Check Out the Buzzy New Restaurant Lighting Up the Gaslamp Quarter

A new modern steakhouse from RMD Group is lighting up the Gaslamp Quarter.

There’s a reason San Diego hospitality firm RMD Group has become synonymous with creating dazzling dining concepts that team high-quality cuisine and cocktails with superb surroundings. The brainchild of managing partners Dave Renzella, Dan Renzella and Michael Georgopoulos, the firm began elevating San Diego’s nightlife scene in 2008, and has since opened myriad concepts in the historic Gaslamp Quarter—from Volcano Rabbit and Side Bar to 207 and Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, among others. Following the debut of Lumi, the group’s rooftop Japanese and sushi restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, a new modern steakhouse has arrived on the second and ground floors of the same building on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter. Enter Huntress. “There are some great traditional steakhouses in the Gaslamp but we felt there was a need for an upscale, high-energy steakhouse in the Gaslamp,” says Georgopoulos. “The Huntress is a powerful persona of strength, elegance and primal instinct. Smooth, sophisticated and intricate, the restaurant is a direct reflection of the Huntress herself.”

Designed in collaboration with RMD Group partner Davis Ink, the two-story restaurant’s interiors entice with glamorous details throughout. “The vibe-driven space offers a sophisticated yet approachable environment that is complementary of the dining experience, with notable design highlights including a custom LED art projection wall and a DJ booth in the dining room, a wall composed of framed butcher knives and a custom-designed chandelier composed of strategically placed glass pendants,” says Georgopoulos. “The stunning center bar is the focal point of the main dining room, offering the perfect ambiance for socializing. On the second level, the Huntress mezzanine serves as an extension of the first floor with a more intimate and relaxed feel, showcasing Huntress’ collection of rare Japanese whiskies and in-house dry-aging lockers.”

For the ultimate VIP experience, request table 67, a spot that’s available only by calling the restaurant directly and set in a private corner of the mezzanine overlooking Fifth Avenue and J Street. “The table accommodates up to six guests and has a privacy curtain and custom AV control,” notes Georgopoulos. From there, explore executive chef James Montejano’s modern version of steakhouse fare that utilizes seasonal ingredients with a generous selection of fresh seafood from around the world. Menu standouts include the 32-ounce tomahawk, lobster potpie and the wagyu katsu sando, the chef’s personal favorite. “It’s a great way for a guest to be introduced to wagyu, and the mushroom sake sauce is out of this world!” shares Georgopoulos. A nightly tasting menu, best enjoyed with cocktails like the Smoked Correspondence or Huntress Old-Fashioned, also offers an easy way to try myriad dishes at once. For groups of 10 to 15, there’s also the opportunity to indulge in custom dry-aged orders. “VIP guests can purchase their own piece of meat, and we’ll dry-age it to their preference, in-house. When it’s ready to be enjoyed, we’ll host a dinner gathering,” says Georgopoulos.

Finally, experiencing Huntress’ photoworthy dessert program is a must. Executive pastry chef Melanie Stagnaro’s Magic Mushroom—a flavor explosion of peanut butter and chocolate that arrives in a smoked dome—and Forbidden Fruit—a glossy green apple made of creme fraiche whipped ganache, white chocolate and Granny Smith apple filling—are as visually appealing as they are tasty. From start to finish, Huntress impresses—raising the stakes, indeed.