We spent a week in Carlsbad. Until we found Paon, we were suffering and wondering what people do in the area for exceptional restaurant experiences. Service, food, wine were all excellent. Patio is delightful European bistro experience. If you love excellent food and wine, don't miss this one. We learned Papn means peacock in French. And they indeed should strut their stuff.

The food is worth going, it's really excellent. First time I went I got the seared Ahi Tuna and the second time I went I got the Duck as well as the beet/goat cheese salad. Holy cow. I literally couldn't help but say 'mmmm' after almost every bite. Then we got this dessert that's like a super fancy apple pie, it's insane; hands down best dessert I've ever had in a restaurant. But, every time we go the waiters are the typical stuffy wine waiters. The service is certainly prompt, but they their personalities suck and make us feel like we know nothing and make us feel that we're not good enough to be in there.The wine menu is great though, some really good stuff, but the price mark up is insane. I suppose that's normal to inflate a bottle price by 300%?

Steve(owner/Partner) will greet you when arriving. The expansive bar area has excellent appetizers and short meals that are incredibly done and all very well prepared. Try the short ribs and veggies. They pour a good drink and glass of wine at very reasonable prices too. Nice wine bar attached to the restaurant for warming up or for a nice tasting in a cozy environment.

We have been frequenting the PAON Restaurant for three years now and find the food to be of excellent quality, especially the Bass and Braised Rib dishes. The lamb salad is excellent as well as the desserts.
The service is outstanding as the waiters are quite solicitous and the owners (husband and wife) have always been there to make sure you have a great eating experience.