Best Restaurants with a Tasting Menu in Poway / Rancho Bernardo

Delightful dinner with excellent food and attentive service.

My wife and I celebrated our one-year anniversary at Amaya, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning hotel in which the restaurant is located. The property is absolutely beautiful, and the warm, welcoming staff immediately made us feel special. The exceptional service began right at the entrance with valet parking, which is conveniently validated through the restaurant. Our evening was made even more special thanks to our fantastic waiter, Peter, who took care of us from start to finish. He even surprised us with a complimentary anniversary dessert. The restaurant also provided us a signed card from all the staff to celebrate our anniversary —such a thoughtful touch! We started our meal with a couple of expertly crafted cocktails: the Banana Bread Old Fashioned and the Feelin’ Spritzy—both were delicious and unique. For appetizers, we enjoyed the brioche bread and a selection of oysters. The brioche was warm, soft, and perfectly seasoned, while the oysters were incredibly fresh. Even as someone who isn’t usually a big oyster fan, I found them delightful, especially when paired with the house-made habanero and yuzu sauce, which added just the right amount of heat and brightness. For the main course, we shared the Duck à l’Orange, accompanied by the pomme mousseline and vadouvan carrots. Every bite was perfection. The duck was expertly cooked—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—with a rich sauce that tied everything together beautifully. The sides were equally impressive, complementing the dish wonderfully. Amaya is truly a gem, perfect for a romantic date night or a special celebration. We couldn’t have asked for a better anniversary dinner, and we will definitely be returning!

Nice experience, ala carte is the way to go to save vice the $54/ person AYCE

The Christmas buffet at Rancho Bernardo Inn is terrific!

worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!