Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » IMPERIAL – San Diego
IMPERIAL - San Diego
Photo from IMPERIAL
IMPERIAL at a glance
San Diego Banker’s Hill
- 🥩 Steak House
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#542 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 Steak House out of 2 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
345
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality steak
- Attentive service
- Live piano
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor bar service
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant IMPERIAL is a premier Steak House located in the vibrant Banker’s Hill neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover a truly elevated dining experience here, complete with stunning rooftop seating that offers memorable views.
This spot is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere, where you can enjoy a fantastic meal under the stars. It’s a destination that combines great food with an inviting ambiance, making it a must-visit in the city.
Overview: Introducting IMPERIAL
IMPERIAL offers a classic steakhouse experience where the food, particularly the steak, often receives high marks for flavor and preparation. Many appreciate the attentive service from the staff, making for a pleasant dining occasion.
The atmosphere, often enhanced by live piano music, contributes positively to the overall visit. However, some guests find the prices to be on the higher side, questioning the overall value.
There have also been instances of inconsistent service, particularly at the bar, and concerns about the restaurant’s decor feeling a bit dated.
Good
6.6
out of 10
345
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
103
negative
18
neutral
224
positive
Looking at the numbers, IMPERIAL holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it firmly in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 64.9%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience for many guests.
With 345 customer opinions, including 224 positive and 103 negative, there’s a solid base of feedback to consider. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.2) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its pleasant atmosphere.
The Food (6.8) also performs well, though not exceptionally, while Service (6.1) is seen as average. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.4), which falls into the lower end of the average range, suggesting some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience.
What people like
- Quality steak dishes
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Enjoyable live piano
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks/menu
- Inconsistent bar service
- Outdated decor, cleanliness
IMPERIAL presents a mixed experience, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 6.7. If you’re seeking a classic steakhouse with good food and a pleasant atmosphere, especially with live piano, it could be a worthwhile visit.
The attentive service from the dining staff is often a highlight. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and be mindful of some reported inconsistencies in bar service and decor.
It’s a place that might satisfy for a special occasion focused on steak, but it may disappoint if you’re looking for exceptional value or a consistently flawless experience across all aspects.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Steak House
7
out of 10
out of 10
660
68.3%
- $$
- Mission Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on IMPERIAL
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
Overall, the food here gets a solid 6.8, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 63.8%, indicating a bit of a mixed bag. Based on 81 positive comments out of 127 total, many rave about the delicious steak, prime rib, and even the drinks and salad. Guests often find their meals cooked perfectly and full of flavor, with some calling it the best steak they've ever had.
However, 39 negative comments point to some inconsistencies. Issues include food being bland or overcooked, especially salmon and steaks, and a lack of basic items like pasta or baked potatoes. Some found the menu limited, and appetizers occasionally tasted pre-heated, suggesting areas for improvement.
Food
127
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
39
negative
7
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious steak options
- Perfectly cooked meals
- Strong, cheap drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cooking quality
- Limited menu choices
- Items out of stock
Often praised
- steakAfter sitting in the extremely cold bar for about 20 minutes, the hostess announced the server had arrived and we were seated in the dining room. The food was VERY good (we ordered steak), and our server was very attentive. We were the only customers at the time.
- foodAfter sitting in the extremely cold bar for about 20 minutes, the hostess announced the server had arrived and we were seated in the dining room. The food was VERY good (we ordered steak), and our server was very attentive. We were the only customers at the time.
- steaksThe steaks and everything else made in-house were absolutely amazing. I can honestly say it's one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life. However, the appetizers had a distinct pre-heated frozen taste, and the cake slices we ordered felt like they were either from off-site or had been in the fridge for too long.
- FoodFood full of flavor
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was pleasant. I enjoyed the nice atmosphere and the good drinks. It was a bit quiet, but that was okay as it allowed for easy conversation without having to raise my voice to be heard by my friends.
- Australian shirazThe Australian shiraz that John suggested was superb
- Cocktail ShrimpAppetizers Cocktail Shrimp and desserts w/ice cream (thanks Sergio) was simply delicious.
- Cooked perfectlyCooked perfectly and the fat melted in my mouth
- Cowboy Rib Eye SteakThe Cowboy Rib Eye Steak was tender, moist and just the right spices
- Everyone's mealEveryone's meal was wonderful
Frequently criticized
- steakI wanted steak and the kitchen was apparently closed early
- fooddon't know how to cook. Frenhch onion soup, halibut, veggie - either testless or bad
- appetizersappetizers seemed to have a pre-heated frozen taste
- baked potatoesFor our 30th anniversary, we had a disappointing experience at this restaurant. They were out of several key items, including pasta, baked potatoes, and 1000 island dressing. The restaurant was completely empty, which was a concerning sign.
- salmonThe food came out at random times, with one person finishing their meal before another's even arrived. Both the steaks and salmon were overcooked. We sent a plate back, and it returned in the same overcooked state.
- 1000 island dressingno 1000 island dressing
- FoodFood:2
- baked potatoThey only had 1 baked potato left
- breadWhen I explained the issue, the waiter laughed at me. The bread served was dry toast with cold butter. For the appetizer, we were told there was only one lobster bisque left, and I was offered clam chowder or salad, neither of which I wanted.
- bread for the tableAlso no bread for the table!?
If you're a steak lover, this place is definitely worth a try, as many find their steaks exceptional. Just be aware that some non-steak options and side dishes might be a hit or miss, and they occasionally run out of items.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the attentive and courteous staff, with shout-outs to specific servers like John and Amy, friendly bar staff, and even Chef Dave’s personal hello. The hospitality often makes people feel like family, highlighting personable and knowledgeable employees, including skilled tuxedoed waiters. These positive experiences contribute to 49 positive remarks out of 85 total.
However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 indicating average performance and customer satisfaction at 57.6%. Some diners encountered long waits for drinks, rude bartenders, and unhelpful management, leading to complaints about horrible customer service and even wrong orders. These issues, including a POOR service experience, account for 34 negative opinions.
Service
85
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, courteous staff
- Excellent, attentive service
- Chef's personal touch
What people don't like
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Long waits for drinks
- Horrible customer service
Often praised
- serviceIt's an immaculately maintained classic steakhouse with a red leather and dark paneling atmosphere. I enjoyed the great steaks, cocktails, and service.
- staffthe staff is extremely nice and helpful
- bartenderI enjoyed listening to live piano and singing by Rick Lyon, and there was also occasional karaoke. Jimmy the bartender is cool. Parking is available across the street for a small fee.
- ServiceService:5
- employeesThe place offered a very private atmosphere, and the food was incredibly delicious. The employees were exceptionally polite and very helpful. Dave Walker, the manager, even came out to visit and inquire about our experience.
- Adrian and Sergio5-Stars go to our servers Adrian and Sergio, who were both professional
- Caesar salad table-sidethe gentleman who made our Caesar salad table-side was a wonderful reminder
- Chef Dave’s personal helloChef Dave’s personal hello
- Chef “Dave”5 Stars to Chef “Dave”
- attentivevery personable and attentive
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy New Year's Eve dinner was ruined by horrible customer service and wrong orders. To start, my girlfriend made an 8 pm reservation and called to confirm.
- bartenderWe arrived for dinner, but our table wasn't ready, so we went to the bar. The bartender was too busy playing games on his phone to serve us and was very rude. He claimed to have worked there for over 20 years, which I find hard to believe given the service.
- serviceService was at the point where I would have fired the bartender
- managerhe won’t come out to speak with you
- ChefChef is beyond rude
- IDhe blew me off as if he didn't care
- Long waitsHowever, there was only one bartender, which made ordering drinks a nightmare. Long waits aside, the music was good, and the prices and selection were great.
- POOR servicewith the POOR service, we will never be going back
- availability issuesthey had availability issues right after the holiday
- bald manbald man sitting in the bar who was EXTREMELY rude
If you're looking for a place with potentially attentive and personable staff, it might be worth a try, especially if you catch them on a good day. However, be prepared for the possibility of long waits or less-than-stellar customer service, which could definitely sour your experience.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.2 which is pretty good! With a solid 78.3% customer satisfaction, its clear many folks enjoy the vibe. Based on 83 positive remarks out of 106 total, guests frequently praise its old school feel, live music, and romantic dinner potential, often noting the red leather and dark paneling that creates a classic steakhouse experience.
On the flip side, 19 negative observations suggest theres room for improvement. Some guests felt the decor was outdated, while others found the dark lighting contributed to an empty restaurant vibe, especially when few tables were occupied. This indicates that while charming, the atmosphere might not appeal to everyone.
Ambience
106
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old school feel
- Live music
- Romantic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Outdated decor
- Dark lighting
- Empty feel
Often praised
- atmospherequiet atmosphere with nice couches and quiet music
- live musicOur waitress and the live music buddy were the only good parts
- placeQuiet place, Very small place but friendly crowd
- ambianceNice private romantic ambiance
- dance floorthe piano player and dance floor is always a good time
- live pianoThe atmosphere was enhanced by live piano music
- musicthe music was good
- piano musicI highly recommend visiting on a Thursday for a full night out. You can enjoy dinner and then stay for drinks in the bar, complete with excellent piano music and incredible people watching. It truly felt like dinner and a show, and it was so much fun!
- piano playerpiano player, Rick Lyons, that has been playing there for years & he's great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
Frequently criticized
- barThe Chef was beyond rude, which overshadowed the fact that it’s a cute place. Their "comedy" was not funny, and I couldn't wait to leave this empty little bar. It was no wonder there were only five people, including myself and my friend, in the bar on a Friday night.
- placein person it’s definitely outdated
- atmosphereTo make matters worse, half of the menu items were out of stock, which significantly limited my choices. The overall atmosphere felt lacking, and the food, while not terrible, didn't stand out.
- bathroomsTo top it off, the food was absolutely the worst I have ever had. The bathrooms were filthy, and the entire place felt like a dump. I will definitely not be back.
- cleanlinessCleanliness discouraged me from ordering food!
- cockroachsaw the cockroach in the restroom
- comedyTheir “comedy” is not funny
- decorthe decor looked like it was straight out of the '70s
- dining experienceFor a steakhouse, you expect to pay for great food, on top of a great experience and ambience, which this place did lack in. It was totally not worth spending the extra money when you can go elsewhere for just as good of a steak with a better dining experience. Looking online, it seems like a cool place, but in person, it’s definitely outdated.
- empty restaurantThis place was empty
If youre seeking a nostalgic, old school' experience with live music and a romantic touch, this place could be a great fit. Just be aware that some find the decor a bit dated and the lighting a bit dim, which might make it feel less lively on quieter nights.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 (average) and customer satisfaction at 40.7% (mixed). Still, many appreciate the happy hour deals, finding the prices and selection great, often feeling it's worth every penny with good portion for the price. Out of 27 comments, 11 lean positive.
On the flip side, an equal 11 opinions express concern over the price, with some finding the menu and drinks overpriced. Specific issues like a hefty split plate charge and the cash only policy also detract from the overall value, suggesting it might not always be worth it.
Value
27
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Worth every penny
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Not worth price
- Split plate charge
- Cash only policy
Often praised
- priceThe steak is decent with the price.
- pricesthe prices and selection were great
- $$$Definitely worth the $$$!!
- Happy hourHappy hour during the week
- billThe bill was decent.
- costThe service was exceptional, with Sergio providing attentive care throughout our meal. The food was full of flavor and the portions were well-proportioned, making it well worth the cost for the experience. I definitely felt it was worth the $$$!
- happy hourgreat happy hour on Wednesday (all night)
- portion for the priceThe portion for the price is the best around
- worth every pennyWorth every penny though
Frequently criticized
- priceThis place is way too expensive for what they are offering
- billnotice that there was a charge for the drink that I returned
- cash onlyCash only waves flags for me.
- drinksdrinks were way overpriced
- menuI do think the menu is over priced
- pricesThey definitely do not qualify as a place who are justified in charging the prices they are charging
- split plate chargea $30 SPLIT PLATE CHARGE!
- valueHigh end steakhouse prices without the value
If youre looking for great "happy hour" deals and generous portions, you might find good value here. However, be mindful of potentially "overpriced" regular menu items and unexpected charges like a "split plate charge" or the "cash only" policy, which could impact your overall bill. Its a place where value can swing depending on what and when you order.
How are the prices at IMPERIAL?
You’re looking at roughly 69 per person – reported by 31 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Steak House, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 69, the pricing isn’t all clustered there. We see a nice spread, with some guests enjoying more budget-friendly meals in the $21–$30 range, and a good number opting for a more premium experience, spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 31 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Steak House in San Diego. You can find options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about IMPERIAL
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Anniversary Dinner
For our 30th anniversary, we had a disappointing experience at this restaurant. They were out of several key items, including pasta, baked potatoes, and 1000 island dressing. The restaurant was completely empty, which was a concerning sign.
I would advise others to stay away from this place.
- Service7
- Atmosphere5
- pasta2
- baked potatoes2
- 1000 island dressing2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Intimate Setting, Delicious Prime Rib!
My experience at this restaurant was very enjoyable! I appreciated the darker, intimate settings, which were complemented by nice big booths and big comfy seats. The bar area is well-equipped with a few TVs for sports, and there's even a separate room with a large TV specifically for Padres games.
I had the prime rib, and it was incredibly juicy and flavorful, seasoned perfectly. The salad was also on point, and the service was good.
- intimate settings9
- big booths8
- comfy seats8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Decent Steak, Lacking Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The steak, in my opinion, tasted very well. I can see it being too salty or seasoned for others, but that’s how I like mine cooked.
However, I do think the menu is overpriced. For a steakhouse, you expect to pay for great food, on top of a great experience and ambience, which this place did lack in. It was totally not worth spending the extra money when you can go elsewhere for just as good of a steak with a better dining experience.
Looking online, it seems like a cool place, but in person, it’s definitely outdated. If you want to come to eat a decent steak, they have it. If you want an overall great dining experience from a steakhouse, there are other places you can probably find to enjoy than here.
- steak9
- menu3
- experience2
- dining experience3
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Expensive and Limited Menu
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The place was surprisingly empty on a Friday night, which was an early sign. They were out of half the menu, including almost all non-steak options, and only had one baked potato left at a steakhouse.
While the steaks were cooked well, they were excessively salty. Considering the limited offerings and the high price point of over $100 per person, the value was not there. The only positive aspects were the attentive waitress and the live music.
- waitress9
- live music9
- steaks6
- menu2
- baked potato1
- salty steaks3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Service and Memorable Steak!
Our experience at this restaurant was truly memorable and extraordinary thanks to our waitress, Amy. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic time. The steak was as good as we remembered, living up to our expectations.
This is a must-visit when in San Diego.
- waitress Amy10
- steak9
- experience10
What IMPERIAL offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Free street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What unique features can you expect at IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE in San Diego?
At IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE, you can enjoy a range of unique features designed to enhance your visit. Experience live music, catch a game with sports on, or relax by the fireplace. For a special touch, rooftop seating is available, and you’ll find a great wine list and beer selection to complement your meal.
Does IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE offer accessible options and outdoor dining?
Yes, IMPERIAL STEAKHOUSE is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. You can also enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather with outdoor seating options, alongside dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience.
What is the overall rating for IMPERIAL and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
IMPERIAL has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.6, indicating an average experience. Its Ambience (7.2) is a strong point, followed by decent Food (6.8) and average Service (6.1). Value (5.4) is an area where guests often find room for improvement.
Is IMPERIAL a good choice for steak lovers?
Many guests praise IMPERIAL for its steak, describing it as “VERY good” and “absolutely amazing,” often cooked perfectly. If you’re looking for quality steak dishes, it appears to be a solid option.
Are the prices at IMPERIAL considered reasonable?
Opinions on pricing are mixed. While some find the “portion for the price” to be good and mention “great happy hour” deals, others consider the menu and drinks “way too expensive,” noting a lack of value for the cost.