, where we bought a bottle and a I had a tasting. They also loved the atmosphere on the patio. Perhaps it was just an "off" night for the well dressed gentleman who greeted us. We will be back as all else was perfectly wonderful."
    Dined on 1/14/2014
  • "We enjoyed the wine, food and service on the front patio garden very much. Knowledgeable wait staff. Interesting wine tasting bar and store. We will return."
    Dined on 1/8/2014
  • "My girlfriend and I have gone there quite a few times; twice on our anniversary. This past year the rib eye was cooked perfectly and it was paired with a fantastic, light sauce. The pumpkin ravioli was fantastic, as well. They have a very generous cheese course. Their bread may be the best of any restaurant we have bee. The patio is great for a light meal and wine during the summer."
    Dined on 1/3/2014
  • "Love the outdoor dining the food is always fabulous and the service is outstanding. It is fine dining. We go there often to enjoy a great meal bottle of wine and just relax."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "Paon is our go-to for special occasions, and it never disappoints."
    Dined on 12/24/2013
  • "The service, food and dining experience were all unbelievable. The menu is fabulous and would return in a heartbeat."
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "The food [quality, preparation, presentation] and the service was on par with the more known upscale restaurants. It was an enjoyable experience all around for everyone in out party."
    Dined on 12/15/2013
  • "Service couldn't be better. Food was delicious and presentation was lovely. We will highly recommend Paon."
    Dined on 12/15/2013
  • "This was a birthday dinner and our private booth was perfect. Excellent food and service. Not overpriced. We had a great time here."
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "We went for a nice dinner but enjoyed the bar so much we ate there. Casual and friendly, we really enjoyed it."
    Dined on 12/8/2013
  • "Provided a great atmosphere for a 2 couple get together for event planning. Great food and service quiet surroundings."
    Dined on 12/4/2013
  • "The atmosphere of this restaurant is very pleasant and the service quite efficient. I really enjoyed my organic beet starter although the beef short rib entree was way too rich and the sauce far too over-powering for my liking. My partner said the duck was excellent though and we had a very good bottle of red wine. I would go again but would steer clear from the dishes with the rich sauce."
    Dined on 12/3/2013
  • "Overall a very nice meal in a comfortable setting. Everything was good but nothing memorable. A little pricey and portions were on the slender side. Considering there's a wine shop in the restaurant I would have hoped there would be a way to choose your wine and add a small corkage fee. If they did have that option it was not mentioned and the wine list, while good, was not extensive, particularly wines by the glass. A rib steak turned out to be three small slices cut like a skirt steak. Not what I expected."
    Dined on 11/16/2013
  • ""I love the relaxed feel of this place. Highly recommend sitting outside with the warmth of the heaters and/or sweater. I definitely would return to try more dishes. The beet salad was amazing and the Seabass excellent! Our server was outstanding!"
    Dined on 11/9/2013
  • "My wife an I had gone to Paris last year and wanted to relive the moment for my birthday last weekend. Paon did not dissapoint. Fantastic food (of course I had the escargot), delicious wine choices (we had the Duckhorn Cab), great ambiance, and 5 diamond table service. We'll be back again for sure! Thanks Paon!"
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "We ate at this restaurant for a date night dinner and loved it. The food was delicious and service was fantastic."
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "Snooty server . Food was okay. Highly pretentious. Much better food at a fairer price elsewhere . Saddened I wasted the money. Wouldn't recommend it"
    Dined on 10/30/2013
  • "The food and wine were wonderful. Service was fast and friendly"
    Dined on 10/21/2013
  • "This is a very unique small restaurant, tucked away in Carlsbad. We've enjoyed several special meals there. Celebrating my birthday was my choice to go to PAON............ My dinner of scallops/lobster was wonderful.. My husband ordered Rib Eye steak, very tough, not recommended. Told the waiter, and he was highly offended at our criticizing their Chef. Last but not least, I wasn't bothered, but no mention of my Birthday was ever suggested. This is really a very nice restaurant, our experience left us wondering if we'll try again?"
    Dined on 10/20/2013
  • "The restaurant and wine bar a laid out in a very clever and attractive manner. The table spacing is just right to allow for somewhat private conversation. Nice decor. Food and wine were excellent. Wine by the glass list has a nice range of French to American wines. The bottled wine list has things from everywhere. The food menu is large too, making it hard to pick what to have. Worthy of note that night were their beet salad, scallop salad and seared salmon entrée. None of this come cheap, but then you don't go here to be cheap."
    Dined on 10/24/2013
  • "Interesting place to dine. Offers both inside and outside tables with a somewhat unusual layout We sat outside and while the air temp dropped there were interesting heaters. Food and service was good."
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "Had a good time service was excellent along with the food"
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "I live in Huntington Beach, picked this place to meet friends coming up from San Diego. It was well worth the drive. Great food, perfect service. I wish it was closer, I'd be going all the time."
    Dined on 10/14/2013
  • "My girlfriend and I ate here a year ago and everything was perfect. For the past year we've been anticipating a return visit, and we were not disappointed this time around. Atmosphere is great. I'd recommend outdoor seating. Inside is just as nice though. Temperature is quite pleasant with the space heaters strategically placed. Service is probably Paon's strong suit. You always feel very welcome at this place, and the staff will make you feel right at home. Food this time around was not quite as good as the first visit, but still incredible in relation to competing restaurants. I'd argue that the prices are set just right -- not too overpriced or under-priced. Presentation is exceptionally good. THE BREAD IS AMAZING."
    Dined on 10/13/2013
  • "Felt like an indulgent, thoughtful evening. Wonderful customer service."
    Dined on 10/13/2013
More reviews ›
Larger map ›
Smaller map ›
Diners' Choice Awards
  • San Diego Winners
  • French
  • Notable Wine List
  • North San Diego Winners
  • Best Service
  • Notable Wine List
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Romantic
Learn more ›