Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Osso Steakhouse – San Francisco
Osso Steakhouse - San Francisco
Photo from Osso Steakhouse
Osso Steakhouse at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#701 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#98 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
616
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Steaks
- Attentive Staff
- Welcoming Decor
Frequently criticized
- High Cost
- Service Gaps
- Noise & Facilities
The restaurant Osso Steakhouse in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood offers a sophisticated dining experience. You’ll discover a truly great wine list, perfect for pairing with their exquisite dishes.
This upscale establishment provides a romantic and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a memorable evening out. Whether you’re seeking a trendy dinner destination or a quiet corner, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Osso Steakhouse
Osso Steakhouse presents a compelling dining experience where the food is frequently highlighted for its quality and preparation, from steaks to various sides. Yet, some guests find the overall value to be a point of contention, questioning if the experience fully justifies the cost.
The restaurant’s ambience generally creates a pleasant setting, though occasional concerns about noise or specific clientele have been noted. While many praise the attentive service, a few experiences indicate inconsistencies, suggesting there’s room for more uniform excellence.
Good
7.9
out of 10
616
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
99
negative
35
neutral
482
positive
Osso Steakhouse earns a commendable overall Restaurant Score of 7.9, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 78.2%, indicating that a significant majority of guests are pleased.
These insights are derived from 616 customer observations, with a clear positive sentiment shown by 482 positive remarks compared to 99 negative ones. Looking at the specifics, the Food (8.2) is a standout, consistently rated as excellent.
Both Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.5) also perform well, earning good scores and contributing to a pleasant visit. The primary area for consideration appears to be Value (6), which sits in the average range, suggesting that while quality is present, the cost-to-experience ratio could be a point of discussion for some patrons.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Attentive Service
- Pleasant Ambiance
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Service Inconsistencies
- Noise & Restroom Issues
Osso Steakhouse, with a Recommendation Score of 8, is a solid choice if you prioritize excellent food, particularly their well-prepared steaks and sides. It’s a place that often delivers on culinary quality, making it a strong contender for a meat-centric meal.
However, be prepared for a higher price point and potential inconsistencies in service or atmosphere. If you’re seeking a consistently flawless, quiet, or budget-friendly experience, you might want to consider other options.
For a good steak, it’s generally worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Osso Steakhouse
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 81.8%, its clear that the culinary experience here is generally good. Many of the 293 positive remarks out of 358 total comments rave about the petite filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, and the excellent wine choices, not to mention the must-have kettle bread.
However, it's not all perfect, as 40 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the filet overlooked, a Bronzino tasting burnt, or a steak that was oversalted. A few also mentioned issues with the sauce or the overall lack of flavor in certain dishes.
Food
358
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
40
negative
25
neutral
293
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Steaks cooked perfectly
- Excellent wine choices
- Delicious sides
What people don't like
- Overcooked meat
- Dishes lacked flavor
- Subpar sauces
Often praised
- foodA special thank you to the Italian lady at the entrance, who was super nice and guided us through the menu, recommending the best options. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the food was truly excellent. We highly recommend this place to anyone who loves meat and wants to enjoy a special evening!
- steaksMy first visit to this restaurant during my trip to SF was so exceptional that I won't consider trying another steakhouse. We celebrated our daughter's 13th birthday here, and she declared their steaks are as good as mine! What more can I say?
- steakThe entire staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely pleasant, making the dining experience feel truly special. My steak was cooked perfectly, and the sides, including the potatoes au gratin and asparagus, were all excellent. The whole evening was flawless, making this my new favorite steakhouse.
- cheese breadThat cheese bread, is ridiculously good!
- sidesSides mash potatoes, asparagus and spinach perfectly prepared
- steakhouseA San Francisco steakhouse the way it was meant to be.
- cocktailsthe cocktails are delicious
- crab cakesCrab cakes, followed by petite filet mignon and crème brulé - heaven
- lamb chopsI enjoyed an excellent martini and oysters. The lamb chops were also a highlight, as was the lightly creamed spinach, which was very tasty. I paired it all with a tasty Cab.
- petite filet mignonopted for the petite filet mignon with the mushroom sauce and was all delicious
Frequently criticized
- steakI suffered from diarrhea for 2 days after eating their steak and mashed potatoes. The mash was swimming in oil, and the steak was also lathered in oil. The only decent thing was the cocktail, but honestly, don't waste your time and money here.
- foodWe had to ask for bread, which didn't arrive before or with the appetizers, but only with our steaks. For the prices and based on the reviews, I had expected much better food and service. While the decor was nice, the clientele were all loud business men, not the quiet, romantic place I'd hoped for for our anniversary dinner.
- 8oz filetnot the filet cut I was hoping for.
- Akaushi ribeyeAkaushi ribeye, expecting it to be amazing. But it wasn't.
- BronzinoBronzino taste like burnt nothing
- Hamachi dishHamachi dish I had was subpar
- Lobster bisqueit smelled so bad we had to remove it from the table. Totally sour
- NY steakMy NY steak had more fat than I would like
- a poivre sauceEven with the a poivre sauce (extra.charge) it still lacked flavor.
- bone-in New York stripbone-in new york strip was oversalted, overcooked and chewy
If youre looking for a good meal, especially a steak, this place seems to hit the mark for most. While there are a few misses, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a delicious experience. Go for the classics, and you're probably in for a treat!
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Overall, the service here really shines, with a good score of 7.7 and a solid 75.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the attentive, professional, and personable staff, highlighting excellent service and top-notch service from friendly knowledgeable waiters. Out of 151 comments, a whopping 114 were positive, praising the dedication and hospitality.
However, its not all perfect, with 34 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Some experiences mention unprofessional conduct, minimal service, or a poor attitude. Unfortunately, there are also serious concerns about discrimination and racism' that definitely need addressing.
Service
151
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
34
negative
3
neutral
114
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, professional staff
- Impeccable table service
- Friendly, knowledgeable waiters
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Unprofessional conduct
- Discriminatory behavior
Often praised
- serviceWe ordered two steaks, which were cooked to perfection: tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. The service was impeccable, with very attentive and friendly staff. A special thank you to the Italian lady at the entrance, who was super nice and guided us through the menu, recommending the best options.
- staffI thank the staff and especially Tom for their tireless dedication
- ServiceI didn’t expect puff pastry of this caliber here; it was very flaky with a beautiful crust. Service was wonderful, too. We had a great, memorable dinner here.
- hostessMy experience at the restaurant was amazing, starting from the wonderful hostess and continuing with the attentive waiter, throughout the entire meal service. The filet was incredibly delicious and tender, described as cutting like butter.
- DanielMerci à Daniel de nous avoir fait passé un bon moment
- PaolaThe wagyu dry aged rib eye was amazing! Paola at the reception was a very friendly host.
- waiterOur waiter was very attentive and very cool
- accommodatingThe elegant art deco atmosphere added to the overall charm. We brought our child for an early seating, and they were very accommodating.
- wait timeUpon arriving in San Francisco and feeling famished, I found this restaurant with a zero minute wait time. While the service from our server was so-so due to their indifferent mannerisms, the back wait staff and Maitre'D were wonderful.
- BreezeBreeze unsere Kellnerin war sehr freundlich und sympathisch
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by truly excellent food. However, the service could have been a little better. They definitely need a sommelier and a larger wine list to enhance the overall dining experience.
- serverserver never once came to check on me
- waiterUnfortunately, my steak was overcooked; I had asked for medium-rare and received medium, which is unacceptable for a good steakhouse. Our waiter was mediocre at best. We had to ask for bread, which didn't arrive before or with the appetizers, but only with our steaks.
- attitudeIf you are a person of color, DO NOT come here! They will treat you with attitude and you will get stares from everyone like crazy. It was super uncomfortable, and I do not recommend it to anyone who is not white.
- birthday songthey sang happy birthday to the white people next to us, they only brought the carrot cake we ordered for my wife and kept quiet
- celebrationno single word for celebrations
- check on usdidn’t check on us literally at all
- dirty plateDirty plate
- discriminationwe were discriminated against because we were black
- hostthe host was really rude yesterday
If youre looking for a place where service often goes above and beyond, this spot is generally a great bet. Just be aware that a few guests have encountered significant issues, so while many enjoy top-tier hospitality, theres a small chance of a less-than-stellar experience.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.5, with customer satisfaction sitting comfortably at 77.1%. Many guests loved the "art deco ambiance, " "Great Gatsby vibes, " and the overall "cozy atmosphere, " often highlighting the comfortable "private booths" and seating arrangements.
Out of 83 total opinions, a whopping 64 were positive, painting a picture of a truly special dining environment. However, its not all velvet and jazz. There were 17 less-than-stellar remarks, with some finding the seating uncomfortable or the noise level a bit too high, leading to a poor atmosphere for some.
A few even mentioned an unpleasant environment or issues with acoustics, suggesting there's a little room for improvement to perfect the overall experience.
Ambience
83
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant art deco ambiance
- Great Gatsby vibes
- Comfortable private booths
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- High noise level
- Unpleasant environment
Often praised
- atmosphereA special thank you to the Italian lady at the entrance, who was super nice and guided us through the menu, recommending the best options. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the food was truly excellent. We highly recommend this place to anyone who loves meat and wants to enjoy a special evening!
- locationlocation facing the cathedral makes it extra fancy
- settingNeat setting and art deco ambiance
- ambiancePretty good ambiance
- ambienceIncredible ambience; welcoming and unpretentious
- decorFor the prices and based on the reviews, I had expected much better food and service. While the decor was nice, the clientele were all loud business men, not the quiet, romantic place I'd hoped for for our anniversary dinner.
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- placeThis is a great place for dinner. Safe, clean, friendly, and delicious.
- private roomThey also have a private room that's great for special events
- 1950s vibethat 1950s vibe
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIf you're looking for somewhere with great food and a nice atmosphere I would not pick this place.
- acousticsThe acoustics need to be addressed
- clienteleFor the prices and based on the reviews, I had expected much better food and service. While the decor was nice, the clientele were all loud business men, not the quiet, romantic place I'd hoped for for our anniversary dinner.
- cooks arguingCooks in back were arguing and created unpleasant experience
- environmentThe environment and vibe in the restaurant is pretty depressing
- noise levelThe slight hit on the Atmosphere was due to the noise level
- placeNot the quiet, romantic place I'd hoped for
- poor atmosphereatmosphere was poor
- prejudiceMy significant other and I visited this restaurant and quickly noticed that it is clearly a place with prejudice. If you are a person of color, DO NOT come here!
- restroomsThe restaurant didn’t have its own restrooms so you had to go out and take the elevator down to a public toilet. Really discusting.
If youre looking for a place with a stylish, comfortable, and often private feel, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some have found the seating or noise a bit off, so it might not be ideal if youre extremely sensitive to those factors.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but leans towards being a worthwhile experience. With a score of 6 (which is average) and customer satisfaction at 45.8% (mixed), it seems many find the splurge justified. Out of 24 comments, 11 highlight positive aspects like the happy hour, worth it feeling, and reasonable wine options, especially half bottles of wine.
Its often seen as a great place for pre-dinner cocktails or a special occasion. However, 8 remarks point to the cost being a concern. Terms like "expensive, " "overpriced, " and "price" frequently pop up, with some feeling its not worth the time and money.
While some acknowledge its a steakhouse, the high cost can lead to equally high expectations that arent always met, making it feel a bit steep for certain diners.
Value
24
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the splurge
- Reasonable wine options
- Good happy hour
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Feels overpriced sometimes
- High expectations unmet
Often praised
- worth itDefinitely worth it though
- billWhile the steaks and sides were very well made and delicious, I found a 1/2 inch caterpillar in my salad. The waiter did apologize and voluntarily removed it from the bill. However, he twice gave long spiels about worms being an expected part of organic salads, which I would have preferred not to hear.
- grand totalmaking the grand total $234.69
- half bottles of wineThe service was exceptional, the hamburger was great – as were the crabcakes. They did half bottles of wine for a reasonable price ($39 for a French GSM) and to top it all off their dirty martini used four pillars olive gin. What more could you want?
- happy hourIt's a great spot for pre-show noms, business dinners, or girls' nights, as it feels upscale. The bar offers strong drinks and a good happy hour from 6-7 pm. I especially want to shout out my favorite bartender, Eddie!
- pre dinner cocktailswas pretty cheap for SF/steakhouse standards
- pricesPreise fĂĽr ein Steakhouse in Ordnung
- splurgeyou need splurge and to go to those restaurant
- totalmaking our total 206.00
- winecorked a bottle of wine at $35 (pretty cheap for a really nice steakhouse)
Frequently criticized
- pricespent about $250 a person, I would do this 10X over vs the $125/person at Osso
- expensiveEtwas teuer
- overpriceda bit overpriced though
- time and moneydon't waste your time and money here
- winesbut very expensive
If youre looking for a place to splurge and appreciate good wine and strong drinks, youll likely find the value here. However, if you're on a tight budget or expect Michelin-star quality for the price, you might find it a bit too expensive for what you get.
How are the prices at Osso Steakhouse?
You’re looking at roughly 86 per person – reported by 90 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For a Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, that’s certainly on the higher side of mid-range, leaning towards premium.
While 86 $ is the average, the pricing data shows a clear trend towards premium experiences, with a significant number of guests spending well over 100 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Restaurant in San Francisco, with prices leaning towards the premium side, wed say the 86 $ average feels quite fair for what youre likely getting. It suggests a focus on quality and a more elevated dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Osso Steakhouse
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Upscale Nob Hill Gem with Great Food & Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed a great burger and fries, and the steak was also wonderful. The setting is neat, with an art deco ambiance, located on the bottom floor of a luxury Nob Hill condo complex across from Grace Cathedral and next to the Masonic.
It's a great spot for pre-show noms, business dinners, or girls' nights, as it feels upscale. The bar offers strong drinks and a good happy hour from 6-7 pm. I especially want to shout out my favorite bartender, Eddie!
He deserves a raise for being very friendly, kind, fun, and funny.
- burger9
- fries9
- steak9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Steakhouse in San Francisco
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I would rate it as one of the best steakhouses in San Francisco. You truly can't go wrong coming here.
- steakhouses10
- coming here10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Steakhouse Experience
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The wagyu dry aged rib eye was amazing! Paola at the reception was a very friendly host.
- wagyu dry aged rib eye10
- Paola9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Mediocre Food, Awful Seating, Disgusting Restrooms
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The food was mediocre, with thin and not very tasteful sauces. The seating was awful; we sat in old couches and were positioned too low to eat comfortably.
While the wines were really good, they were also very expensive. A major issue was the lack of on-site restrooms, requiring us to go out and take an elevator to a public toilet, which was really disgusting.
- wines8
- food3
- sauces3
- seating2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Delicious Bites, Overcooked Steak
My experience at this restaurant was pretty good overall. The cheese bread was sinfully delicious, and the cocktails were divine. We ordered the tomahawk steak, but unfortunately, it was a tad overcooked, which was a tragedy.
The service, however, was top-notch.
- cheese bread10
- cocktails9
- service10
- tomahawk3
What Osso Steakhouse offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations for Osso Steakhouse?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended at Osso Steakhouse. The restaurant accepts reservations, ensuring you can plan your visit to this popular San Francisco dining spot in Lower Nob Hill. It’s always a good idea to book ahead, especially if you’re looking for a specific time or a table for a special occasion.
What kind of atmosphere and accessibility features does Osso Steakhouse offer?
Osso Steakhouse provides an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a special evening. You’ll find it to be fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests in San Francisco.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Osso Steakhouse?
Osso Steakhouse has a **Restaurant Score** of **7.9** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **78.2%**, indicating a generally good experience for most diners. The **Food** (8.2) is highly praised, followed by good scores for **Service** (7.7) and **Ambience** (7.5), though **Value** (6) is considered average.
Are there any common concerns about the service at Osso Steakhouse?
While many guests praise the attentive and friendly staff, some experiences mention inconsistencies in service, including inattentive waiters, perceived rudeness, and even concerns about discrimination.
How is the atmosphere at Osso Steakhouse?
The ambience at Osso Steakhouse is generally described as welcoming and featuring an art deco style. However, some patrons have noted issues with noise levels, finding it less quiet than desired, and concerns about restroom facilities.