A Guide to

The Best Steakhouses in San Francisco

Another iconic spot, Financial District's Tadich Grill is the oldest, continuously run restaurant in California, with its roots in a coffee stand formed by three Croatian immigrants in 1849. It's the kind of place where the servers know your name, and the bartenders remember if you like your martini shaken or stirred. The restaurant offers over 75 entrees daily, including its famous selection of mesquite charcoal broiled meats and a wide array of excellent seafood. Some customer favorites include the filet mignon with shoestring fries and vegetables, the Dalmation Stew, which is plated with lobster, clams, scallops, and a side of grilled bread, and the crab cake appetizer. The wine list offers plenty, and the seasoned bar team prepares classic handmade cocktails. Prices are moderate. With this many menu options, there is something for every preference and budget.

Eat at Tadich Grill

Original Joe’s has been serving up hearty steaks and classic dishes since 1937. Today, the restaurant offers a daily show by preparing dishes in an open kitchen. House specialties include roasted prime rib with mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, au jus, and horseradish sauce; a house-made lasagna; and risotto with seared scallops. A variety of steaks and chops graces the menu as well, and there's a wide selection of wines as well as classic, seasonal, and signature cocktails. The prices at this timeless classic and local favorite are on the moderate side.

Eat at Original Joe's

Located in the Financial District, The Vault offers a sophisticated dining experience in a historic setting: housed in an original bank vault! Transforming the traditional steakhouse with a contemporary culinary perspective, the restaurant offers timeless cocktails, diverse whiskey offerings, and thoughtfully selected wines. The steaks are meticulously prepared, and the freshly sourced seafood, inventive side dishes, and personalized tableside service make for an extravagant experience. Highlights on the menu include caviar service; a variety of black angus and Wagyu meats, which can be served with sauces like black truffle bordelaise and barrel-aged Worcestershire; and a side of black truffle lobster mac and cheese. At the Piano Lounge, you can enjoy live music and a happy hour menu five days a week. Prices at this steakhouse are on the higher end, but a meal at this sleek and modern spot is well worth the splurge.

Eat at The Vault

A classic steakhouse with a timeless ambiance, Harris' has been serving top-quality steaks since 1984. Come here for a swanky night of jazz, classic cocktails, award-winning wines, and A5 Wagyu beef. This family-run fine-dining establishment serves iconic dishes like a dry-aged Porterhouse, bone-in New York steaks, and Maine lobster. There is also a selection of interesting sides, like truffle Madeira sauce and caramelized onions, and a variety of distinguished Midwestern aged beef. If you want to enjoy the Harris' experience at home, stop by the steakhouse's Butcher Shop, offering a selection of dry-aged beef that's freshly cut. And while the Pacific Bar & Piano Lounge could be your destination for the night, with live jazz and the full menu available in a more upbeat environment, it's also a fantastic spot for pre-dinner drinks. Prices are on the higher side, but the impeccable service and consistently excellent food make it a standout.

Eat at Harris'

Combining Japanese and American influences, Niku Steakhouse offers a unique, high-end dining experience in the Design District. This Michelin-starred restaurant shines with its in-house dry-aging program and unique selections of coveted Japanese A5 Wagyu, coupled with a focus on wood-fired cuisine. Executive Chef Dustin Falcon, an alumnus of The French Laundry, and his team create innovative small plates and side dishes that elevate the dining experience beyond traditional steakhouse fare, such as black truffle gnudi with chicken and lardo sausage, morel mushrooms, and madeira blanquette, and Kusshi oysters with fermented tomato water gelée and housemade tajin. The steakhouse offers an award-winning wine list and a variety of cocktails focusing on whiskeys from around the world. The space feels luxurious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and dark wood walls. Adjacent to the restaurant, there is also an outstanding butcher shop. Prices here are on the higher end, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the craftsmanship of the dishes.

Eat at Niku

Named after the iconic Central Valley ranching company, Miller & Lux pays homage to California's agricultural heritage while serving top-quality steaks right by Chase Center. Chef Tyler Florence invites guests to a fine-dining experience with steaks sourced from top-tier American ranches; an extensive raw bar featuring exquisite, sustainable seafood; and a selection of farm-direct vegetables. A globally curated wine list and an outstanding cocktail program round out the evening. In addition to perfectly prepared steaks and luxurious side dishes and plates, the M&L Burger—made with a dry-aged blend, Mt. Tam Triple Cream, bacon jam, onion rings, watercress, and truffle fries—is a highlight on the menu. It's sophistication even garnered it a spot on Michelin's roundup of the Best Hamburgers in California. With its old-school yet luxe ambiance, fabulous hospitality, and top-notch culinary offerings, the price point at this steakhouse is at the higher end.

Eat at Miller & Lux

Lolinda, located in the Mission District, offers a South American-inspired take on the traditional steak restaurant. Chefs Alejandro Morgan and Juan Torres craft a carefully curated menu blending Latin American flavors with influences of California cuisine. The restaurant has a vibrant ambiance perfect for various occasions, from group gatherings and romantic evenings to business meetings and festive events. A family-style concept of meats prepared over the woodfired grill in combination with Latin-American favorites, like ceviche and empanadas, make this steakhouse stand out. For dessert, try their twist on Milk and Cookies, featuring homemade alfajores filled with dulce de leche, paired with a creamy vanilla milkshake. Lolinda also has fantastic wine and cocktail lists that reflect the restaurant's South American roots. Prices are moderate to high, and the happy hour menu offers a solid selection of delicious items.

Eat at Lolinda

Nob Hill's Osso Steakhouse offers a fine-dining experience of dry-aged steaks and modern ambiance. As you enter the elegant space, you'll be enveloped in a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by attentive staff committed to impeccable service. The steakhouse serves carefully chosen premium cuts from top ranches and farms, guaranteeing outstanding quality and taste. In addition to skillfully prepared steaks, the restaurant offers appetizers, sides, and dessert, as well as an award-winning wine list and craft cocktails. Highlights on the menu include hamachi crudo with yuzu ponzu, jalapeño, and shiso, a 45-oz Tomahawk steak, and a jumbo lobster tail with sauteed spinach and bearnaise. The restaurant also offers a superb selection of bar bites, ideal for those seeking a laid-back dining experience with great company and refreshing drinks. Prices here are on the higher side, but the quality of the meat and the attention to detail make it worth the splurge.

Eat at Osso

Part of a renowned steakhouse chain, the Union Square location of Mastro’s Steakhouse offers a high-end dining experience. The restaurant combines top quality steaks and seafood with outstanding service. With a strict upscale dress code and daily live music, the ambiance is classy, vibrant, and elegant. In addition to excellent American and Japanese A5 Wagyu steaks, menu highlights include a lobster cocktail, a sushi selection, and truffle butter sautéed wild mushrooms. An extensive, award-winning wine list and a selection of classic and signature cocktails are there for your perusal, and you will want to save room for the famous warm butter cake. As this is a place for a special night out or an important business gathering, prices at this upscale locale are on the higher end.

Eat at Mastro's