8 California Steakhouses Visitors Can’t Get Enough Of & 8 That Locals Say Truly Stand Out
California isn’t just about avocados and wine country. It’s also home to some of the best steakhouses in America. Across the state, you’ll find sizzling prime rib, melt-in-your-mouth Japanese wagyu, and dining rooms that turn a simple meal into an experience.
From San Francisco to Palm Springs, these 16 spots prove that when it comes to steak, the Golden State knows how to do it right.
1. House of Prime Rib – San Francisco’s Meat Palace
Walking into this Van Ness Avenue institution feels like stepping back in time. The vintage carts roll tableside where servers carve succulent prime rib with theatrical flair.
Reservations are practically mandatory and often booked weeks in advance. The menu remains refreshingly simple – it’s all about that prime rib, aged 21 days and roasted in rock salt for maximum flavor.
2. CUT by Wolfgang Puck – Beverly Hills Elegance
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s modern steakhouse inside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel attracts Hollywood’s elite for good reason. The sleek, contemporary space serves as backdrop to a global beef program featuring Japanese A5 wagyu.
Guests rave about the bone marrow flan starter before diving into perfectly seared steaks. The service matches the Michelin-recognized cuisine – attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being pretentious.
3. Mastro’s Ocean Club – Malibu’s Surf and Turf Heaven
Perched along PCH with breathtaking ocean views, Mastro’s combines the best of land and sea. I celebrated my anniversary here last year and still dream about their butter cake dessert.
Weekend brunch adds a delightful dimension to the usual steakhouse experience. The seafood tower appetizer pairs perfectly with their signature steaks, while the sound of crashing waves provides nature’s soundtrack to an already memorable meal.
4. BOA Steakhouse – West Hollywood’s Celebrity Hotspot
The Sunset Strip location serves as both dining destination and see-and-be-seen social hub. Floor-to-ceiling windows and modern decor create a distinctly LA vibe unlike traditional dark-wood steakhouses.
Their signature tableside Caesar salad preparation starts meals with flair. The prime and A5 selections receive perfect char marks from 1800-degree broilers, while their gouda mac and cheese side has developed its own cult following among regulars.
5. Born & Raised – San Diego’s Art Deco Marvel
Little Italy’s crown jewel combines Gatsby-era glamour with modern culinary techniques. The rooftop seating area offers spectacular city views while the interior dining rooms showcase meticulous craftsmanship.
My brother-in-law, a notorious food critic, declared their dry-aged tomahawk the best he’d ever tasted. Their tableside martini service turns cocktail hour into performance art, with bartenders mixing drinks with dramatic flair right at your table.
6. Selanne Steak Tavern – Laguna Beach’s Coastal Gem
Hockey legend Teemu Selanne’s upscale steakhouse occupies a charming cottage on South Coast Highway. The renovated 1934 home creates an intimate atmosphere across multiple dining areas.
Their Lord Stanley cut – a massive 38-oz wagyu tomahawk – pays homage to the owner’s NHL career.
Wine enthusiasts appreciate the 2,750+ bottle selection curated to complement their exceptional steaks, with knowledgeable sommeliers guiding perfect pairings.
7. Cole’s Chop House – Napa’s Wine Country Steakhouse
Located in downtown Napa, this classic chophouse occupies a historic stone building dating back to 1886. Their 21-day dry-aged USDA Prime beef develops incredible flavor and tenderness that locals consistently praise.
The wine list naturally emphasizes local Napa Valley selections. Their steak tartare preparation has remained unchanged for decades – a testament to perfection needing no improvement – while their bone-in ribeye pairs magnificently with bold Cabernets.
8. Mr. Lyons Steakhouse – Palm Springs’ Retro Supper Club
Stepping through the doors feels like entering a 1960s time capsule. The mint-green booths, brass accents, and palm-print wallpaper create a distinctly Palm Springs atmosphere that captures the city’s mid-century modern charm.
Their martinis arrive ice-cold and potent – just as they should be. I once sat next to a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary who told me they’d been coming here since their first date.
The Prime cuts receive minimal seasoning, letting the exceptional beef quality speak for itself.
9. Harris’ Restaurant – San Francisco’s Jazz-Infused Experience
Locals skip the tourist spots and head to this Van Ness Avenue institution for live jazz and expertly prepared steaks. The lounge area fills nightly with regulars sipping classic martinis while enjoying the music.
Their dry-aged Midwestern beef undergoes a proprietary aging process. The restaurant’s old-school charm extends to tableside preparations of steak diane and bananas foster, performed with the confident precision that comes from decades of practice.
10. Niku Steakhouse – San Francisco’s Wagyu Wonderland
This Michelin-starred SoMa gem focuses almost exclusively on rare Japanese wagyu cuts. The open kitchen design lets diners watch chefs work their magic over the custom-built charcoal grill.
Their A5 wagyu tasting flight offers an education in regional Japanese beef varieties. Servers explain the nuanced differences between prefectures with impressive knowledge.
The restaurant’s connection to an adjacent butcher shop ensures exceptional quality control and unique cuts rarely found elsewhere.
11. Arroyo Chop House – Pasadena’s Local Legend
Pasadena residents guard tables at this beloved local institution like precious gems. The all-USDA Prime program guarantees exceptional quality across every cut, with the bone-in ribeye receiving particular praise.
The polished atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between special occasion worthy and comfortable enough for regular visits.
My cousin, who moved away five years ago, still makes this her first stop whenever visiting family, claiming no steakhouse in her new city compares.
12. Cowboy Star – San Diego’s Butcher Shop Bonanza
East Village’s carnivore paradise combines a restaurant with an in-house butcher shop. The Western-themed decor feels authentic rather than kitschy, with leather chairs and ranch-inspired details creating a warm atmosphere.
Their wood-grilled steaks develop beautiful char while maintaining perfect doneness. Regulars often purchase additional cuts from the butcher counter to take home after dinner.
The knowledgeable staff can explain the specific ranch source for each steak on any given night.
13. Cattlemens – Rohnert Park’s Rustic Ranch Experience
Sonoma County locals bypass fancier options for this unpretentious ranch-style steakhouse. The hand-cut steaks and slow-roasted prime rib attract multi-generational families who’ve been coming for decades.
The Western decor features authentic ranch equipment and historical photos. Entrées come with “The Fixings” – all-you-can-eat salad, hot sourdough bread, and ranch-style beans, plus your choice of side – a nostalgic touch that regulars love.
The portions are genuinely enormous, with many guests taking home enough for next day’s lunch.
14. The Hitching Post II – Buellton’s Wine Country Favorite
Made famous by the movie “Sideways,” this Santa Barbara wine country institution stays packed with locals who were coming long before Hollywood discovered it.
The Santa Maria-style grilling method – using red oak wood – creates distinctive smoky flavors impossible to replicate.
I first visited after watching the film and have returned at least once yearly since. Their house pinot noir, featured prominently in the movie, pairs perfectly with their steaks.
The casual, comfortable atmosphere keeps wine country pretension firmly at bay.
15. The Hitching Post – Casmalia’s Historic Hideaway
The original Hitching Post location feels frozen in time since 1952. Locals treasure this Old-West setting where ranchers and winemakers sit side by side at the bar.
The oak-grilled steaks follow traditional Santa Maria barbecue methods, with beef cooked over red oak coals. Their quail appetizer has achieved legendary status among regulars.
The restaurant’s remote location adds to its charm – you’re dining where generations of Central Coast families have celebrated special occasions.
16. LG’s Prime Steakhouse – Palm Springs’ Desert Oasis
Desert residents consistently choose this locally-owned steakhouse over nearby chains. The Prime cuts receive expert treatment from seasoned chefs who understand that the difference between rare and medium-rare actually matters.
Their classic sides – creamed spinach, twice-baked potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms – complement rather than compete with the steaks. Many regulars have standing reservations on specific days of the month.
The wine list features both prestigious labels and hidden gems from the nearby Temecula Valley.