Best Steak Restaurants in University Heights

55 restaurants available nearby

1. Animae

4.8

Exceptional(3189)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 60 times today

Dive into the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego at Animae, where renowned Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a sublime fusion of West Coast and Asian cuisines. This gem stands out for its "eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences," brought to life in a traditional coal-fired oven. Guests rave about the "elevated Filipino food" and dishes like the "crab fried rice cooked perfectly" and "short rib kare kare that just fell off the bone." The ambiance is consistently praised, with a decor that feels like "an old theatre" and an atmosphere perfect for any celebration. Animae is not just a meal; it's an experience where every dish promises a journey through exquisite flavors and innovative culinary craftsmanship.

2. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4126)

Price: Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 104 times today

Seneca, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a splendid Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Roman simplicity and culinary excellence. The restaurant brilliantly merges traditional Roman cooking techniques with San Diego's rich ingredient palette, creating a "True Roman Holiday in SD." Diners consistently praise its authentic Italian offerings, with one visitor remarking, "Visiting from Italy, good food selection and octopus tasted beautifully :)." The atmosphere is equally lauded, from its stunning downtown harbor views to its vibrant ambiance, making every visit memorable. Whether celebrating special occasions or enjoying a casual meal, Seneca stands out as a top choice for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

3. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2515)

Price: Moderate

• Steak • North Park

Booked 16 times today

At Et Voilà! French Bistro in North Park, San Diego, steak lovers are in for a treat. This vibrant neighborhood bistro not only captures the essence of French culinary tradition but elevates it with Chef Vincent Viale’s modern twist on classics, including the celebrated Steak Frites. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of the steak, describing it as "always outstanding" and a highlight of their dining experience. The steak's preparation, which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, ensures a freshness that can be tasted in every bite. One diner enthused, "Many of the other guests loved their flank steak and fries." It's no wonder that Et Voilà! is often recommended for those seeking not just a meal, but an authentic French culinary experience right in the heart of San Diego.

4. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4725)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 46 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant

5. Brigantine at Portside Pier

4.7

Exceptional(4186)

Price: Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 90 times today

Located in the bustling heart of Downtown San Diego, Brigantine at Portside Pier is celebrated for its exceptional Steakhouse cuisine, harmoniously blending San Diego’s surf spirit with exquisite turf fare. Patrons rave about the "always amazing" food, where the classic filet mignon shines alongside local favorites like the marinated grilled swordfish. The ambiance and service are consistently highlighted in glowing reviews, with guests noting the "beautiful view" and "great service" as perfect complements to the mouth-watering dishes. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual meal, Brigantine at Portside Pier stands out as a culinary beacon in San Diego, offering a taste of local flavor paired with world-class steakhouse offerings.

6. Island Prime

4.6

Exceptional(8319)

Price: Moderate

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 44 times today

Island Prime, perched on stilts atop San Diego Bay with breathtaking views of the city skyline, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Diners consistently rave about the exceptional quality of the food, noting it as the "best steak I have ever had" and celebrating the "delicious" and "flavorful" meals. The ambiance at Island Prime enhances every visit, making it an ideal spot for special occasions, as one guest highlighted, "the view and ambiance are awesome." From celebrating anniversaries to hosting wedding dinners, guests are treated to top-notch service and a memorable atmosphere, making every meal at Island Prime a standout experience.

7. ARLO San Diego

4.3

Awesome(748)

Price: Moderate

• Steak • Mission Valley

Booked 10 times today

At ARLO San Diego, located in the vibrant Mission Valley, the steak cuisine is a testament to culinary excellence. This award-winning destination, celebrated for its "divinely decadent" Wagyu meatloaf and perfectly tender steaks, ensures every meat lover's dream is fulfilled. Guests rave about the quality, with one diner mentioning, "The steak was cooked exactly how asked, and was juicy and perfectly tender." The use of fresh, local ingredients elevates each dish, providing an authentic and memorable dining experience. Whether it's a casual meal or a large group gathering, ARLO's commitment to top-notch cuisine and its quirky, inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone craving expertly crafted steak in San Diego.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant

8. Fogo de Chao - San Diego

4.1

Excellent(3808)

Price: Moderate

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 79 times today

Dive into the authentic Brazilian flavor at Fogo de Chão in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Celebrated for its traditional churrasco cooking style that dates back centuries, Fogo de Chão offers an endless parade of high-quality meats, carved right at your table by expert gauchos. Patrons rave about the "never-ending selection of beef, sausages, etc. until you tap out" and the "meat so tender, it practically melted in my mouth." Whether it's a family celebration or a special occasion, guests consistently laud the "top-notch service" and the vibrant atmosphere. Experience the rich culinary heritage of Brazil with every bite at Fogo de Chão, where the journey of flavor is both a discovery and a celebration.

A photo of Bully's East Prime Bistro Sports Bar restaurant

9. Bully's East Prime Bistro Sports Bar

4.5

Awesome(1415)

Price: Moderate

• Steak • Mission Valley

Booked 11 times today

Bully's East Prime Bistro Sports Bar, nestled in the heart of Mission Valley, San Diego, is more than just a place to catch a game—it's a culinary haven for steak lovers. Celebrated for its exceptional Steakhouse cuisine, Bully’s East serves up USDA Choice, Midwestern, corn-fed, aged beef, ensuring each cut, from the prime rib to the filet mignon, is succulent and rich in flavor. Praised as the "best place in San Diego for prime rib," this establishment offers a warm, mahogany-toned ambiance that complements its mouthwatering dishes. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked prime rib" and "the best I’ve ever had" French onion soup. With over 45 years of tradition, Bully's East continues to impress both locals and visitors, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a top-notch steakhouse experience.

10. Huntress

4.6

Exceptional(787)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 25 times today

Huntress, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a vibrant and modern steakhouse experience that is unmatched. Known for serving "the tastiest steak I ever had at a restaurant," as one diner raved, Huntress specializes in high-quality cuts like the Australian Wagyu and the Bone-In Ribeye, which are seasoned to perfection. The ambiance is enhanced by a selection of Japanese whisky and a lively atmosphere where music uplifts every culinary delight. Patrons consistently praise not only the steak but also the "knowledgeable" staff and the "amazing" overall dining experience. Whether it's the impeccable service or the finely crafted dishes, Huntress promises a memorable steak dining adventure that keeps guests returning for more.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Miranda
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wow what an amazing place with amazing food and amazing staff. They really know how to vet and train the staff here. I was throughly impressed. Our host taking us to our seats said something so thoughtful it nearly melted my heart. I commented on him having to work for Thanksgiving and he said yeah well they gave us food for Thanksgiving and it is so delicious so I’m pretty grateful for that and I was just like oh my god what a sweetie!
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Island PrimePrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
J
Jocelyn
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My friends and I love Seneca, we keep going back to this place every time we hang out. The pizzas and pastas are so yummy!! We’ve tried a few things from the menu and there hasn’t been one we didn’t like. They have a good variety of pizzas, pastas and appetizers. They have good mocktails too, the cucumber is my favorite! And I don’t drink alcohol so I haven’t had any cocktails but from what I’ve heard those are good too! The staff has always been super friendly and welcoming and the view is breathtaking! I highly recommend giving this place a try! 🙂
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SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.7
E
Edwin
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food (kare kare, tocino, tuna crispy rice, wagyu rice, cesar salad, ube dessert) and drink (the malarky) was all great. Service (Lelani?) was excellent. And really, i expected it to be all great for the prices they charge. And they really delivered.
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AnimaePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
A
Ana & Hectorvip
Orange County •68 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Delicious dinner with a beautiful view. The filet mignon is always delicious and they had a lobster tail and filet special on my wife's birthday. And the mud pie for dessert finished our dinner perfectly 👌.
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Brigantine at Portside PierPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.7
B
Barryvip
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great service and seating around the chef counter was a bonus. You can see all the cooking action right in front of you. The wagyu carpaccio was the highlight of the night. It just melts in your mouth. The organic pear salad was also great for sharing. However the aged duck breast and the dry-aged bone in ribeye had some tendons and chewy parts that is unable to swallow.
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.9

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University Heights

Steak

Best Steak Restaurants in University Heights

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Award-winning

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55 restaurants available nearby

1. Animae

2. Seneca

3. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4. Cowboy Star

5. Brigantine at Portside Pier

6. Island Prime

7. ARLO San Diego

8. Fogo de Chao - San Diego

9. Bully's East Prime Bistro Sports Bar

10. Huntress

See what locals rave about

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