A chef slices into beef Wellington at Born and Raised. PHOTO BY: ANNE WATSON
Satisfy carnivorous cravings at these sizzling spots that are a cut above the rest. Whether you're looking for a Gaslamp classic, a special occasion restaurant, or simply crave a premium steak, San Diego has some fabulous options, ready to satisfy any steak-lover. Check out our picks for the 15 hottest steakhouses in San Diego.
See Also: The Best Restaurants For Valentine's Day Dinner In San Diego
Animae’s enchanting dining room. COURTESY OF BLUE BRIDGE HOSPITALITY
969 Pacific Hwy / Website
Situated on the ground floor of luxury high-rise Pacific Gate by Bosa in Downtown San Diego, Animae is Puffer Malarkey Collective’s showstopping wagyu steakhouse, where the premium beef arrives in the form of an A5 snow-aged wagyu, a Takamori drunken wagyu strip and Bushu Gyu samurai wagyu, among others.
The stunning dining room at Born and Raised. PHOTO BY: ZACK BENSON.
1909 India Street / Website
Nestled in Little Italy, this glitzy American steakhouse is the brainchild of Arsalun Tafazoli of CH Projects. Guests head to its second-story patio for an open-air dining experience, where tableside cart services, nine cuts of steak—from the classic 8-ounce filet to the 22-ounce T-bone—and elegant cocktails await.
The main dining room at Ember & Rye. COURTESY OF PARK HYATT AVIARA
7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad / Website
Celebrity chef Richard Blais continues to show his talent and his appreciation for food at Ember & Rye at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Carlsbad. The menu features a variety of different cuts of meats as well as a plethora of sides to choose from. Order the wagyu sirloin paired with a red wine from the extensive drink menu before finishing off the evening with the decadent chocolate mousse.
The Flannery beef ribeye topped with embossed buttered blue cheese at Ember & Rye. PHOTO BY DUSTIN BAILEY
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380 K Street / Website
Located conveniently in the Gaslamp District and near Petco Park, this steakhouse features a slew of premium surf and turf options as well as vegan-friendly ‘beyond’ steaks and filets. Head to Fleming’s on Sundays for a special surf and turf experience, complete with premium filet mignon and North Atlantic lobster tail. With two full pages of cocktails and wines, this lavish spot is great for date night.
Filet tartare topped with Coturnix quail egg at Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood. COURTESY OF GREYSTONE PRIME STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD
658 Fifth Avenue / Website
Founded in the 1990s, this beloved restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter has developed a longtime following thanks to its myriad types of wagyu beef, from traditional Japanese to Australian to American. Dig into a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye and see for yourself what all the hype is about.
The Magic Mushroom dessert at Huntress. PHOTO: BY SAM WELLS
376 Fifth Avenue / Website
Huntress brings a unique dining and drinking experience to the Gaslamp Quarter with dishes that wow both the eye and palate. An RMD Group concept, the upscale steakhouse serves exquisite cuts paired with an extensive Japanese whisky selection. Don’t miss photo-worthy desserts like the Magic Mushroom featuring cherry, vanilla and dark chocolate flavors with pistachio gelato.
Dine above the San Diego Bay at Island Prime. COURTESY OF ISLAND PRIME
880 Harbor Island Drive / Website
Hovering over the water on stilts above the San Diego Bay is this waterfront steakhouse, where the views are equally matched by its enticing menu. Try chef Deborah Scott’s classic dishes, like New York au poivre paired with maitake mushroom and cognac peppercorn sauce or the Island Prime filet trio topped with king crab, wild mushrooms and blue cheese.
Indulge in mouthwatering steak at Lou & Mickey’s. COURTESY OF LOU & MICKEY’S
224 Fifth Avenue / Website
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Lou & Mickey’s boasts dry-aged steaks, exotic drinks and seafood dishes ranging from linguine with Manila clams to wild Alaskan halibut. Add a lobster tail to any of its steak options to put the surf in surf and turf.
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285 J Street / Website
Head to this classic steakhouse for premium cuts, luxe seafood to stack on your steak, and raw bar favorites. Butcher favorites include tomahawk ribeye, Wagyu filet, lamb chops, and USDA-certified filet mignon, among others. However, try to save room for dessert, as Morton’s has a menu dedicated to cocktails made for pairing with desserts. This spot is sure to give you quintessential steakhouse vibes, perfect for an elegant meal with parents or a feast with your crew.
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4980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad / Website
This relatively new Carlsbad steakhouse is led by a stellar team of industry professionals– restauranteur Mayur Pavagadhi and executive chef Judd Canepari. Polo Steakhouse features a range of premium steaks from around the world, including both foreign and domestic Wagyu and local seafood and raw bar items. The grilled menu is divided into sections for rib steak, tenderloin, and strip cut, and labeled with the origin of each steak. Pair your steak with a tasty side dish, like spinach Rockefeller, Yukon potato puree, broccolini, mushrooms and truffle pommes dauphine. In addition to premium steaks, the restaurant has two sommeliers on staff and a wine collection of over 650 bottles.
Tender meat options await at Rare Society. PHOTO: BY MATT FURMAN
4130 Park Blvd. / Website
An homage to the chophouses of yesteryear, Trust Restaurant Group’s Rare Society is a midcentury glam concept helmed by chef Brad Wise, whose menu encourages mixing and matching proteins and sauces of your choosing, be it the wood-grilled Scottish salmon with market veggie butter or Australian wagyu tri-tip with bearnaise. Visit its original location in University Heights or stop by its latest outpost in Solana Beach.
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550 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach / Website
Founded in 1956, Red Tracton’s in Solana Beach is a family favorite for locals and celebrities alike thanks to its proximity to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Start off your meal with Red’s famous lobster bisque or Maryland crabcakes before indulging in the prime ribeye steak followed by decadent chocolate cake.
The dining room at Stake Chophouse & Bar. COURTESY OF BLUE BRIDGE HOSPITALITY
1309 Orange Avenue, Coronado / Website
Dive in fork-first at this Coronado favorite where chef Matt Sramek offers the 'Taste of Japanese A5' experience, complete with A5 cuts from Saitama, Kagawa, and Miyazaki prefectures. Pair your meal with one of Stake's 1,200 wine selections. The collection has been awarded the Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for seven years in a row, making Stake a solid choice for special occasions.
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600 F Street / Website
Head to this upscale steakhouse STK for brunch, a rooftop cocktail with skyline views, or simply a luxe steak dinner. The steak lineup is extensive, with highlights including three cuts of Japanese Wagyu A5, dry-aged porterhouse and tomahawks, NY strip, dry-aged Delmonico, and ribeye, among others. Each steak comes with your choice of sauce, perfect for steak lovers who like to try new flavors. As all great steakhouses do, there’s a slew of decadent sides like lobster macaroni and cheese, confit mushrooms and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. This glitzy spot is great for special occasions.
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5255 Kearny Villa Drive / Website
Settle into sumptuous red booths at this Chicago-style steakhouse in Kearny Mesa to indulge in Angus prime rib, USDA Choice chophouse peppercorn filet mignon or a 20-hour roasted Cajun brisket. Classic creme brulee or New York-style cheesecake end things on a sweet note.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out: Modernity And Extravagance Meet In This San Diego Penthouse.
Photography by: Cover: Matt Furman / Rare Society
