Indulge in Wagyu Beef at These Bay Area Hotspots

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the best food in the country. With acclaimed restaurants and talented chefs, it’s no surprise the Bay Area boasts ample options for savoring wagyu beef. This beautifully marbled, buttery-soft beef is gaining popularity at steakhouses and burger joints alike. Keep reading for the inside scoop on finding and enjoying wagyu beef in the Bay Area.

What Exactly is Wagyu Beef?

The term “wagyu” refers to four Japanese cattle breeds – Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. Wagyu cattle are fed special diets and given daily massages to ensure optimal fat marbling in their meat. Their meat contains intricate, web-like patterns of monounsaturated fat that makes it exceptionally tender and flavorful.

In the U.S., wagyu refers to any cattle that are at least partially descended from full blood wagyu. American ranchers crossbreed wagyu genetics into their herds to introduce the signature heavy marbling. This amplifies the rich taste and soft texture that makes wagyu beef so extraordinary.

When cooked, the fat in wagyu beef melts at a lower temperature than other beef. This gives it a silky, buttery mouthfeel. Top steaks can earn a beef grade as high as A5, the pinnacle for quality.

Where to Find Wagyu Beef in the Bay Area

The Bay Area is home to quite a few restaurants serving this premium beef

Alexander’s Steakhouse

With locations in San Francisco and Cupertino, Alexander’s Steakhouse serves some of the best steak in the Bay Area. Their wagyu selections include ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon sourced from Snake River Farms and Double 8 Cattle Company Alexander’s dry ages their steaks in-house for 45 days to intensify the flavor Enjoy tableside service and stunning presentation when you order wagyu here.

EPIC Steak

EPIC Steak overlooks the San Francisco Bay at the waterfront Ferry Building Marketplace. Their menu focuses on sustainably raised meats including wagyu from Snake River Farms. EPIC serves wagyu striploin, ribeye cap, and filet mignon as well as A5 wagyu from Japan. Sip exceptional wine pairings as you watch the ferries cruise by.

Wagyu Shop

This dedicated wagyu beef retail store sources premium Japanese wagyu and American wagyu from small farms. Stop by their shop in San Mateo to pick up portioned steaks and ground wagyu to cook at home. You can even try free samples of their artisanal wagyu selections. Check their website as they often host special tasting events.

7 Mile House

Heading south of the city toward Silicon Valley, 7 Mile House serves boutique wagyu from Victor’s Premium Beef in Morgan Hill, California. Their rotating selection includes ribeye, New York, and filet mignon cuts served with creative sauces like black truffle hollaindaise. Soak up the rustic charm at this historic Bay Area steakhouse while savoring your wagyu.

Press Club

This swanky San Francisco hot spot offers a hip urban vibe and killer wine list. Their menu includes both American wagyu striploin and ribeye as well as A5 olive wagyu from Japan. Savor wagyu perfectly cooked over a wood grill at Press Club. Don’t miss their tableside Caesar salad prepared right at your table.

Nopa

For a more laid-back atmosphere, Nopa is a top Bay Area spot for farm fresh cuisine and craft cocktails. Their lunch and dinner menus include a grass-fed wagyu hamburger sourced from Magnolia Cattle Company. The burger is served on a toasted bun with melted gouda and crispy shoestring potatoes on the side.

Paragon Restaurant & Bar

Paragon in SoMa district offers an extensive cocktail menu and refined dishes like lobster tempura. Their weekly changing menu features wagyu beef sourced from Snake River Farms, Lone Mountain Ranch, and other premium purveyors. Past wagyu dishes include New York strip with chimichurri and ribeye chops in a red wine sauce.

The Dorian

The Dorian delivers an upscale steakhouse ambiance with a hint of rock and roll edge, thanks to the restaurant’s namesake Oscar Wilde novel. You’ll find wagyu New York, ribeye, and filet on the menu from Pederson’s Natural Farms. Pair your steak with crab hushpuppies or truffle mac and cheese.

One65 Patisserie & Bistro

In San Jose’s Little Italy food hall, One65 Bistro serves French-inspired fare like duck confit and trout almandine. Their menu also includes the “One65 Wagyu Burger” made from local wagyu beef. The burger comes stacked with caramelized onions, smoked gouda, garlic aioli, and crispy onions on a toasted bun.

The Bywater

The Cajun-Creole cuisine at this Los Gatos spot offers a taste of New Orleans. While po’ boys, jambalaya, and beignets are menu highlights, The Bywater also serves Snake River Farms wagyu striploin steaks. Pair your steak with Louisiana-style sides like dirty rice or cheesy grits. Don’t bypass the bread pudding for dessert.

Tips for Buying and Cooking Wagyu Beef

Now that you know the best places to savor wagyu beef in the Bay Area, here are some tips to guide your wagyu dining experience:

• Wagyu is expensive, with single steaks ranging from $50 to over $100 depending on cut and grade. Check menus and budgets before you visit.

• For ultimate tenderness and flavor, stick to rarer cooking temps – medium rare or less. The fat needs gentle heat to melt properly.

• Ribeye, strip loin, and filet mignon are classic wagyu cuts. Ribeye offers the most fat marbling while filet is the tenderest.

• Resist piling on heavy sauces or seasoning so the wagyu flavor shines through. Simple salt and pepper is all you need.

• Take your time and savor each bite. The texture of wagyu is part of what makes it special. Slow down and appreciate it.

• At restaurants, ask your waiter for recommendations on sides and wine pairings that complement the wagyu.

• For home cooking, thaw wagyu in the fridge overnight. Let the meat come to room temp before seasoning and searing.

Thanks to Bay Area foodies’ swelling interest in wagyu beef, specialty wagyu shops and high-end steakhouses now offer this once elusive ingredient. Use this guide to find where to indulge in tender, opulently marbled wagyu beef across the Bay Area. Just come hungry and ready to savor!