11 California Steakhouses Serving Perfectly Cooked, Local Grass-Fed Beef

California is home to some of the best steakhouses in the country, where chefs prepare amazing cuts of grass-fed beef raised right here in the Golden State. These restaurants care about quality, sustainability, and serving meat that tastes incredible with every bite.

If you love a perfectly cooked steak and want to support local ranchers, these spots will make your mouth water.

1. Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant – Los Angeles

Walking into this place feels like stepping into a carnivore’s dream come true. The butcher shop sits right next to the dining room, so you can watch skilled butchers prepare your steak before it hits the grill.

I love that they source beef from California ranches that practice ethical farming. The meat tastes richer and cleaner than regular beef, with a flavor that reminds you what steak should really taste like. Their dry-aged selections are absolutely worth trying if you want something extra special.

2. Alexander’s Steakhouse – Cupertino

This restaurant blends traditional steakhouse vibes with a modern California twist that keeps things interesting. They work directly with local ranchers to bring grass-fed beef that meets their high standards.

What makes this spot stand out is how they prepare each cut with precision and care. You can taste the difference in every bite, from the tenderness to the natural flavors that shine through. The chefs here know exactly how to cook your steak to perfection without overdoing it.

3. Bourbon Steak – San Francisco

Celebrity chef Michael Mina created this upscale dining experience that celebrates California’s finest ingredients. The restaurant focuses on butter-poached steaks that melt in your mouth with incredible tenderness.

Their commitment to local grass-fed beef shows in every dish they serve. You can actually taste the difference when cattle are raised on open pastures eating natural grass instead of grain. The chefs here treat each cut like a work of art, ensuring your meal becomes a memory you will not forget.

4. Stark’s Steakhouse – Santa Rosa

Nestled in wine country, this steakhouse pairs incredible local beef with Sonoma County’s best wines for an unforgettable meal. The owners believe in supporting regional ranchers who raise cattle humanely on grass-fed diets.

What I appreciate most is how they let the quality of the meat speak for itself. Simple seasonings and expert grilling techniques bring out the natural flavors without covering them up. Their steaks have that perfect char on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.

5. Nick’s Cove – Marshall

Imagine enjoying a perfectly cooked steak while watching the sun set over Tomales Bay. This coastal gem combines stunning views with a menu that highlights Marin County’s best grass-fed beef.

The restaurant works with nearby ranches to ensure their meat comes from happy, healthy cattle. Each bite tastes cleaner and more flavorful than conventional beef because of how the animals are raised. Their rustic yet refined approach to cooking makes every visit feel like a special occasion worth celebrating.

6. Cattlemens – Fairfield

For over 60 years, this family-owned spot has been serving hungry diners who crave authentic Western-style steaks. The atmosphere takes you back to California’s ranching roots with its classic cowboy decor and friendly service.

They pride themselves on using locally sourced grass-fed beef that supports nearby farms. Each steak arrives at your table cooked just right, juicy and full of that unmistakable grass-fed flavor. If you want a no-nonsense steakhouse experience with quality meat, this is your place.

7. Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – St. Helena

This farm-to-table restaurant takes local sourcing seriously since they actually own the ranch where much of their beef comes from. You cannot get more local than that when it comes to knowing exactly where your food originates.

Their grass-fed steaks showcase the pure, clean flavors that come from cattle raised on pasture. The chefs prepare each cut with simple techniques that honor the quality of the meat. Sitting among the vineyards while eating sustainably raised beef feels like the ultimate Napa Valley experience.

8. The Hitching Post II – Buellton

Made famous by the movie Sideways, this restaurant has been grilling steaks over red oak wood for decades. The smoky flavor from the wood fire adds an extra layer of deliciousness to their already amazing grass-fed beef.

They source cattle from local Central Coast ranches that practice sustainable grazing methods. Watching the chefs work the grill is almost as enjoyable as eating the final product. Their steaks come out perfectly charred with that unmistakable oak smoke taste that keeps people coming back year after year.

9. Lawry’s The Prime Rib – Beverly Hills

Since 1938, this iconic restaurant has been serving prime rib from a silver cart right at your table in a tradition that never gets old. They recently started offering grass-fed options for diners who want sustainable, locally raised beef.

The spinning salad bowl alone is worth the visit, but the star is definitely the perfectly roasted meat. Their grass-fed prime rib has a deeper, richer flavor than conventional beef. Everything about the experience feels special, from the service to that first incredible bite of tender, juicy meat.

10. Oswald – Santa Cruz

This small neighborhood spot proves that you do not need a huge restaurant to serve outstanding grass-fed beef. The chef creates seasonal menus that highlight the best local ingredients, including beef from nearby Santa Cruz County ranches.

What sets this place apart is the creative preparation that goes beyond typical steakhouse fare. They might serve your grass-fed beef with unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight your taste buds. The intimate setting makes every meal feel personal and carefully crafted just for you.

11. Tav Steakhouse – Pasadena

This newcomer to the Pasadena dining scene brings a fresh approach to the traditional steakhouse concept. They partner with Southern California ranches that raise cattle on grass without hormones or antibiotics.

The open kitchen lets you watch as chefs sear your steak to perfection over high heat. Their grass-fed beef has that distinct, slightly nutty flavor that comes from a natural diet. The modern atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make this spot perfect for both special occasions and casual dinners when you crave quality meat.