A culinary love letter to Valentine's Day.
The restaurant’s darkly hushed elegance, coupled with pops of ambient light, sets a seriously romantic tone.
Since opening in 2020 by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jeffrey and Michael Mastro, Steak 48 (steak48.com) has been Philly’s luxe go-to restaurant for all things celebratory. On any given night, you can see Philebrities, local athletes, titans of industry and a slew of other well-heeled foodies walking into the super swanky two-story location in the heart of the Broad Street cultural district. But no celebration is as tailor-made for this high-end steakhouse like Valentine’s Day.
The restaurant’s interior screams sexy opulence. Stunning chandeliers and sleek furniture lend an air of sophisticated elegance, and the ambient light creates an intimate atmosphere that’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.
But as splendid as the setting is, the star is undeniably the food. Lounging at the crux of luxury and culinary impeccability, Steak 48 boasts a mouthwatering selection of prime steaks sourced from some of the finest artisans—succulent, perfectly charred and flavored with an enchanting blend of herbs and spices. Among the premium cuts, the USDA Prime, in-house 28-day aged steak and bone-in filet mignon stand out. Arguably, though, the ultra-premium wagyu beef holds the crown. Delicate marbling, tender succulence and an unforgettable, robust flavor combine, setting new standards for luxury in eating.
Even those who don’t prefer red meat will find it a culinary phenom. The restaurant prides itself on its locally sourced seafood, featuring dishes that emphasize the brininess of the ocean while complementing the menu’s hearty steaks. Dive into a seafood tower with delicate oysters (the cucumber mignonette is sublime), buttery-soft Alaskan king crab legs and enormous, colossal shrimp. Or feed your love a savory blini topped with Sasnian Royal Osetra caviar—sustainably and ethically raised, of course. The Chilean sea bass and New Bedford sea scallops are must-tries, as are accompaniments like the truffle-roasted wild mushrooms, creamed spinach, crispy potatoes aligot or the beyond delicious creme brulee creamed corn.
Not to be outdone, the impressive and well-curated wine list is a masterclass in variety and quality. Few sommeliers can as deftly recommend the perfect, full-bodied cabernet sauvignon to pair flawlessly with your steak or a crisp and bright chardonnay to accompany your seafood selection.
And dinner at Steak 48 just wouldn’t be fulfilled without experiencing their decadent, mouthwatering desserts. The warm vanilla caramel cake, layered with buttery caramel frosting and served with a scoop of vanilla gelato, is a temptation worth trying. Or be sure to indulge in their rich red velvet bread pudding, making a fittingly decadent end to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience.
Photography by: NEIL SANTOS
