8 Insanely Good California Steakhouses You Have to Try at Least Once

California’s food scene offers something for everyone, but steak lovers have it especially good. From the glitzy establishments of Beverly Hills to hidden gems along the coast, the Golden State serves up some of the most mouthwatering cuts of beef in the country. These nine steakhouses represent the absolute best California has to offer, combining exceptional meat quality with unforgettable dining experiences.

1. Queensview Steakhouse – Long Beach

Perched high above Long Beach Harbor, Queensview Steakhouse offers stunning ocean views that complement their premium aged beef. The restaurant’s elegant maritime atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for savoring their signature bone-in ribeye.

Executive chefs prepare each cut with meticulous attention, searing steaks at scorching temperatures to lock in flavors. Their seafood towers make excellent starters, featuring fresh catches from nearby waters.

Regulars rave about the tableside Caesar salad preparation and the extensive wine list featuring California vintages. For special occasions, request a window table during sunset for an unforgettable golden-hour dining experience.

2. Porterhouse – El Segundo

Hidden in an unassuming El Segundo neighborhood, Porterhouse has become a sanctuary for serious steak enthusiasts. The restaurant’s namesake cut—a magnificent 24-ounce behemoth—arrives at your table with a perfectly charred crust and buttery interior that practically melts on your tongue.

Unpretentious yet refined, the dining room balances masculine wood elements with comfortable seating designed for lingering meals. Their cocktail program deserves special mention for classic preparations with modern twists.

What truly sets Porterhouse apart is their aging process—steaks dry-age in-house for up to 45 days in specially designed rooms. The resulting concentration of flavor creates a steak experience that’s simply unforgettable.

3. Alexander’s Steakhouse – Pasadena

Japanese influence meets prime American beef at this upscale Pasadena establishment. Alexander’s has perfected the art of fusion dining, incorporating subtle Asian techniques and ingredients that elevate their premium cuts to extraordinary heights.

The restaurant’s signature Wagyu program showcases rare Japanese beef alongside domestic prime options. Each steak arrives with artistic presentation—often adorned with edible flowers, specialty salts, and house-made sauces that complement rather than overwhelm.

Sommelier-guided wine pairings make every meal an educational experience. The hamachi shots appetizer has gained cult status among regulars, while their cotton candy finale—complimentary with every meal—adds a playful touch to serious culinary craftsmanship.

4. Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse – Los Angeles

Downtown LA’s power lunch scene centers around Nick + Stef’s, where politicians and entertainment executives broker deals over perfectly cooked prime beef. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping city views, while the interior’s sleek design creates an atmosphere of understated luxury.

The restaurant’s on-site dry-aging room allows guests to select their exact cut upon arrival. Their bone marrow butter—an optional addition to any steak—has become legendary among LA food enthusiasts.

Accessibility sets Nick + Stef’s apart from other high-end steakhouses. Located near major venues like the Staples Center, it’s the perfect pre-show dining destination. Their happy hour program offers smaller portions of signature dishes at more approachable prices.

5. House of Prime Rib – San Francisco

Walking into House of Prime Rib feels like stepping back to a time when dinner was an event, not just a meal. This San Francisco institution has served perfectly roasted prime rib from gleaming silver carts since 1949, maintaining traditions that have earned fierce loyalty from generations of diners.

The menu is refreshingly straightforward—prime rib in various cuts and sizes, accompanied by classic sides like creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding. Meat carvers in traditional uniforms slice each portion tableside with theatrical flair.

Securing a reservation requires planning weeks in advance, especially for weekends. The restaurant’s enduring popularity speaks to its consistency—many servers have worked here for decades, and the recipes remain unchanged from the original owner’s specifications.

6. Hitching Post – Casmalia

Made famous by the movie “Sideways,” this Central Coast gem puts a distinctly Californian spin on steakhouse traditions. Located in tiny Casmalia near Santa Maria, Hitching Post grills their steaks over red oak fires using techniques that date back to early Spanish ranchers.

The rustic, ranch-house setting creates an unpretentious atmosphere where vineyard workers dine alongside wine tourists. Their signature Santa Maria tri-tip—a cut that originated in this region—offers a completely different experience from conventional steakhouse fare.

The restaurant produces its own wines specifically designed to pair with their oak-grilled meats. Family-owned for generations, the welcoming staff treat first-timers like returning friends, often sharing stories about the building’s history as a stagecoach stop in the 1800s.

7. The Ranch Restaurant – Anaheim

Beyond Disneyland’s shadow lies this sophisticated Anaheim steakhouse where farm-to-table isn’t just marketing—it’s reality. The Ranch grows many ingredients on their own three-acre farm, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every dish.

Certified Angus Beef and American Wagyu cuts receive precise cooking in a 1,800-degree broiler, developing perfect caramelization while maintaining juicy interiors. The restaurant’s western-elegant decor features hand-tooled leather, original artwork, and sophisticated lighting that flatters both the food and the diners.

After dinner, guests can move to the adjacent saloon for live country music and dancing. Their private wine cellar dining room, housing over 14,000 bottles, offers the ultimate special occasion experience with customized tasting menus paired with rare vintages.

8. Mastro’s Steakhouse – Beverly Hills

Celebrity sightings are practically guaranteed at this Beverly Hills landmark where Hollywood royalty celebrates career milestones over extravagant seafood towers and massive tomahawk steaks. The dimly lit interior creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and glamour that perfectly captures the essence of high-end Los Angeles dining.

Mastro’s butter cake—a seemingly simple dessert that’s developed cult status—provides a sweet finale to meals that often begin with their signature warm butter brioche. Piano music fills the main dining room, while private areas offer discretion for high-profile guests.

The service style balances attentiveness with respect for privacy, a combination that’s particularly valued by the entertainment industry elite who frequent the restaurant. Their martinis arrive dramatically smoking with dry ice—perfect for Instagram moments.