Selanne’s Steak Tavern, Laguna Beach, CA

Crafted in a luxurious refurbished tavern in charming Laguna Beach is the local haven, Selanne’s Steak Tavern. Stanley Cup Champion and Hockey Hall-of-Famer Teemu Selanne alongside local businessman, Kevin Pratt, has curated an experience that exudes familial ambiance with a rich culinary twist that transports diners to a realm of culinary opulence. Decadent starters such as the Patagonian Pink Prawns and Charred Escarole beautifully predate the divine steak experience that is soon to follow. Executive Chef Vincent Terusa has perfected his famous Lord Stanley cut, a 40-ounce pure Australian Wagyu that is of such superb quality that it is prepared simply with salt and pepper, seared and basted in decadent flavor, and served beneath Trumpet mushrooms and Truffle butter for a divine umami experience. The decor exudes a timeless charm while incorporating modern elements that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Dark wood accents and rich, plush leather seating craft a warm setting for the incredible meal to be had. Step into the 1934 home that evokes the warm nostalgia of dining in a cherished family member’s residence, for a truly comforting and delicious evening. 

CUT, Las Vegas, NV

The NOBLEMAN curated list of steakhouses is no stranger to the most esteemed household names in the culinary industry, one of which we find ourselves repeating frequently. Rightfully so, Wolfgang Puck undoubtedly adorns our list. The brand and revered reputation he has built is evident through his first-ever restaurant lineage of Spago and prevails through his cultivation of CUT. Puck curates a truly incredible menu with a wide range of Wagyu ranging from local American Wagyu to luxurious Australian and Japanese Wagyu for a well-rounded depth of quality and flavor. The menu paints a steak lover’s paradise, with every cut imaginable for even the most indecisive diners. American Wagyu Beef Sashimi and Prime Filet Mignon Carpaccio set CUT apart from its competitors, with a reimagined, utterly innovative menu. With locations throughout the country, CUT at the Palazzo in the Venetian Resort, Las Vegas leaves customers in awe of the refined, chic design and decor of the space. The restaurant’s interior design is a harmonious blend of sleek, minimalist elements and opulent touches that makes for the most chic dining experience.

Bourbon Steak, Waldorf Astoria, Monarch Beach Resort

Renowned Chef Michael Mina displays nothing less than consistent perfection with each of his famed restaurants, and Bourbon Steak does nothing but exemplify this point. Locations grace cities throughout the United States, however Bourbon Steak at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach requires specific distinction. The ambiance and rich décor serves as the ultimate amuse-bouche for the meal and exudes the grandeur and vibrancy of Monarch Beach. Customers truly feel transported to a different world of fine dining with chic leather booths, a solid walnut bar surrounded by linen, and metallic cork walls, with panoramic Ocean views from the dining room and terrace. Butter-poached steaks and world-famous duck fat fries line each plate, as diners ready themselves for the culinary experience that is associated with the Michael Mina name. A variety of the highest quality cuts of meat with even more luxurious accouterments, delectable starters, and the finest cocktails keep customers coming back, to every location.

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant, Hollywood, CA

Found in the heart of sunny Hollywood, CA, fine dining Chef Curtis Stone and his brother, businessman Luke Stone, joined forces to redefine modern steak dining and quality meat standards through their joint restaurant and butcher shop space. Gwen is a personal accolade for the brothers, as its creation was sparked in honor of their grandmother, Gwen, through whom their vision was born. The butcher shop holds the highest quality of meat and truly “drives the dishes in the living room.” Quality, exceptional service, and innovative flavors embody the experience at Gwen. The butcher shop also holds an in-house charcuterie program, which speaks volumes to their attention to service and detail. Fire-based cooking techniques reimagine the traditional steakhouse and continue to set Gwen above the standard. Bold, vivacious dishes such as the Lamb Tartare with pickled berries, blueberry jam, and artichoke or Tagliatelle with squid ink, uni cream, Calabrian chili, and watercress ensure that there’s a piece of perfection for each palette. Whether dining in and experiencing the creative culinary genius firsthand, or taking home a piece of undeniably high-quality meat, you’re sure to leave more than satisfied.

Swift & Sons, Chicago, IL

In a space riddled with history, Swift & Sons is an irrefutable must-see if you’re a steak aficionado or a history lover. Chicago boasts a multitude of steakhouses, however, Swift & Sons is world’s above as they artfully bridge the past and present, encapsulating the grandeur of a bygone era while offering a modern, upscale steakhouse experience. The ambiance exudes timeless sophistication with its polished wood, wrought iron details, and a sense of rugged refinement that transports diners to a different time. An exemplary American steakhouse with a touch of French flair, the menu boasts a wide breadth of incredible cuts of meat with a Special Reserve Wagyu Ribeye Cap and Tableside Magic Show to further set them apart. A rich and flavorful Beef Wellington with mushroom, foie gras, and spinach is a dish to remember. Chef Chris Pandel strives for perfection in each dish, a notable achievement you can taste with every bite. Take a journey back to the Industrial Age in the Meatpacking District of Chicago, and have a dinner that is lightyears ahead of its staged time.

Gordon Ramsay Steak, Las Vegas, NV

When thinking of an incredible steak dish, one can’t help but picture Chef Gordan Ramsay’s world-renowned Beef Wellington. Ramsay is the epitome of a household name, inspiring chefs both young and old across every country throughout the world. Chef Ramsay has curated his legacy through his television and social media presence, a plethora of awards and culinary achievements, and a multitude of Michelin-star restaurants, such as Gordon Ramsay Steak in Las Vegas Paris Hotel. The restaurant features its exclusive beef aging program in addition to the extraordinary cuts of quality beef and the famed Beef Wellington. The menu is packed with his other famous dishes as well, such as his Fish and Chips and Shepherd’s Pie that perfectly mesh with the influence of his British heritage that’s evoked throughout the restaurant. The space is edgy and bright, and truly basks customers in British culture with the Union Jack flag hung upon the ceiling as they dine on Chef Ramsay’s revered and sensational dishes. Come for a distinctly scrumptious experience that transports you across the pond without the travel and airfare.  

Kayne Prime Steakhouse, Nashville, TN

In the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, a truly unique steakhouse resides, where classic Southern tradition meshes flawlessly with modern-chic style. Kayne Prime Steakhouse reimagines the classic steakhouse, with elevated and intricate dishes that leave locals speechless. Focused on fresh, farm-to-table dining, the menu parallels that of a distinguished fusion restaurant, furthering the notion that the space is quintessential, yet ahead of its time. Dishes such as the Housemade Bacon with black peppercorns and maple cotton candy, the Cream Corn Bruleé with roasted jalepeño, and the Risotto Tater Tots with vialone nano, brown butter, bread crumbs exemplify classic dishes with an unbelievably exotic and eclectic spin. The steaks are one for the books as well, with a cut for each steak lover, and an exact description for each cattle farm. The ambiance furthers the fusion restaurant, as the space exudes simple, refined luxury with a hint of its Southern roots. Kayne Prime Steakhouse is an extraordinary culinary destination that seamlessly blends tradition with ingenuity, inviting patrons to savor the tastes of a new era in fine dining.

Matū, Beverly Hills, CA

Quality, quality, quality. Matū is truly in a class of its own amongst steakhouses. Co-owner Jerry Greenberg and his partner’s goals were first and foremost to discover the most delectable, exceptional quality of beef to bring wellness and health awareness back to the conversation surrounding beef in the United States. They wanted to reconnect society’s positive connotation around eating meat and found the perfect way to do it by sourcing all their steaks from 100% Grass-fed Wagyu from First Light Farms in New Zealand. Greenberg and his partners traveled to New Zealand to see for themselves how First Light had revolutionized cattle farming and truly created an environment that was extremely healthy, positive, and utterly delicious. Matū’s menu has a myriad of Wagyu dinner options, similar to a pre-fixed menu and an elevated version of a traditional ‘steak dinner.’ There is a three-course Filet option, a four-course Picanha, a four-course Ribeye dinner, and the Matū dinner of five courses to be split amongst two people. There are a la carte options as well, but the level of care, quality, and dedication to the perfection of their menu is methodical and meant to be enjoyed as such. Matū has taken the traditional steakhouse and transformed it into a nourishing, unparalleled dining experience that you simply must try for yourself.

COTE, NYC, NY

A luxurious experience perfected from the cuts of meat down to the exquisite detail in decor, service, and ambiance, COTE ensures a truly awe-inspiring culinary journey. With locations in New York City and Miami, COTE supersedes its reputation as the first Korean steakhouse in New York and the only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse in the world. Bespoke gold-rimmed Shinpo smokeless grills ornament each table throughout the restaurant, and are the centerpieces for the highest quality USDA prime beef and combined cuts from their astonishing in-house dry aging room. In addition, there are countless accouterments and a special homemade salt blend of British Maldon salt, Himalayan pink salt, and Korean thousand-day sea salt to highlight the natural flavors and simplicity of the beef. Proprietor Simon Kim has seamlessly blended Korean barbeque with the classic American steakhouse, in a fun and beautiful environment. COTE transcends expectations, leaving an indelible mark as the pioneer of its kind, and yielding a fun, interactive experience for all ranges of diners. 

Bazaar Meat, Chicago, IL

Step onto the second floor of the Bank of America Tower and prepare to be transported to Spain. Esteemed and highly decorated Michelin star Chef José Andrés has done it once again with the new location of Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar in Chicago, IL. Andrés has redefined the classic steakhouse and created a restaurant that embodies Spanish culture in an elegant and inspired way. The menu features a multitude of Japanese Wagyu ‘cooked José’s Way at 46 degrees Celsius,’ a Ribeye Tasting Flight, and his famous Vaca Vieja cut, which is a cut from a ‘more mature animal with more pronounced flavor hand-selected eight-year-old working cows from Petaluma CA.’ An entire Iberíco Suckling Pig is offered, as well as the opportunity to build your own caviar cone. We could go on for days. The decor follows the divine standard the menu sets, with a glorious Spanish Ispor brick oven, only one of two in the United States, centering the space. Start with a drink at Bar Mar and head upstairs to Bazaar Meat for an unparalleled dining experience.

Words by Sophia Balliet