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Osso Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Osso Steakhouse
8.6
Classic Nob Hill steakhouse focused on bone-in, dry-aged cuts served in an art-deco room with white-tablecloth polish. Locals choose it for reliable execution, attentive service, and a proper martini with their ribeye.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in dry-aged porterhouse, Bone-in filet mignon, Creamed spinach
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Bone-in, dry-aged steaks carved and served with old-school finesse.
Who should go: Steak lovers seeking a polished night out
When to visit: Prime dinner hours; book weekends in advance
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, creamed spinach
Insider tip: Ask for a table facing California Street for a quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for around $15; limited metered street parking nearby, often challenging after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—jackets welcome but not required; dress shirts, slacks, or a polished dress are common.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing atmosphere but quiet enough to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime times are heavily booked.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though reservations are still recommended for business dining.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—side dishes like creamed spinach, potatoes, and salads provide reasonable options, but entrées are limited.
Vegan options: Very limited—may piece together a meal from sides, but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several steaks and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff accommodates requests and offers guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its art-deco setting, polished service, and refined steak program make it ideal for an impressive, intimate date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky; walk-ins may find limited bar seating, but prime tables are almost always booked in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—better suited to adults. Older teens with a taste for steak will be fine, but there are no kids’ menus or casual amenities.
Best For
Better for: Better for bone-in, dry-aged cuts in a classic setting with attentive, white-tablecloth service compared to trendier steakhouses.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a casual, family-style steak meal or a spot with broad vegetarian or vegan offerings.
Osso Steakhouse
8.6
Art Deco steakhouse on Nob Hill known for bone-in, dry-aged cuts and polished service. Locals book it for anniversaries and pre-Masonic shows; the wine list is deep and the sides are classic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-Aged Porterhouse (for two), Bone-In Ribeye, Creamed Spinach
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Top-of-Nob Hill, dry-aged, bone-in steaks with Art Deco flair.
Who should go: Couples celebrating with classic steakhouse ritual
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5–7pm for easier reservations
What to order: Porterhouse for two; bone-in ribeye; creamed spinach
Insider tip: Use the Masonic Garage next door and request a window two-top.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Masonic Garage next door offers convenient paid parking; limited street parking in Nob Hill is very competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—jackets and dresses are common; jeans acceptable if paired with dress shoes and a collared shirt.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing steakhouse energy, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; without one expect 45–75 minutes wait or no availability.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Osso is dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few sides and salads are available, but not a dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Very limited; expect to rely on side dishes like vegetables and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many steaks and sides are naturally gluten-free; servers can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a grand, classic setting to impress. The atmosphere leans upscale and works best for a date where you want to show effort.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays before 6pm, but weekends and peak hours almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best suited for adults. Older teens may be fine, but there are no kids’ menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion steaks with dramatic presentation and a top-tier wine list, in a setting more glamorous than casual competitors.
Skip if: You’re looking for a budget-friendly steakhouse, casual family dining, or robust vegetarian/vegan options.
Osso Steakhouse
8.6
Art Deco steakhouse atop Nob Hill known for dry-aged, bone-in cuts and polished, old-school service. Since 2013, it’s been a reliable choice for executive meals near the Masonic and the Fairmont with strong classic sides and a Wine Spectator-recognized list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Filet Mignon, Porterhouse “Osso Style”, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Dry-aged, bone-in steaks with classic San Francisco steakhouse polish.
Who should go: Execs and clients near Nob Hill hotels
When to visit: Early evening weekdays for smooth pacing
What to order: Bone-in filet, porterhouse Osso-style, creamed spinach
Insider tip: Use the Masonic Garage next door for easy parking access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Next-door Masonic Garage offers validated parking; valet not provided. Street parking on Nob Hill is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Business attire or smart casual; jackets and collared shirts fit well, though upscale jeans are acceptable with a blazer.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are possible at most tables, but peak dinner can get buzzy.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; strongly recommended to book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though prime noon slots may fill.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—salads, sides like creamed spinach and potatoes, and a few appetizers.
Vegan options: Very limited—salads can be customized, but mains are not geared for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many sides can be prepared gluten-free; servers are knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an impressive, old-school San Francisco steakhouse setting. The Art Deco room and wine program lean elegant, but it’s more suited to serious dates than casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at weekday lunch or very early dinner, but most evenings require a reservation, especially near the Fairmont or Masonic showtimes.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it’s geared toward adults, business diners, and couples. Children are welcome but there’s no kids’ menu or family amenities.
Best For
Better for: A top choice for bone-in, dry-aged cuts, polished steakhouse service, and power-lunch or client dinners on Nob Hill.
Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want a casual or budget-friendly steak option, or if you need a wide range of vegetarian/vegan choices.