13 Steakhouses In San Francisco, California That Absolutely Get It Right

San Francisco may be known for its sourdough and seafood, but its steakhouse scene is just as impressive. From old-school spots dishing out classic prime rib to sleek, contemporary restaurants serving up luxurious Japanese wagyu, the Bay Area in California is a paradise for meat lovers.
Craving a perfectly seared steak or planning a night out to celebrate something big? These thirteen standout steakhouses know exactly how to deliver beef at its best.
1. House of Prime Rib: Where Tradition Meets Perfection

Stepping into House of Prime Rib feels like traveling back to a more elegant era. The tableside carving ritual alone is worth the months-long wait for reservations.
Their signature English-style prime rib, aged 21 days and roasted in rock salt, arrives juicy and tender. Pair it with one of their famously cold martinis and Yorkshire pudding for the full experience that keeps locals coming back decade after decade.
2. Harris’ Restaurant: Jazz-Infused Steak Paradise

Harris’ mesquite-grilled steaks create a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the live jazz floating through this Russian Hill institution. Their dry-aged Midwestern beef rests for precisely 21 days before meeting the grill.
The bartenders craft martinis strong enough to make even the most seasoned drinker take notice. With a nearly perfect 4.9-star rating on OpenTable, Harris’ consistently proves why it’s considered among San Francisco’s finest meat destinations.
3. Original Joe’s: North Beach’s Beloved Classic

Since 1937, Original Joe’s has been serving up slices of San Francisco history alongside their magnificent steaks. Their grilled New York strip and bone-in ribeye maintain the same quality that made them famous generations ago.
I still remember my grandfather telling stories about closing deals at the counter here in the 60s. The red leather booths and tuxedo-clad waiters create an atmosphere that feels authentically old-school without trying too hard.
This Italian-American institution remains the heart of North Beach’s dining scene.
4. The Brazen Head: Cow Hollow’s Hidden Gem

Blink and you’ll miss The Brazen Head’s unassuming entrance – and that’s exactly how locals prefer it. This cozy hideaway serves prime rib that rivals San Francisco’s most celebrated steakhouses, but without the fuss or inflated prices.
After 10pm, you’ll find chefs and bartenders from other restaurants unwinding here after their shifts. The intimate, dimly lit space feels like a private club where everyone eventually learns your name.
Their perfectly cooked steaks prove flashy decor isn’t necessary for exceptional dining.
5. John’s Grill: Dashiell Hammett’s Literary Landmark

John’s Grill has been feeding hungry San Franciscans since 1908, including detective writer Dashiell Hammett, who immortalized the restaurant in his novel “The Maltese Falcon.” The walls now display memorabilia celebrating this literary connection.
My first visit happened during a foggy evening that felt straight out of a noir film. Their straightforward steak-and-potatoes approach hasn’t changed in over a century, delivering reliable classics in a space that breathes history.
Sam Spade himself would still recognize the menu – and approve of the generous portions.
6. The Vault Steakhouse: Financial District’s Swanky Meat Haven

The Vault elevates the steakhouse experience with its refined underground setting and live piano music. Their inventive appetizers – like caviar-topped tater tots – demonstrate a playful creativity that continues throughout the menu.
The “choose-your-own” steak knife concept adds theatrical flair as servers present an array of blades for your selection. Dark wood paneling and leather seating create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously modern and timeless.
This Financial District gem manages to be both innovative and comfortingly familiar.
7. STK Steakhouse: High-Energy Dining With a Side of Nightlife

STK boldly reimagines the traditional steakhouse as a vibrant social experience. The Embarcadero location pulses with energy as DJs spin tracks that complement rather than overwhelm conversation.
Their menu balances trendy innovations with perfectly executed classics. The signature Parmesan truffle fries have developed a cult following among locals.
Unlike most steakhouses that lean heavily on masculine design elements, STK embraces a stylish, contemporary aesthetic that appeals to a younger, diverse crowd seeking quality meat with a side of atmosphere.
8. Mastro’s Steakhouse: Union Square’s Temple of Indulgence

Mastro’s understands that a great steak deserves equally impressive accompaniments. Their seafood tower appetizers create Instagram-worthy moments before the main course even arrives.
I once watched a server deliver their signature butter cake dessert to a neighboring table and immediately ordered one before my steak even arrived! The consistently high 4.6-star OpenTable ratings reflect their commitment to both quality and presentation.
Every detail, from the warm butter-brushed bread to the theatrical dry-ice desserts, contributes to a memorable experience.
9. Morton’s The Steakhouse: Time-Tested Excellence

Morton’s may be part of a national chain, but their Union Square location delivers distinctly San Francisco quality. Their prime-aged steaks arrive with a perfect sear that gives way to buttery-tender centers.
The service team operates with almost telepathic efficiency – water glasses never empty, and plates disappear the moment you finish. Their filet mignon consistently ranks among the city’s most perfectly prepared steaks.
The classic steakhouse atmosphere provides a comfortable backdrop for celebrations and business dinners alike.
10. Alexander’s Steakhouse: Where East Meets West

Alexander’s boldly fuses Japanese and American steakhouse traditions to create something entirely unique. A5 Japanese Wagyu selection rivals any in the country, with staff who can explain the nuances between regions and farms.
The hamachi shots starter – featuring raw yellowtail, truffle oil, and ponzu – exemplifies their cross-cultural approach. My birthday dinner here included a wagyu tasting flight that ruined me for ordinary steak forever.
Their SoMa location balances refined elegance with genuine warmth, making even wagyu novices feel welcome.
11. EPIC Steak: Waterfront Views Meet Prime Cuts

EPIC Steak offers something most San Francisco steakhouses can’t – breathtaking Bay Bridge views that rival the magnificent meat on your plate. Their seafood-meets-steak approach reflects the restaurant’s prime Embarcadero location.
The wood-fired grill imparts a subtle smokiness to their prime cuts. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the illuminated Bay Bridge, creating a dramatic backdrop for special occasions.
Chef Parke Ulrich brings his seafood expertise from sister restaurant Waterbar, ensuring the surf portions of any surf-and-turf combination maintain the same quality as their stellar steaks.
12. Niku Steakhouse: Binchotan Charcoal Magic

Niku Steakhouse approaches beef with near-religious reverence. Their open kitchen showcases chefs wielding binchotan charcoal – a traditional Japanese fuel that burns clean and hot – to coax maximum flavor from premium cuts.
A5 wagyu flight presents different Japanese prefectures side by side, creating an educational tasting experience. Reddit threads and Yelp reviews overflow with praise for their attentive service and meat expertise.
This SoMa newcomer has quickly established itself as a destination for serious carnivores seeking steak enlightenment.
13. Osso Steakhouse: Art Deco Elegance on Nob Hill

Osso Steakhouse combines Nob Hill sophistication with serious steak credentials. The striking black-and-white Art Deco interior creates a Gatsby-esque backdrop for their bone-in New York strips and massive tomahawk ribeyes.
Their signature bone marrow appetizer arrives with a tiny spoon for extracting every bit of rich, buttery goodness. Recently added to many “best steakhouse” lists, reservations have become increasingly difficult to secure.
The dramatic presentation of their dry-aged steaks – arriving on sizzling platters with aromatic herb butter – creates memorable moments for special occasions.