San Diego may be associated more with spicy Mexican influenced dishes than cuts of steak, but this city does not disappoint in either quality or quantity of restaurants showcasing beef. I’ve managed to slice and dice until I’ve come up with the following list of the best steak houses in San Diego winners. Whichever one you choose, you’ll have a winning night of dining.
Here’s the List of the Best Steakhouses in San Diego
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
1250 Prospect St.
La Jolla
Since their beef is aged no less than 21 days and it is all USDA Prime, Donovan’s is one of San Diego’s top steak houses. Whether you are looking for a rib-eye chop tipping the scales at 24-ounces or feeling like dining light with a petite filet, you can find it here. They only have a token offering of seafood but have a fine selection of salads and side dishes to round out your meal.
Gaslamp Strip Club
340 Fifth Ave.
San Diego
For a real change of pace, the Gaslamp is the hotspot place for you. If you’re looking for a San Diego sports bar or Gentleman’s Club, this is definitely not it!
The Gaslamp is a combination 21 and over martini bar and grill your own steakhouse. You read that right, you cook your own steak here. First select your own raw steak, next gather with other patrons at one of their central grills, then follow the posted directions if you want or need to, finally you’ll be able to enjoy your dinner cooked by yourself. Sure does add an element of sociability that could be fun. Be sure to select a classic martini to complete the experience.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
285 J St.
San Diego
The San Diego location of this respected national chain is across from the convention center and by the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown. Choose from a classic such as Filet Diane or perhaps a healthy New York Strip is more to your liking. With an extensive, quality menu, business people choose Morton’s to impress and any tourist can enjoy their sophisticated happy hour.
Stake Chophouse & Bar
1309 Orange Ave. 2nd Floor
Coronado
For a steak experience of the highest caliber, it would be tough to find anyplace that does it better than Stake. With cutting-edge chef Tim Kolanko and sophisticated wine director Greg Majors, your food and beverage desires are exceeded. Specialties include a Snake River Farms Skirt steak, a selection of Wagyu beef, and all the cuts you would expect at a top-tier steak restaurant. Plan for a multi-course meal to enjoy all they have to offer.
West Steak & Seafood
4980 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad
Another chef-driven entree in my list of best steakhouses in San Diego is this north county establishment. Prime steaks that are super tender and wet-aged are offered including a 16-ounce bone-in filet. Their approach is to let the flavor of the meat speak for itself. With that in mind, only a little butter and a little sea salt are added to help bring out the natural flavors. The setting is modern, the service is professional level without pretentiousness which translates to a relaxing fine dining experience.
Island Prime
880 Harbor Island Drive
San Diego
With an indulgent interior of dark woods, sleek stone and plenty of glass, plus a location on the water with what is arguably the best view of the city and harbor, Island Prime is already a winner. The successful Cohn family showcases their steak house prowess with an international selection of Artisan Steaks. Filet Mignon from Nebraska, Australian Angus NY Strip, and Colorado Flat Iron are just a few beef selections from their full menu. Add a classic cocktail or tropical concoction to complement your meal and you’ll have a more than memorable evening…and one you’ll want to repeat soon.
San Diego is a great coastal city that gets better every year. Diverse and lively, tourists can have a fantastic vacation enjoying attractions, beaches, restaurants, and history in a tough to beat climate. When there and wanting a hearty meal, using my list of the best steak houses in San Diego won’t do you wrong.