0 Followers
Avant Garden
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Avant Garden
8.0
A vegan-leaning New American room that succeeds when you treat it like a sharing menu instead of chasing a single big centerpiece. The cooking is built around clever textures and comforting flavors, with a date-friendly vibe that stays lively rather than hushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan cacio e pepe, Kale Caesar, Plant-based "crab" cake-style starter
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Vegan New American plates that prioritize texture and comfort.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and date nights
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother flow
What to order: Cacio e pepe, kale Caesar, one crispy starter
Insider tip: Order 3–4 plates for two, then stop before it gets heavy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the evenings. Rideshare or public transit is easier.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews date-night polished rather than super casual.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can comfortably talk, but it feels energetic, not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially peak Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically not open for lunch; if special hours are offered, waits are minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian-forward.
Vegan options: Yes — this is a fully vegan menu with broad options across starters, pastas, and mains.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options available and others can be modified; ask the server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, pacing, and shareable plates make it easy to relax and connect without feeling stiff or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The menu and atmosphere are better suited to adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based date nights, creative vegan comfort dishes, and lively but still intimate dinners.
Skip if: You want large, traditional meat-centric plates, ultra-quiet dining, or a fast in-and-out meal.
Avant Garden
8.6
A compact, candlelit vegan dining room that leans into technique and plating without losing the comfort factor. The move is to order across textures—one crisp, one creamy, one bright—so each course resets your palate instead of stacking richness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deep-fried sushi rice (carrot-ginger-avocado), Artichoke toast (spinach-artichoke purée, truffle, jicama), Avocado (crispy rice, miso glaze, shishito)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized vegan cooking with real technique in an intimate room.
Who should go: Date night diners who want vegan food with polish
When to visit: Weeknights early for the calmest pacing
What to order: Sushi rice, artichoke toast, one seasonal hot plate
Insider tip: Balance your order: one crispy, one creamy, one bright dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and difficult after 6pm. Plan for rideshare or walking if nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine if styled well, but date-night polish fits the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate and candlelit, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; at dinner expect minimal wait early on weeknights with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options available; staff can guide substitutions, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, candlelight, and polished plates make it ideal for a focused, low-distraction first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on early weeknights, but weekends are risky. Book ahead or arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the small dining room and date-night vibe make it better for adults than families.
Best For
Better for: Refined, technique-driven vegan dishes in a romantic, intimate setting with Michelin-level execution.
Skip if: You want a casual, fast, or budget-friendly vegan meal, or a louder group-oriented atmosphere.
Avant Garden
8.6
A candlelit, technique-forward dining room where the menu is fully plant-based but plated like a proper night-out restaurant. The toasts and crispy-rice bites set the rhythm, then you finish with one warm, shareable centerpiece dish so the meal doesn’t drift into endless small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Artichoke Toast, Avocado Crispy Rice, Paella
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized vegan cooking with standout crispy-rice and toast plates.
Who should go: Date nights and veg-forward special-occasion diners
When to visit: Weeknights early for smoother pacing
What to order: Artichoke toast, avocado crispy rice, paella
Insider tip: Order one toast plus one crispy-rice, then pick a single hot centerpiece.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; plan on walking a few blocks or using a garage nearby. Rideshare is the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans work, but this is a spot where people put a little effort in.
Noise level: Moderate and intimate—easy to hear your date without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinners are typically 15–30 minutes without a reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian-friendly and plant-forward.
Vegan options: Yes—fully vegan menu with no substitutions needed.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; staff can guide you, but this isn’t a fully gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—low lighting, thoughtful plating, and a calm pace make it feel intentional without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on early weeknights; weekends and prime dinner hours are risky without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews adult, date-focused, and quiet.
Best For
Better for: Polished vegan dining that feels like a real night out—stronger on ambiance and plating than most plant-based spots nearby.
Skip if: You want large portions, casual drop-in dining, or a loud, social scene—this is about mood and restraint.