When it comes to filet mignon, a cut known for its tenderness and lean texture, many steakhouses across the U.S. have perfected its preparation. This premium cut is highly sought after for its buttery mouthfeel and mild flavor, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a refined steak experience.
To help you find the best filet mignon, we’ve gathered recommendations from top chefs who know exactly where to go when they’re craving a perfectly cooked steak.
1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Nutrition (Per 11-oz. Serving): 500 Calories
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is perhaps the most iconic name in American steakhouses. Known for their simple yet impeccable preparation, the filet mignon at Ruth’s Chris is seasoned to perfection and served sizzling in butter on a 500-degree plate.
According to Michael Schukar, executive chef at Toku in Miami, the filet mignon here is always cooked perfectly. For an extra touch of indulgence, Schukar recommends pairing it with their New Orleans-style creamed spinach.
2. The Capital Grille
Nutrition (Per 8-oz. Serving): 390 Calories, 23g Fat, 43g Protein
Consistency is key at The Capital Grille, which is why Davidson Bettero, owner of Tap 151 in Cambridge, MA, swears by their filet mignon. No matter where he travels, Bettero finds that The Capital Grille delivers a consistently excellent filet.
The tender cut is perfectly seasoned, making it a go-to for those who crave a reliably satisfying steak. Bettero especially loves their Sliced Filet Mignon with Cipollini Onions, Wild Mushrooms, and Fig Essence—a refined take on a classic.
3. Texas Roadhouse
Nutrition (Per 8-oz. Serving): 360 Calories, 13g Fat, 60g Protein
For a more casual yet equally satisfying steakhouse experience, Texas Roadhouse stands out. Chef Manuel Rodriguez, director of food & beverage for Innisfree Hotels, appreciates the high-quality cuts at an affordable price. What sets Texas Roadhouse apart is the ability to choose your own steak, which is then freshly hand-cut in-house. Their filet mignon is juicy and flavorful, making it a surprising standout for budget-conscious steak lovers.
4. Smith & Wollensky
A legendary name in the steakhouse world, Smith & Wollensky is renowned for serving some of the finest cuts of beef. Chef Kenny Leung of Yao in NYC calls their filet mignon one of the best. Smith & Wollensky sticks to traditional steakhouse methods, and the results never disappoint. Leung appreciates the lack of novelty, knowing that each visit delivers a consistently high-quality steak experience.
5. Cut
When it comes to celebrity chefs and Michelin-starred dining, Wolfgang Puck’s Cut is the gold standard. Chef Todd Bohak of Shore Hotel in Santa Monica raves about the filet mignon served at the Beverly Hills location. Cut’s attention to detail and dedication to using only the finest ingredients elevate the dining experience, making it a go-to spot for steak connoisseurs.
6. Grill 23
Located in Boston, Grill 23 is a favorite among locals and chefs alike. Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli, owner of Alcove and Hook+Line, highlights the restaurant for both its filet mignon and its delicious steakhouse sides like hash browns. Known for consistently delivering high-quality steaks, Grill 23 is where diners can relax and enjoy a perfectly cooked meal.
7. Quality Meats
Quality Meats in NYC offers a modern take on the classic steakhouse, and chef Jose Horrach of Chica & The Don is a fan. Their filet mignon is always cooked to perfection, with a flavorful crust and tender interior. Paired with sides like their iconic corn brûlée or creamed spinach, this restaurant provides a steakhouse experience that’s both delicious and memorable.
8. Charro Steak
At Charro Steak in Tucson, Arizona, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods come together to create an unforgettable steak. Author Jackie Alpers praises their filet mignon, which is grilled over mesquite wood and sourced from Meyer Family Ranch. The grass-fed beef gives the steak a unique flavor, further enhanced by the smoky mesquite fire.
9. Prime 112
Miami’s Prime 112 is the go-to spot for chef Joe Isidori when he’s craving a decadent steak dinner. Known for its super prime beef, Prime 112 cooks its filet mignon to perfection in a 1200-degree broiler, delivering a steak with a perfect char and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with indulgent sides like a loaded baked potato, this South Beach steakhouse offers a dining experience you won’t forget.
10. Lucca Restaurant
While primarily an Italian restaurant, Lucca in Boston’s North End is a hidden gem for filet mignon. Chef Brian Poe stumbled upon their filet two decades ago and has been a fan ever since. Italian restaurants can surprise you with their steak offerings, and Lucca delivers an excellent cut with an unforgettable dining experience.
11. Mooo
For a more traditional steakhouse vibe, chef Brian Poe heads to Mooo at the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. Known for its classic presentation and commitment to high-quality cuts, Mooo offers a consistently delicious filet mignon that never disappoints. Poe considers this his guilty pleasure spot when he’s in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak.
12. Hestia
Hestia in Austin, Texas, is renowned for its live-fire cooking techniques, and while their filet mignon isn’t always on the menu, it’s worth ordering when available. Chef Tyler Fenton of Bata in Tucson praises Hestia’s focus on sourcing top-quality Texas beef and the unbeatable flavor imparted by their oak-fired hearth. If you find yourself in Austin, Hestia is a must-visit for steak lovers.
Conclusion:
From coast to coast, these steakhouses offer some of the best filet mignon in the country. Each venue brings its own flair to this tender, lean cut, ensuring an unforgettable steak experience.
Whether you’re dining at an upscale establishment like Cut or enjoying a laid-back meal at Texas Roadhouse, these recommendations from chefs guarantee you’ll savor every bite. Indulge in the rich flavors, pair it with delectable sides, and enjoy an unbeatable steakhouse experience.
FAQs:
1. What Makes Filet Mignon So Tender?
Filet mignon comes from a muscle that gets very little exercise, which results in a soft, tender texture.
2. Is Filet Mignon A Healthy Cut Of Steak?
Yes, it’s leaner than cuts like ribeye and contains less fat, making it a good option for those looking to cut down on fat intake.
3. How Should Filet Mignon Be Cooked?
Filet mignon is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium, allowing it to retain its tenderness and juicy flavor.
4. What’s The Best Way To Season Filet Mignon?
Simple seasoning like salt, pepper, and butter lets the natural flavor of filet mignon shine, although some chefs add herbs and garlic for extra depth.
5. What Are Common Side Dishes Served With Filet Mignon?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, creamed spinach, and baked potatoes, all of which complement the mild flavor of filet mignon.