San Francisco is home to some of the best steak restaurants on the West Coast. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just a regular night out, the best steak restaurants in San Francisco are where you go for a meat-centric extravaganza—ice-cold martinis and decadent sides optional.
Head to a MICHELIN-Starred steakhouse that combines California and Japanese sensibilities in SOMA. Choose cuts of prime rib straight from a stainless-steel carving cart at a San Francisco classic in Van Ness. Dine with killer views of the Bay Bridge in the Financial District, or cut into an expertly prepared ribeye while people-watching in Union Square.
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Read on for a guide to the best steak restaurants in San Francisco.
For unbeatable Bay Bridge views at one of the best steak restaurants in San Francisco — try EPIC Steak (Financial District/Embarcadero)
Led by renowned chef Parke Ulrich, EPIC Steak is where you go for premium steak and seafood with some of the best waterfront views in the city. Watch the sunset illuminate the Bay Bridge as you dine on elegant dishes like Dungeness crab cakes with caviar beurre blanc and filet mignon from Schmitz Ranch paired with martinis. The plush leather chairs and warm lighting soften industrial features like the exposed vents and bold ironwork. Don’t miss the signature 12- or 16-ounce cuts at Prime Rib Sunday.
For dry-aged beef prepared by a celebrity chef in an ultra-glamorous steakhouse — book a table at Miller & Lux (Mission Bay/South Beach)
Celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s glam steakhouse Miller & Lux combines West Coast sensibilities with incredible cuts of beef. Expect prime, 45-day dry-aged beef cuts like wagyu tomahawk and fillet mignon along with sustainably caught seafood, and a deep wine list. Brass accents and buttery leather furniture set the mood in the swanky dining room while servers prepare Caesar salads tableside.
For generous servings of steaks and prime rib at a SF icon — visit House of Prime Rib (Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness)
Open since 1949, House of Prime Rib has been a top destination in San Francisco for perfectly prepared prime rib and top-notch meats. Choose from tender premium cuts, including the city (small) and the House of Prime Rib (big and juicy) carved tableside at stainless steel carts. With a crackling fireplace and wood paneling, the cozy cocktail lounge channels an English manor and is the ideal setting for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
For a lively Argentina steakhouse with a California twist — check out Lolinda (Mission District)
Nestled in the bustling Mission District, Lolinda delivers Argentinian steakhouse classics cooked expertly over a wood-fired grill. Combine the generous mixed grill platter with family-style Latin American favorites like tangy ceviche and flakey empanadas made with fresh California ingredients. Enjoy your meal in the industrial-chic space with iron light fixtures and soaring ceilings.
For a sophisticated meal in a former bank vault — grab a table at The Vault Steakhouse (Financial District/Embarcadero)
Located in the former Bank of America Center, The Vault Steakhouse is a local go-to for upscale power lunches and posh date nights. Come for the caviar service, high-end Black Angus steaks from the Midwest, and live piano performances. Don’t miss playful sides like black truffle mac and cheese. Although the interior leans into minimalism—all sleek lines and shades of gray—the intimate seating and attentive service create a warm atmosphere.
For a swanky MICHELIN-Starred Japanese-meets-American steakhouse — discover Niku Steakhouse (SOMA)
Specializing in A5 wagyu and in-house dry-aging, Niku Steakhouse marries Japanese and Californian traditions. Enjoy rare menu items like Kagawa olive wagyu (a steak derived from olive-fed cattle) and ever-evolving dishes starring ingredients foraged in Northern California. Pair your meal with a glass from the award-winning, California- and French-leaning wine list. Grab a seat at the intimate counter to watch chef’s prepare your meal over the central charcoal and wood-fired grill.
For a modern American steakhouse with a Japanese upgrade — find a table at Alexander’s Steakhouse (Downtown/Union Square)
Come to Alexander’s Steakhouse for a top-notch meal of domestic, Australian and Japanese wagyu sourced from small farms. Pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature Hamachi shots or a glass of wine from the award-winning list. Level-up your special occasion meal with caviar service, and don’t miss fan favorites like the Hokkaido milk bread.
For the finest prime cuts at one of the best steak restaurants in San Francisco — reserve a table at Mastro’s Steakhouse (Downtown/Union Square)
Part of the Mastro`s Restaurants collection, Mastro’s Steakhouse is your go-to destination for exceptional service and fancy steakhouse vibes. Elegant surf-and-turf menu highlights include a 40-ounce wagyu tomahawk chop wet-aged for 28 days and creamy lobster bisque. Enjoy live piano music as you watch the busy Union Square crowds, or order a hand-crafted cocktail from the swanky bar. For dessert, get the signature butter cake topped with a massive scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For surf-and-turf in a Venetian-inspired restaurant on Lombard Street — stop at Bobo’s (Marina/Cow Hollow/Presidio)
Step into an opulent Venetian home when you dine at Bobo’s, named after Boboquivaris, the city’s court jester of comedy. Burgundy curtains, velvet accents, and walls covered in carnival masks transport you to the canals of Venice, while the old-school steakhouse menu is full of classic surf and turf offerings. Must-try items include garlic-roasted Dungeness crab and a 12-ounce, bone-in fillet. Share a bottle from the global wine list at the cozy bar, or find an intimate nook for a quiet conversation.
For a refined meal in an Art Deco setting — head to Osso Steakhouse (Nob Hill)
It doesn’t get more old-school glam than Osso Steakhouse, an Art Deco-inspired steakhouse in Nob Hill. Angular geometric tiles create jagged lines across the floor, while marble-topped bar counters and leather upholstery add a luxe feel. Pair a glass of red from the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence-winning menu with prime cuts like a 20-ounce akaushi ribeye enhanced with buttered lobster tail. There are plenty of non-steak options on the menu, including salads, burgers, and soups.
Discover melt-in-your mouth marbled wagyu and elegant seasonal seafood when you dine at the best steak restaurants in San Francisco. Enjoy an oaky red from a Wine Spectator Award-winning list, or add a chilled martini to your meat-centric feast. Whether you’re planning an anniversary dinner or an impressive business lunch, the best steak restaurants in San Francisco deliver atmospheres ranging from cozy and casual to ultra-refined.
