Three San Diego restaurants receive star awards in Forbes Travel Guide 2024
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — There are three restaurants in San Diego County that are well worth recommending, according to the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide.
Two of the fine dining destinations were awarded four-star ratings, while the third found itself earning a whopping five-stars on the present year’s directory for luxury restaurants.
Before FOX 5 dives into these establishments and the dining experiences they offer, first let’s touch on how these restaurant ratings are determined.
As explained by Forbes, their global team of “highly train inspectors” — who remain anonymous at all times — visits an array restaurants and evaluates them on up to 900 objective criteria.
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“While we inspect both service and facility, our star rating system emphasizes service because your experience goes beyond how your surroundings look — how your visit makes you feel is what you will remember most,” Forbes noted.
All ratings are said to be earned through an objective inspections process, with Forbes stating, “No one can buy a rating.”
As far as stars go, five-star ratings are given when “properties deliver an outstanding experience and consistently offer a highly customized level of service. Four-star ratings, on the other hand, are given to “exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.”
Forbes’ 2024 four-star recipients in San Diego County
French cuisine meets contemporary California dishes at AVANT, which is tucked away within the walls of Rancho Bernardo Inn. This spot was awarded four-stars while the inn itself was listed by Forbes as “recommended” in the hotels category.
While describing AVANT, Forbes noted, “The restaurant, much like the boutique inn, feels refined yet relaxed, where you can enjoy both a four-course experience in the dining room and a laid-back meal at the bar.”
Forbes also touched on the atmosphere of the restaurant, stating,” When you want dinner, the airy main dining room from Hatch Design Group beckons. But AVANT’s covered terrace tempts with a white brick fireplace and vistas of the inn’s verdant golf course.”
As far as dishes go, the inspectors highlighted Chef Sergio Jimenez’s “stunning seasonal cuisine,” emphasizing that the restaurant uses items grown at its onsite garden as well as California raised proteins.
When asked what sets AVANT apart from other fine dining restaurants in the region, Director of Food and Beverage Christopher Reid told FOX 5 it’s their “unwavering commitment to quality.”
“Our chef sources the best local ingredients from San Diego and Southern California, with a heavy focus on utilizing our very own chef’s garden (one of the largest in San Diego). Our ability to personalize the guest experience – from vegetarian and vegan cuisines to leveraging our two private dining rooms and one-of-a-kind chef’s table where Chef Sergio creates a tailored multi-course experience for up to 12 guests,” said Reid.
Reservations to dine at AVANT can be made on OpenTable.
Next up, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Ponta Lago, located in North County, is said to be elevating the taste buds of diners with it Baja-inspired cuisine. This restaurant was also awarded four-stars in Forbes 2024 Travel Guide.
Forbes praised the service and scenery at Ponto Lago, noting, “At this Carlsbad, California spot, overnight guests and North Country locals are wooed with equal fervor. It doesn’t hurt that service is impeccable and Batiquitos Lagoon views are nearly indescribable.”
One of the bites Forbes’ inspectors mentioned was the Baja-inspired breakfast known as the conchas (a Mexican sweet bread) French toast with banana passion fruit custard. For dinner, they pointed to Ensenada fish tacos with pickled cabbage, aji amarillo crema and cucumber-tomatillo salsa tucked inside a hand-pressed blue corn tortilla.
This restaurant also offers an agave tasting experience, as well as a “Chef’s Corner” prix fixe menu that’s specially made and detailed to guests face-to-face by the chef.
Reservations to dine at Ponta Lago can be made on OpenTable.
Forbes’ 2024 five-star recipient in San Diego County
Saving the best for last, or at least the highest rated, Forbes listed the Addison restaurant as a five-star establishment for 2024. This spot is located at Fairmont Grand Del Mar — it’s considered to be the resort’s signature eatery.
What kind of diners would like this spot? According to Forbes, it’s for the “gourmands and style seekers.” Describing it further, Forbes noted, “This upscale restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere with European-style furnishings and grand, arched windows overlooking the golf course.”
Addison offers ever-changing five and 10-course menus that highlight contemporary style cooking. “Chef William Bradley takes diners on a culinary adventure here,” Forbes stated.
Also worth mentioning was this restaurant’s wine list. Forbes’ inspectors said their selection includes “everything from little-known to well-known favorites.”
It may come as no surprise that Addison was awarded five-stars as the spot was Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, according to the establishment.
Reservations to dine at Addision can be made on OpenTable.
A full look at Forbes 2024 Travel Guide star award winners can be found here.
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