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Best Steak Restaurants in Hillcrest

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65 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Frenchy’s Hideout restaurant
1. Frenchy’s Hideout
4.8
Exceptional(24)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Hillcrest
Booked 6 times today
Welcome to Frenchy’s Hideout, where Parisian elegance meets San Diego's vibrant taste for great food, wine, and unforgettable experiences. Treat yourself to a carefully curated selection of exquisite wines and authentic French cuisine, designed to create a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you're here for a cozy dinner, a celebratory evening, or just a great glass of wine, our inviting atmosphere and passionate team are dedicated to making every visit special.Our menu blends approachable elegance with the rich traditions of French cuisine, offering both regular dinner service and immersive coursed tasting menus. Each dish is carefully crafted and paired with wines that tell a story.Join us for our weekly wine dinners, where we explore unique wineries and pair them with delectable dishes, all led by Head Chef Pedro Lugo Brito and Owner/Sommelier Michael Simpson. Whether it’s famous wineries or hidden gems, we’ll take you on a gastronomical journey like no other.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
2. Seneca
4.7
Exceptional(4623)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Downtown
Booked 104 times today
Seneca in Downtown San Diego offers an exquisite Seafood experience that captures the essence of Roman culinary traditions, seamlessly merging them with the fresh and abundant ingredients of the local area. The wood-fired prawns are a standout, described as "the best thing on the menu," delivering a taste that leaves diners craving more. The atmosphere is enchanting, with breathtaking views that enhance the dining experience. Guests rave about the "out of this world food," highlighting the meticulous care put into every dish. Seneca's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit destination for Seafood lovers seeking an unforgettable culinary journey.
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
3. Born & Raised
4.7
Exceptional(6803)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Little Italy
Booked 68 times today
Born & Raised in Little Italy, San Diego, is a beacon of Contemporary French / American cuisine, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and exceptional. This iconic steakhouse captivates guests with its meticulous attention to the history and tradition of steakhouses, while embracing a modern flair. "The food was phenomenal," raves one guest, celebrating the perfectly cooked steak sampler that "melt[s] in your mouth." The ambiance is equally praised, with its sophisticated interior and calming atmosphere. Whether savoring dry-aged beef or indulging in the acclaimed mac and cheese, Born & Raised ensures every meal is a timeless celebration of culinary excellence.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4. Starlite
4.7
Exceptional(229)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Mission Hills
Booked 86 times today
Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
5. Barbusa
4.7
Exceptional(4468)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Little Italy
Booked 88 times today
Barbusa, located in the vibrant Little Italy of San Diego, stands out as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts. Known for its "freshest seafood," Barbusa consistently delights guests with its authentic and modern Sicilian flair. Diners rave about the "amazing dishes" and the exceptional service that complements the vibrant atmosphere. The seafood offerings at Barbusa are not just meals; they are culinary experiences, crafted with precision and served with passion. Guests frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "amazing waiter service," making every visit memorable. For those seeking quality seafood with a touch of Sicilian charm, Barbusa is a must-visit.
A photo of Cardellino restaurant
6. Cardellino
4.7
Exceptional(35)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Mission Hills
Booked 35 times today
Cardellino Italian Chophouse is a story steeped in fire, char, steak—and red sauce, parmesan, and truffles. A blend of Midwest chophouse and Italian trattoria, the restaurant reflects Chef Brad Wise’s culinary ethos and TRUST Restaurant Group’s signature style. Live-fire cooking anchors the menu, melding a Tuscan stone hearth with an all-American Big Green Egg. Drawing inspiration from northern Italy - Umbria, Piedmont - Cardellino offers housemade pastas and traditional antipasti, but the spotlight is on the meat. The signature Bistecca Fiorentina, a 38 oz charcoal-grilled steak, arrives sliced and reassembled on a custom mahogany board. Pork Osso Bucco and Salt-Baked Branzino round out the chophouse-style offerings. Pastas are bold, sides are built for sharing, and the experience is best with Barolo. For a deeper dive, the Tuscan Experience invites guests to enjoy a four-course, chef-curated journey inspired by what Brad’s loving in the moment.
A photo of Fort Oak restaurant
7. Fort Oak
4.8
Exceptional(433)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Mission Hills
Booked 26 times today
An ode to fire and sea, Fort Oak delivers the bold, wood-fired flavors that define Chef Brad Wise’s signature style. Centered around a live-fire hearth, the restaurant offers elevated yet approachable dishes alongside a refined seafood and raw bar. Smoke is the through line - simple, high-quality ingredients are transformed by flame into plates full of depth and character. Dry-aged ribeyes, duck, and whole branzino showcase the hearth’s intensity, while freshly shucked oysters and seafood towers bring a raw, briny counterpoint. And while the meats and seafood command attention, the vegetables have earned a reputation of their own - charred, caramelized, and layered with surprising complexity. Some say they steal the show - but that’s up to you to decide.
A photo of Animae restaurant
8. Animae
4.8
Exceptional(3523)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Downtown
Booked 35 times today
Animae, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, is a shining beacon of Californian cuisine, masterfully intertwined with Asian influences. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey elevates the dining experience by harnessing the essence of California cooking, using local produce and seasonal ingredients in every dish. The restaurant's coal-fired oven and grill bring a delightful depth to creations like the "melt-in-your-mouth" A5 Wagyu and the "incredibly flavorful" tomahawk tocino, leaving diners in awe. Animae's vibrant atmosphere and artful presentation make it a "must-visit" for those seeking an authentic and innovative taste of California's culinary landscape.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
9. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4529)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Downtown
Booked 113 times today
Brigantine at Portside Pier in Downtown San Diego elevates the steakhouse experience with its dedication to quality and authenticity. Known for its "outstanding" surf and turf, this vibrant locale combines the best of land and sea, offering dishes like their classic filet mignon, which consistently impresses diners. "The vibe was casual but very fun and beautiful views," and patrons frequently rave about the "amazing food and atmosphere," making it a must-visit for steak lovers. The restaurant's commitment to flavorful food and friendly service ensures that both locals and visitors feel like part of the family, enhancing every dining experience.
A photo of Rare Society - University Heights restaurant
10. Rare Society - University Heights
4.8
Exceptional(28)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • North Park
Booked 46 times today
Sink your teeth into Rare Society - a modern homage to the golden age of the American steakhouse. Chef and owner Brad Wise reimagines vintage upscale dining with a bold, contemporary edge: a wood-fired grill fueled by red oak, an in-house dry-aging program, sustainably sourced seafood, and a progressive cocktail menu that nods to the classics while pushing boundaries.The space hums with energy - smoke curling from the grill, the scent of fire and flavor wafting through the air. It’s easy to picture a Rat Pack-era dinner party in full swing: elegant, indulgent, just a little unruly. Rare Society doesn’t just pay tribute to steakhouse tradition - it revives it, reinvents it, and serves it with just a little bit of swagger.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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