Osso Steakhouse- Sophisticated San Francisco Dining

Dining Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis

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It is always exciting to see a new sophisticated restaurant open in San Francisco especially a Steakhouse that features 4-6 week Dry Aged Prime Beef Bone-In (Osso) Steaks. Osso Steakhouse which recently opened on Nob Hill in Gramercy Towers has both an elegant Art Deco interior and a lovely view of Grace Cathedral and the California Street Cable Cars. The art is wonderful and the illuminated etched glass on the top of each booth is beautiful. There is a separate Bar Area with a lounge that has oversized chairs, exhibition kitchen, private dining room and the overall atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy.

We were seated in a comfortable booth and ordered Voss Sparkling Water while we looked over the menu and listened to light jazz. We enjoyed Signature Cocktails to start. They were shaken until icy tableside which was a nice touch. The Basil Martini made with Belvedere Vodka, fresh basil, lime and sugar and the Ginger Martini with made with Yazi Vodka, Canton ginger and cranberry were both quite refreshing.

We then ordered and enjoyed the Skillet Roasted Chorizo Cheese Bread which was fun and quite tasty. The Iron Skillet Roasted Shrimp was a delicious starter as the shrimp were extremely flavorful, nicely seasoned and somewhat decadent with lots of butter! We always like to try the soup and enjoyed their No Cream of Asparagus Soup.

Our next course was the Baeril Siberian Sturgeon Caviar which was served with blinis, minced onion, chopped egg and creme fraiche. The presentation was beautiful. They have a variety of selections on the menu including a Caviar Trio. This was a fabulous luxury that sets Osso Steakhouse apart! We were told that some diners just come in for Caviar and Champagne which sounded like a good plan to us.

We then had the fresh two pound whole Hot Dungeness Crab which we loved eating wearing our "bibs". The crab was so fresh and luscious and the seasoning included fresh herbs and garlic which was amazing!

It was now time to see if Osso Steakhouse's steaks lived up to their claim that they are the best you've ever tasted. We ordered the Dry Aged Big-Bone-In (Osso) Filet Mignon and the Dry Aged Bone-In New York. The steaks arrived rare as ordered in their natural juices with a hint of rosemary and garlic. The seasoning was fantastic, they were tender and juicy and the flavor was enhanced because they were Osso/Bone. These were as advertised.... the best steaks we had eaten in many years!

The Sides came in individual ramekins and were all fantastic! We loved the Twice Baked Potato with zucchini, chives, bacon and cheese, the fresh Creamed Corn, the Spinach with garlic and light cream and the delicate Sautéed Seaweed in soy-butter glaze. This was the perfect combination of sides for us and they also have a few additional ones to choose from.

The Wine List is well thought out and allows you to have something that fits both your palate and budget. We enjoyed wines by the glass including the Honig Napa Sauvignon Blanc and the Etude Carneros Pinot Gris which paired perfectly with our starters and Gary Farell Russian River Pinot Noir which paired perfectly with our steaks.

We were very impressed by the desserts as well. The Mango Panna Cotta was light and refreshing and the Anna Banana Kabob was sweet and warm. A Nespresso Espresso and Jaboulet Muscat de Baumes-Des-Venise French Dessert Wine were the perfect ending to our spectacular dining experience.

Osso Steakhouse has raised the bar for great steak dinners in San Francisco and is truly a destination restaurant. The Bone-In Dry Aged Steaks were just fabulous and the Crab and Caviar were spectacular!

They are open nightly from 5PM-10PM and have Valet Parking which is always appreciated. We look forward to returning soon to enjoy the sophisticated Art Deco atmosphere for dinner or just cocktails and small plates.

Osso Steakhouse
1177 California Street (at Jones St.)
San Francisco, CA. 94108
415-771-6776
www.ossosteakhouse.com