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AVANT, San Diego, CA
animated flamesBooked 4 times today

AVANT

4.6 (1703)
$31 to $50
Californian
17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
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.

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
  • 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
    Macie Rico: (858) 385-8708
  • 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

  • Vine to Table Series - Wines of Italy

    $165.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 10, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
    Join our Regional Sommelier Joe Baumgardner embarking on a journey through Italy’s renowned vineyards with an expertly curated wine-tasting experience. Indulge in an elegant evening featuring hand-selected Italian wines, perfectly paired with a six-course tasting menu designed to delight the senses. For $165 per person, which includes a 20% service charge, (tax not included). The 20% service charge is distributed to our staff as gratuity. Regular A la Carte menu will not be available.
    Vine to Table Series - Wines of Italy Photo
  • Vine to Table Series - Wines of Quintessa

    $165.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 10, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
    Join our Regional Sommelier Joe Baumgardner Indulge in an extraordinary evening on Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 pm, as AVANT presents Vine to Table: Featuring The Wines of Quintessa. Begin with an elegant reception featuring passed bites and a welcoming pour to set the stage for the evening. Then, delight in a meticulously crafted four-course dinner, each dish artfully paired with selections from the iconic Quintessa estate, including their renowned Bordeaux-style red blend. For $165 per person, which includes a 20% service charge, (tax not included). The 20% service charge is distributed to our staff as gratuity. Regular A la Carte menu will not be available.
    Vine to Table Series - Wines of Quintessa Photo
  • Vine to Table Series - Wines of France

    $165.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Nov 6, 2025 only
    Join our Regional Sommelier Joe Baumgardner Experience indulging in the best of French winemaking on Thursday, November 6th at 6:00 pm as AVANT presents Vine to Table: Featuring The Wines of France. Begin the evening with a sophisticated reception featuring passed bites and a selection of exquisite French wines to set the mood. Then, indulge in a four-course dinner, each course thoughtfully paired with wines from France’s most celebrated regions — from the crisp, mineral-driven whites of the Loire Valley to the rich, structured reds of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Every pairing is carefully chosen to elevate and complement the flavors of the dishes. For $165 per person, which includes a 20% service charge, (tax not included). The 20% service charge is distributed to our staff as gratuity. Regular A la Carte menu will not be available.
    Vine to Table Series - Wines of France Photo

Private dining

What 1,703 people are saying

AVANT reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
AVANT offers a "beautiful setting in a historic hotel" with a modern rustic charm. Guests rave about the "excellent service" and "wonderful, romantic dinners." Highlights include the beet salad, Parker rolls, and Baked Alaska. Despite occasional mixed reviews on pricing, the wine list and cocktails receive "amazing" praise.

1,703 Reviews
  1. Leon VIP

    San Diego6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a great dining experience. The service was very good. Our waiter took our order and then spaced it out perfectly for a nice un-rushed evening. We started with a half dozen oysters which were served with a light mignonette already on them. We had a bottle of Macon Village to go with them and our entrees. We had a caesar salad which had a creative presentation. My wife had the scallops and I had the Icelandic cod. Both were perfectly done. We finished off with the tarte tartin. It is not an inexpensive evening but a great place to dine.

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  2. Craig VIP

    Orange County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a Birthday meal here - Beef Wellington and Crispy Brussels were amazing!

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  3. Ali VIP

    San Diego58 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A beautiful restaurant with a beautiful setting in a historic hotel! Food we good, but the drinks and wine list was excellent!

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  4. j VIP

    San Diego41 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a tough one for me as the ambience of the property is really nice and the service was good. What the real issue here is the food quality vs price vs overall value No doubt this place is expensive but generally expensive also means it should be really good at least if not amazing. What I would say is everything was “ok” It wasn’t bad, but it definitely wasn’t great. For starters there were 3 of us We ordered the grilled octopus and hamachi appetizer. The hamachi was slightly fishy and the sauce on the fish was missing something- like salt or flavor Or something The octopus was actually pretty good but also seemed like something was missing. I’m not the chef but I’m wondering if anyone tastes what they send out I had the pork chop for the main and the other 2 both ordered salmon Again, the chop wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great- It was on the verge of being dry and again lacked something ( lets call it FLAVOR) The salmon was atypical- nothing special We also had 2 ok bottles of wine $75 and $70 Dessert was a very wierd interpretation of an Apple Tartin- do not recommend it We got the check and it was $450 with tip but after I had signed it I noticed some BS extra charge listed as a “surcharge” $19. WTF is that for? Are the exorbitant prices still not enough? Anyway, we just left, we did not complain but we were just a bit disappointed by the dinner as this place used to be amazing! Now it’s mediocre which unfortunately is common on average in the SD restaurant scene. I can’t say I would recommend this place if you want an amazing meal but if the food isn’t that important for your experience then you might really like it

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  5. Joanne VIP

    Los Angeles42 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Disappointing. Very small portions. Steak raw inside. One egg in Benedict hard instead of soft poached. Bland flavors, for the most part. Service very slow. Nice champagne. Wouldn't go there again.

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  6. Stephanie

    San Diego18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great dinner and each dish was beautifully prepared and the sous chef came out and explained the dish- it was a great double date and timed perfect! We will be back. Try the beet salad- it is delicious and amazing- I’ll leave the surprise for you to taste

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  7. Tanya

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome wine and food pairing experience. Recommended.

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  8. Mark

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Have not had the opportunity to attend an event like this. I love to try different foods and such but my husband doesn’t that much. So I was weary of taking my husband, which I had to convince. And guess what! he LOVED it and him himself was surprisingly pleased enjoying every meal and event. Well done!

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  9. Peter

    San Diego9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been going to Avant for our wedding anniversary for several years. The service and food are both very good. The atmosphere is great for a romantic or more private dinner. For those that appreciate the details of gourmet food, high end cocktails and fine wines.

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  10. Bridget VIP

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was excellent. We were here for National Prime Rib Day. We started with a cocktail at the bar then went down into the restaurant. I found it to be very warm and inviting in a modern rustic environment. Service was excellent. We had no idea the experience for national prime rib day was a 3 course meal! Lovely surprise. Started with a perfect portion of Caesar Salad, followed by a huge thick slice Prime rib and au jus, horseradish creamed mashed potatoes, broccolini, 1/2 yellow roasted beet and tomato, cremini mushrooms and a small Yorkshire pudding (the only downfall was the Yorkshire pudding) the dinner was followed by a delightful round cheesecake with fruit and caramel crumbles. The price just for the meal was $39 plus tax and surcharge. So worth it! We heard that it was such a success that Avant may do this as an annual event! I hope so!

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FAQs

AVANT is rated 4.6 stars by 1703 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Poway / Rancho Bernardo

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Experiences are available.
Google Map for AVANT

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
  • Phone number
  • 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
    Macie Rico: (858) 385-8708
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