Steakhouses aren’t just about the food. There’s a whole vibe that goes into creating the experience, from the decor to the cocktails to the sides and yes, of course, the meat. It’s not that hard to cook a steak at home, so if you’re going to spend the time, money, and effort to have someone else make one for you, then where are the steakhouses in San Diego that deliver the whole package? Luckily for us, there are quite a few. When you’re ready to sink your teeth into a slab of beef, here are some of the best steakhouses to consider.
Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop
Is Cowboy Star the best steakhouse in San Diego? It depends on who you ask, but a large portion of the local population are very likely to vote yes. Yes, the steaks are world-class, but so are the appetizers (especially the woodfired mussels and steak tartare), salads (if you aren’t ordering a wedge, are you even at a steakhouse?), and desserts (it’s a toss up between the banana pudding and chocolate chip bread pudding. Or just get both).
When it comes to the steak itself, go for any of the dry-aged options. You’ll quickly taste the difference. Want to try your hand at replicating the experience at home? Their butcher shop is open every day with plenty of prime meat, sides, and desserts ready for takeaway.
640 Tenth Avenue, East Village
Rare Society
I’ve heard Rare Society called the best value for the best steak in town, and I’m inclined to agree. It’s far from inexpensive, but rest assured you get what you pay for, and the proof lies in the first bite. As part of chef Brad Wise’s Trust Restaurant Group—along with Fort Oak, Cardellino, and The Wise Ox—Rare Society is one of those places that consistently lives up to the hype and sets the standard for other similar concepts around town. I strongly recommend coming in for dinner with a group—the shareable steak boards are a great way to sample a few different cuts of meat to find your new favorite.
4130 Park Blvd., University Heights | 330 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach
Born & Raised
If your goal is both to eat a great meal and take plenty of pictures of it, then Born & Raised is for you. Like all CH Projects’ restaurants, the Art Deco-inspired ambiance hovers somewhere between merely ostentatious and absurdly over-the-top opulent. Their myriad of tableside service options add to the inescapable theatricality of the experience, but the dim lighting does make it difficult to document said flourishes without assistance.
But rather than bringing a (very annoying) ring light for the perfect pic, just focus on the food. Get the bread, potato puree, mac & cheese, Caesar salad, and steak of your choice. (Or the roasted chicken—it’s surprisingly great.) Skip the dry-dirty hashbrowns. Save room for gold leafed, seven-layer carrot cake. Consider yourself #influenced.
1909 India Street, Little Italy
The Remy
Blink and you’ll miss the exit to The Remy, which is (nearly) hidden in a quiet corner of Mission Valley just east of Old Town. But the building is no stranger to steaks—The Remy opened in the former Hunter Steakhouse space in 2023 after a huge renovation. The result? Lots of antler chandeliers and an impressive stone fireplace flanked by a taxidermied mountain goat.
The menu may sport a hip font, but the plates remain classic as ever, with plenty of chops to choose from and a good variety for happy hour and lunch as well. If you do go for lunch, get the prime rib sandwich. Or whatever you want. I’m not your mom. Just a gal who loves prime rib.
2445 Hotel Circle Place, Mission Valley
Huntress
Steak, whiskey, and music are the three cornerstones of Huntress, and they mesh with each other in perfect harmony. The space is posh, but not sterile, and the unique menu pulls in lots of Asian influence, like XO glazed prawns, glazed pork belly, and koji halibut. It’s easy to customize your meal (and stick to a budget) with plenty of optional add-ons like bone marrow butter, lobster tails, and typical steakhouse sides like whipped potato puree. If you’re looking to pair drinks with food, try the whiskey flights.
376 Fifth Avenue, Downtown
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Both San Diego locations of Eddie V’s are temples to the church of surf n’ turf. Their La Jolla location has been open since 2011 and Seaport Village since 2014, but the concept has been around since 2000 when the first one opened in Texas.
In the 10+ years they’ve operated in San Diego, Eddie V’s has proven itself to be a reliable, if not old-school steakhouse destination with the requisite offerings—great steak, fresh seafood, and good service. Their happy hour menus are quite robust as well, with good deals on sandwiches, appetizers, cocktails, and more. For dinner, stick to wine. The sommeliers will deftly steer you in the right direction.
789 W Harbor Drive, Seaport Village | 1270 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Cafe La Maze
As the one of the oldest restaurants in San Diego, part of Cafe La Maze’s appeal is nostalgia. But that’s not the only reason it’s stayed open since 1941. Restaurants come and go, but community gathering spaces that facilitate friends, fellowship, and food remain. Cafe La Maze is one of these places. It’s the type of place locals go for birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, or just dinner. It’s familiar. It’s comfortable. It has prime rib. What’s not to adore?
1441 Highland Avenue, National City
Steak 48
When Steak 48 opened in Del Mar last year, food critic Troy Johnson wrote, “steakhouse glamour is revived and remixed.” It’s as true today as it was then. Steak 48 is definitely glamorous—it’s still Del Mar, after all—but not quite “do I have to wear Louboutins to fit in here” level. It’s more like “I’ll have another glass of Champagne” and “how much butter did I just ingest?” (It’s probably a lot.)
The menu is as sprawling as the interior, with options for seemingly every inclination. Of course there is plenty of steak, but there are also quite a few salads, sides, seafood options, yes, a lot of Scotch. It can all feel a bit overwhelming, but just close your eyes and focus on the meat. Everything will be all right.
12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar
