Island Prime

Name: Island Prime
Address: 880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 298-6802
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

6970 Reviews

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Top Tags:

Resting on stilts atop San Diego Bay, Island Prime overlooks the city skyline and Coronado.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 74 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Unspecified, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 298-6802
Website
https://www.cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime?y_source=1_MTU2Njg3OTYtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Deborah Scott
Private party facilities
Private dining room for up to 65 guests, with waterfront views.
Private party contact
JoAnn Salem: (619) 298-6802 ext. 204

Location
880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Cross street
Harbor Island Dr
Parking details
Valet parking is unavailable at this time.
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Lovers Menu
$84.95 per person
Feb 14, 2023 only
For Valentine's Day we are offering a lovers-themed 3-course menu for $84.95/person. With seafood and steak options, the menu finishes with a shared dessert to help you cozy up to your valentine. Due to the holiday, this will be the only menu we offer that night and all tables will have a 2-hour dining time. For specific table requests, please contact the restaurant directly.

Popular dishes

Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell$48.00
black pepper mignonette (gf)
Ahi Crab & Avocado Stack$23.00
fresh crab, avocado & tomato, papaya-mango salsa, taro chips, sweet chili sauce (gf*)
Prawn Cocktail$24.00
fire-roasted cocktail sauce, lemon (gf)
Spicy Korean Style Steak Tartare$24.00
hand cut wagyu ribeye, charred scallion dressing, avocado mousse, salt & pepper potato chips
Island Prime's Seafood Platter
1/2 dozen oysters, 1/2 lobster tail, chilled prawns, crab claws, salmon tartare, black pepper mignonette, lemon, fire-roasted cocktail sauce (gf)
- Serves 3-4$98.00
Chesapeake Bay Style Crab Cakes$25.00
chicory, granny smith apples, orange segments, pickled fresno pepper & togarashi aioli
Lobster Bisque$16.00
butter-poached lobster, brioche croutons
Chef Deb's Pepita & Sesame Crusted Brie$18.00
honey roasted garlic, jalapeno jelly, grilled ciabatta
Calamari 'Katsu'$19.00
crispy calamari steak, arugula, chicory & roasted tomato salad, sweet heat ponzu aioli
Charred Octopus$22.00
marble potato salad, spanish chorizo, chimichurri, piquillo pepper, arugula, romesco (gf*)

From the Garden

California Burrata & Roasted Beets$18.00
quinoa-lentil tabouleh, arugula, orange segments, white balsamic vinaigrette (gf*,v)
Organic Baby Greens$14.00
strawberries, shaved radish, toasted almonds, goat cheese, citrus vinaigrette (gf,v)
Caesar Salad$15.00
baby romaine, white anchovy, parmigiano reggiano, sourdough croutons, classic caesar dressing (gf*)
Iceberg Wedge$14.00
heirloom cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, smoked blue cheese, crisp bacon, herb ranch (gf,v*)

Chef Deborah's Compositions

Local Catch$43.00
locally caught white fish, marble potatoes, asparagus, heirloom cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, scallions, prosciutto, shiitake mushrooms, dashi aioli (gf)
Island Prime Filet Trio$60.00
trio of 3oz filets mignons, topped with king crab, wild mushrooms & blue cheese, with sea salt mashed potatoes, red wine demi (gf*)
Seared Atlantic Scallops$46.00
white wine sauce, parsley coulis, tricolored sautéed cauliflower, mushroom medley
Black Garlic Seared Tuna$44.00
forbidden rice, glazed haricots verts, charred tomato-pine chutney (gf)
Shrimp & Caviar Angel Hair$42.00
sauteed jumbo prawns, fresh angel hair pasta, saffron cream sauce, paddlefish caviar, herb salad, parmesan
Chicken 'Under a Brick'$38.00
crushed yukon gold potatoes, caramelized onions, pickled fresno chilis, chimichurri (gf)
Roasted Eggplant$36.00
vegan ragout, basmati cilantro rice, toasted almonds, romesco (gf*,v)

From the Market

all of our steaks are selected by chef deborah to feature the highest quality meats and ranching methods

Center Cut Filet Mignon
(gf)
- 8oz$52.00
- 12oz$64.00
Angus Skirt Steak
USDA prime, creekstone (gf)
- 10oz$42.00
Mishima Ultra New York
american wagyu, washington (gf)
- 12oz$75.00
Bone In Ribeye
USDA prime (gf)
- 20oz$65.00
Snake River Farms 'Eye of the Ribeye'
american wagyu, washington (gf)
- 12oz$72.00
38 Days Dry Aged New York
USDA prime (gf)
- 14oz$70.00
Pacific Swordfish
tasman sea, new zealand (gf)
- 8oz$38.00
Verlasso Salmon
chilean patagonia (gf)
- 8oz$37.00
Double Cut Pork Chop
(gf)
- 16oz$48.00
Australian Rack of Lamb
(gf)
- 16oz$55.00
Sauces$2.00
bearnaise, lemon beurre blanc, red wine demi, chimichurri, herbed pesto butter, garlic-chili pepper
Toppings$4.00
bleu cheese (gf*), caramelized onions (gf), madeira mushrooms (gf), crab meat (gf), au poivre style cognac peppercorn sauce & oyster mushrooms (gf)

Any Turf Can Surf

Four Garlic-Herb Prawns$19.00
(gf)
Cold Water Lobster Tail
(gf)
- 8oz
Oscar Style$28.00
lump crab, asparagus, bearnaise (gf)
Two Scallops$24.00
(gf)

Sides for the Table

Grilled Asparagus$14.00
lemon (gf,v)
Southern Style Creamed Corn$14.00
Sharp Cheddar Mac 'n Cheese$14.00
chili fried onions, pork belly (v*)
Madeira Braised Mushrooms$14.00
(gf,v)
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes$12.00
(gf,v)
Baked Potato$11.00
butter, sour cream, chives (gf,v)
Shallot, Blue Cheese & Rosemary Fries$10.00
garlic aioli (v)
Crispy Brussels Sprouts$10.00
balsamic fig glaze, flberts (v)
Twice Baked Potato$28.00
for two or more, with lobster, bacon, scallions, aged cheddar (gf)

What 6,970 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Steakhouse
San Diego
Steakhouse

Sort by

Filters

L
Laraw
Phoenix
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite place to come to celebrate special occasions! Best food and service any where in San Diego! Island Prime is the best!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, the staff, the view. Everything is remarkable here.
C
Cindy
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ribeye was very tender and tasty. I came back just because of it. I’ve tried many other ribeyes at multiple restaurants and prime island has the best. I will definitely come again not just for the steak but also for the excellent service!
DC
DeonC
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful location and the food and service was great! I highly recommend this place.
m
marc123
Los Angeles
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall2food3service1ambience5
Nice ambiance and friendly staff but horrible service. The waiter was a no show most of the night, never checked on us, forgot our drinks, and was completely inattentive. We sat with an empty bottle of water throughout dinner and it was impossible to flag anyone down. He brought me my drink with the bill 1.5 hours after I ordered it.
DM
DanielM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience5
Everything was great but the service from the server was not that great. My partner and I felt discriminated due to the fact that we were Hispanic and he was white.
EL
ELIZABETHD
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience5
The best part about Island Prime is the view (STUNNING!) and the service. I hate putting low stars because it makes it seem like the service is bad, and it was amazing. Love the staff so much. I just have been to many steak houses, and this was very disappointing food wise. I got three sides, and all were bad. I didn't get past two bites of any of them. The seafood was good, not great and I have had much much better steaks. My favorite thing was their Ceasar salad. The view is almost unmatched though. The money was a lot, but the view was so cool.
ND
NancyDrew
San Diego
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
Restaurant was a little dark inside. The kids filet mignon was more of a beef nugget about two inches in diameter- a pretty sad sight for my son who was wondering where the rest of his meal was. The basket of fries that accompanied the tiny steak was really good. The fish of the day was delicious. The filet trio was cooked nicely. The blue cheese on top of one filet was very overwhelming. The mushroom topped one was very good. The crabbed topped was ok, nothing special - I was hoping for something more luxurious. The popovers were hot and tasty. The views were stunning.
AC
AlejandroC
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding
M
Mick
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a nice table with a beautiful view of the city lights! Our server, Seth, was great and made our night perfect. The food was top notch, I got the filet and my husband got the rib eye. Prices are high but this was a special occasion and the food, service, and ambiance was wonderful!
NK
NancyK
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and delicious food prepared as requested.
KJ
KJ15
Hawaii
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoy Island Prime, the food is fantastic. Jake is the best waiter so we always ask for his section. We will head there again soon. Thanks..
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
It was a good time. Asked for a window seat with a view. Get seated by a window with a big wooded slate blocking everything. She was going to seat us at a perfect round table then moved us. I was kind of disappointed. Our server was wonderful.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing and the view was also.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Courtney was awesome! And the hostess was as awesome in getting the best table in the place!
MS
MSL74
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
Had the dry aged steak. No flavor. Needed to add sauce to the steak but really wasnt given the option unless stated. Figured steak with no sauce would have at least the typical steak spices (salt and pepper at a minimum). Nothing on the steak.
HK
HeatherK
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I normally order filet mignon and lobster. I opted for the filet trio with lobster but was rather disappointed in the 3 filets. Not the usual amazing flavor even with the special toppings on each. The lump crab was flavorless and tasted like it came out of the can. The filet was so so. I don’t add salt to meat but I had to this time. Also, lobster bisque usually has some small pieces of lobster but this time there was none. Flavor was good though.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Oklahoma City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful meal, service and view.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very great service, everyone was kind and respectful. Food was amazing and served quickly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brother and sister in laws 43 rd anniversary!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Recommend! Overall a really good night, atmosphere and delicious food. Not cheap but not too expensive given the quality and location/view. I recommend the steak, house bread and octopus. All good!
S
Spiderman
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife & I had another OUTSTANDING MEAL. We ordered the Tomahawk Steak special. The steak, mashed potatoes, veggies, & bread were TASTY & GREAT. The Island Prime Staff was EXTREMELY FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT & COURTEOUS. A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our server Seth K! Seth took care of us like we were royalty.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
Terrible service and food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Birthday celebration. My tuna was overly seasoned and just tasted like pepper. My husband fish was bland and the best part of the meal was the Brie appetizer.
JS
JenS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Tomahawk steak was delicious! The view of the Harbor and downtown skyline is amazing.
J
John
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for special occasions. Staff super friendly and competent.
SC
SarahC
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been here quite a few times and it never gets old. Excellent food and exemplary service! And spectacular views!
R
Richard
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Service is excellent and the window seat was perfect. The swordfish steak did not taste fresh.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great! We would come back to San Diego just to dine here again.
ND
NgocD
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service, food and the view of the water was really good
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and dining experience. Food is amazing and so is the service.
u
urodoc
San Diego
54 reviews
vip
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had a wonderful birthday dinner, as always. The only downside was the couple of bad oysters, but the restaurant took care of us when we brought it to their attention. Island Prime is our go-to restaurant and never disappoints.
GM
GenMoose
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The service and food were excellent the view was stunning with all the colorful lights reflecting off the water. We ate inside it was very cold everyone needed a coat and still cold. that was a one off usually perfect.
JC
JosephC
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service, the food was delicious. Tables could be separated some, a bit noisy for a anniversary dinner.
TD
TerryD
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
This is consistently a good place to eat. My friend from out of town thought the prices were comparable to where he was from in the midwest. I had the catch of the Day which was delightful and had a lot of other goodies with it.
p
petem
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food and ambiance. Cannot beat the view
A
Alex
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Fancy place and fancy view that goes with fancy prices... But the food originality/test does not worth the money.
TD
TomD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service, had window seating with great views.
RF
RibeyeFan
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Overall the evening was as close to perfect as possible. We were seated within minutes of checking in and the window table we got had views all around. The table was 9/10. Food 9/10. Service 10/10. Ambiance 10/10. Lamb chops are a must for anyone looking for out of the way experience. Those not so daring should stick with the rib eye - best I’ve ever had from any fine dining in San Diego. Don’t add any of the side sauces. They are good, however the meats are best eaten as is. For sides go with roasted veges.
CS
CalebS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had a great experience at island prime. We will definitely make it a tradition to come back on our anniversary. The workers were very kind and courteous. It was definitely way nicer than I could have imagined.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Island Prime is rated 4.7 stars by 6970 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 74 times today

Experiences are available.

880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Cross street
Harbor Island Dr
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Steakhouse, Unspecified, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet parking is unavailable at this time.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Deborah Scott
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime?y_source=1_MTU2Njg3OTYtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Phone number
(619) 298-6802
Private party facilities
Private dining room for up to 65 guests, with waterfront views.
Private party contact
JoAnn Salem: (619) 298-6802 ext. 204

Island Prime

Make a reservation

Additional information

The Best Steakhouse Restaurants in San Diego

The Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego

Lovers Menu

Steak Frites

Center Cut Filet Mignon

Lobster Bisque

Starters

Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell$48.00

Ahi Crab & Avocado Stack$23.00

Prawn Cocktail$24.00

Spicy Korean Style Steak Tartare$24.00

Island Prime's Seafood Platter

Chesapeake Bay Style Crab Cakes$25.00

Lobster Bisque$16.00

Chef Deb's Pepita & Sesame Crusted Brie$18.00

Calamari 'Katsu'$19.00

Charred Octopus$22.00

From the Garden

California Burrata & Roasted Beets$18.00

Organic Baby Greens$14.00

Caesar Salad$15.00

Iceberg Wedge$14.00

Chef Deborah's Compositions

Local Catch$43.00

Island Prime Filet Trio$60.00

Seared Atlantic Scallops$46.00

Black Garlic Seared Tuna$44.00

Shrimp & Caviar Angel Hair$42.00

Chicken 'Under a Brick'$38.00

Roasted Eggplant$36.00

From the Market

Center Cut Filet Mignon

Angus Skirt Steak

Mishima Ultra New York

Bone In Ribeye

Snake River Farms 'Eye of the Ribeye'

38 Days Dry Aged New York

Pacific Swordfish

Verlasso Salmon

Double Cut Pork Chop

Australian Rack of Lamb

Sauces$2.00

Toppings$4.00

Any Turf Can Surf

Four Garlic-Herb Prawns$19.00

Cold Water Lobster Tail

Oscar Style$28.00

Two Scallops$24.00

Sides for the Table

Grilled Asparagus$14.00

Southern Style Creamed Corn$14.00

Sharp Cheddar Mac 'n Cheese$14.00

Madeira Braised Mushrooms$14.00

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes$12.00

Baked Potato$11.00

Shallot, Blue Cheese & Rosemary Fries$10.00

Crispy Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Twice Baked Potato$28.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Island Prime restaurant rated?

Is Island Prime currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Steakhouse Restaurants in San Diego

The Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego