As early as this summer, Mastro's will move into the 16,650-square-foot, two-story space that opened as Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in November 2018. Built at a cost of $10 million with design by Aria Group Architects, the venue featured 480 seats, waterfront patios on both levels, and a dramatic wine-encased staircase connecting its bi-level dining areas.
Del Frisco's offered high-end cuts like its "Double Eagle Steak"- a 45-day, dry-aged double bone-in prime ribeye - alongside fresh seafood and an $8 million wine program curated. Despite its luxurious setup and prime location near the InterContinental Hotel, the restaurant failed to attract the crowds necessary to support an establishment of its size. Del Frisco's will close at an undisclosed time, possibly as early as this June, making way for the opening of San Diego's first location of Mastro's.
The incoming Mastro's, known for its 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks cooked in a 1,500-degree broiler and served on 450-degree plates, is expected to reimagine the space while preserving its upscale appeal. Guests can anticipate the chain's signature offerings: 16 cuts of steak, a raw bar with towering seafood displays, inventive sushi, exceptional appetizers, and the acclaimed warm Butter Cake, paired with an extensive wine list and live entertainment. Mastro's is also replacing a Del Frisco's Grille at Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, a move that underscores parent company Landry’s, Inc.'s strategy to rebrand underperforming Del Frisco’s locations.
Mastro’s Restaurants, founded in 1999 by Dennis Mastro, his sons Jeffrey and Michael, and partner Scott Troilo in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been synonymous with luxury dining since its inception. After selling to Landry's in 2013, the brand grew to cities like Beverly Hills and Chicago, while the Mastro family launched Steak 48, which opened in Del Mar in 2023 at 12925 El Camino Real. That 12,500-square-foot space in Del Mar Highlands Town Center, with its glass-encased kitchen and 3,000-bottle wine vault, has set a high bar for the family’s influence in the region.
Mastro’s Restaurants, founded in 1999 by Dennis Mastro, his sons Jeffrey and Michael, and partner Scott Troilo in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been synonymous with luxury dining since its inception. After selling to Landry's in 2013, the brand grew to cities like Beverly Hills and Chicago, while the Mastro family launched Steak 48, which opened in Del Mar in 2023 at 12925 El Camino Real. That 12,500-square-foot space in Del Mar Highlands Town Center, with its glass-encased kitchen and 3,000-bottle wine vault, has set a high bar for the family’s influence in the region.
The San Diego opening of Mastro’s was initially speculated to involve converting another local Landry’s property - such as Joe’s Crab Shack near The Rady Shell, Chart House in Cardiff, or Peohe’s in Coronado - but the company's decision to replace Del Frisco’s reflects a more targeted approach, substituting one high-end dining concept with another. Set to open at some point in 2025 - though an exact date remains pending - Mastro’s will face the challenge of adapting its strict dress code and premium pricing to San Diego’s casual dining culture.
At Mastro's, Steaks often exceed $50, a price point that drew mixed reviews at Del Frisco’s Irvine location, but the concept's focus on exceptional service and ambiance may resonate with those seeking a special-occasion experience. Positioned steps from the Embarcadero and the cruise ship terminal, the new Mastro’s could become a go-to for visitors seeking a blend of luxury with the bayfront's vibrant energy.
Mastro's is anticipated to open later in 2025 at 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, at the base of InterContinental Hotel in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit mastrosrestaurants.com.
At Mastro's, Steaks often exceed $50, a price point that drew mixed reviews at Del Frisco’s Irvine location, but the concept's focus on exceptional service and ambiance may resonate with those seeking a special-occasion experience. Positioned steps from the Embarcadero and the cruise ship terminal, the new Mastro’s could become a go-to for visitors seeking a blend of luxury with the bayfront's vibrant energy.
Mastro's is anticipated to open later in 2025 at 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, at the base of InterContinental Hotel in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit mastrosrestaurants.com.
Originally published on March 25, 2025.
