AVANT

Name: AVANT
Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA, United States, 92128
Telephone: (844) 254-0013
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1696 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 29, 2025

10:30 PM

Booked 11 times today

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
(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
Macie Rico: (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

Mother's Day 3 Course Brunch
$48.00 - $95.00 per person
May 11, 2025 only
Join our Avant Culinary Team in a celebration of Mother’s Day as he will be offering a special Three Course Brunch-Inspired Menu for $95 per adult and $48 per child (not inclusive of tax and 20% service charge).
James Beard Winners Chef Tour Dinner
$204.18 per person
Prepaid
May 3, 2025 only
On Saturday, May 3rd at 7:00 PM, Rancho Bernardo Inn invites you to an extraordinary Chef Tour Dinner — a six-course celebration of flavor and artistry. This exclusive event brings together an impressive roster of James Beard Award-winning chefs, Food Network stars, and a celebrity mixologist for one unforgettable night. Savor expertly crafted dishes from: Chef Jimmy Schmidt, Chef Casey Thompson Chef Matt Vawter Chef Ron Fougeray and the talented Rancho Bernardo Inn culinary team. Each course is elevated with thoughtfully paired wines and handcrafted cocktails — including special creations by Mixologist Manny Hinojosa. Immerse yourself in an evening where culinary excellence and warm ambiance combine for a dining experience like no other.
Vine to Table Series - Wines of Italy
$165.00 per person
Prepaid
Jun 12, 2025 only
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.

Private dining

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 ahi tuna$18.00
smoked shoyu + sweet onion + roasted macadamia nuts + wakame
cured salmon belly$17.00
compressed apple & cucumber salad + forbidden rice crisp + buttermilk dashi
hamachi$20.00
gooseberry salsa + orange blossom consommé + pickled fresno + sorrel

beginnings

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

land + sea

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

accompaniments.

foraged mushrooms$14.00
charred onion + garlic
patatas bravas$14.00
chipotle + crema + cilantro
wood fire broccoli$15.00
herb emulsion + lemon
crisp brussel sprouts$15.00
maple bacon vinaigrette + pecorino + winter apple + neuske bacon

sweet.

tropical mousse$14.00
mango & pineapple chutney + coconut & yuzu cremeux + sea buckthorn sorbet
apple tarte tatin$14.00
speculoos cookie + rice krispies + apple caramel mousse + vanilla gelato
chocolate peanut tart$15.00
devils food cake + caramel cremeux + candied peanuts + cocoa nib gelato
strawberry pistachio baked alaska$14.00
strawberry & pistachio gelato + meringue + strawberry consomme
creme brulee$14.00
caramelized sugar + berries

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 1,696 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

AVANT offers a luxurious dining experience with "phenomenal" food and "top-notch" service. Guests rave about the "exceptional" seafood and meats, with standout dishes like the Parker House Rolls and Beef Wellington. Despite some mixed reviews on portion sizes and pricing, diners appreciate the "beautiful" ambiance and "knowledgeable" staff.

1,696 Reviews

P
Peter
San Diego9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
B
Bridget VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
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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R
Ross
San Diego5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This has always been the restaurant of our choice in San Diego.
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C
Cari
Portland8 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed a wonderful, romantic dinner celebrating my husband’s birthday. The service was truly exceptional and the food was delicious, though I would have appreciated larger portions given the pricing. For example, the single raviolo—while absolutely delicious—felt too small to justify the $23 price tag. We were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary crème brûlée “birthday bite,” which was a lovely touch and very tasty. The dining room is cozy and beautifully designed, though quite chilly on our visit (it seemed the heat was off despite the cooler San Diego evening). My husband’s cod dish was fantastic, and the warm bread roll served with house-made butter and horseradish spread was a standout start to the meal. Expect to spend around $200 per couple—even with just one beer per adult and tap water. I’d recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater if dining indoors on a cooler night. Now that we know what to expect, we’ll likely return—especially for the top-notch service, which was a true 5-star experience.
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L
Larry
San Diego4 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The food for Easter Brunch was incredible. Each course was delicious. Our dissatisfaction was with the service, which seemed lackadaisical. Twice we received dishes that were not ordered or delivered at the correct time. With brunch, bottomless champagne was included. Numerous times, our flutes were empty and numerous staff, including the manager would just walk by and seemed to ignore us. All in all, it was a very pleasurable experience, and we definitely plan on returning, but hope the service at such an amazing place will be better the next time.
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A
Andrew
San Diego15 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great! My wife, friends and their wives had a great time
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C
Carole
San Diego9 reviews
1.0
Dined on April 9, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Salad lettuces tasted unwashed. Entrees and sides were luke warm, and sides (mushrooms, potatoes) seemed like it was smeared with Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup. Service rushed, then slow. Bill for two with tax and tip, ~$300. for two. Totally ridiculous.
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M
Michelle
San Diego17 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was my mom’s and husband’s wedding anniversary and I wanted to treat them to a nice dinner and we decided to try Avant. Our server, Blaine and team were a delight. Everyone was attentive. The food was delicious, they allowed us to take our time and enjoy ourselves. We tried the seafood tower, the Spanish octopus, the Parker house roll as starters and a few cocktails. For our main dishes, we had the Icelandic cod, the Colorado lamb rack Inman ranch pork chop. For sides we ordered the patatas bravas, the foraged mushrooms and the crisp Brussels sprouts. For dessert we had the apple tarts tatin and the chocolate peanut tart. Everything was delicious!
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N
Natalija VIP
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, amazing cocktail list and knowledgeable staff that will elevate your dining experience!
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T
Tedi VIP
San Diego36 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve dined here a few times. We decided on Avante versus the Veranda since it was noisier and mostly outdoors - although great space. We had a nice glass of wine in the bar while waiting and the flower vases were a beautiful touch. We loved the atmosphere and vibe. Service was perfect. We were dining late so we ordered on the light side. We had the Parker roll which was nice and the butter and crème fresh spreads were divine. We also had the broccoli and Brussels sprouts which were delicious. My salmon was a total disappointment and I should have sent it back after the first touch and bite. The whole piece of King Salmon was mushy and taste like as off but I didn’t want to upset my husband. He had the cod which he liked. The Baked Alaska was off the charts delicious.
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

AVANT is rated 4.6 stars by 1696 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 29, 2025

10:30 PM

Booked 11 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
Macie Rico: (858) 385-8708

AVANT

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Mother's Day 3 Course Brunch

James Beard Winners Chef Tour Dinner

Vine to Table Series - Wines of Italy

La Taberna

El Biz

Table 65

Custom inquiry

crudo

west coast oysters$24.00

seafood tower$80.00

local ahi tuna$18.00

cured salmon belly$17.00

hamachi$20.00

beginnings

parker house roll$10.00

charcuterie$30.00

artisan cheese$28.00

'caesar salad'$17.00

beet salad$18.00

wedge salad$18.00

spanish octopus$24.00

raviolo$23.00

lobster bisque$19.00

land + sea

king salmon$42.00

scallop$47.00

icelandic cod$42.00

whole roasted branzino$55.00

niman ranch pork chop$46.00

colorado lamb rack$50.00

mishimi wagyu new york pave$78.00

wood fired roasted cauliflower$36.00

creekstone farms beef wellington$95.00

accompaniments.

foraged mushrooms$14.00

patatas bravas$14.00

wood fire broccoli$15.00

crisp brussel sprouts$15.00

sweet.

tropical mousse$14.00

apple tarte tatin$14.00

chocolate peanut tart$15.00

strawberry pistachio baked alaska$14.00

creme brulee$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