Okay. This cute little restaurant is one of the reasons I miss Chicago. Shit, I'll take it one step further..it's one of maybe 10 reasons I kind of wish I lived in Chicago. Asador Bastian belongs in the conversation about the best steak restaurants in the country. For me, it's comfortably top five; possibly top 3. The depth of flavor and precision of the cooking make that an easy opinion to defend. The beef is exceptional: deeply savory, beautifully seasoned, and cooked with a level of care you can taste. It's so damn delicious from start to finish it makes it unique & novel. The exterior has that concentrated, fire-kissed flavor you want, while the meat stays tender and succulent. The char, richness, and seasoning are balanced so well that you appreciate each of them without losing the distinctive flavor of the beef itself. Every bite makes you want another. It's the perfect level of soft, smooth and tender. What impressed me just as much was the consistency across the meal. The same attention to flavor, texture, and balance carried through everything we ate. Richness never became overwhelming, and the accompaniments felt thoughtfully considered. Nothing tasted like an afterthought. I have tremendous respect for a kitchen this dedicated to getting a dish exactly right. There's judgment involved in knowing how far to take the heat, how much seasoning a dish needs, and when to leave an exceptional ingredient alone. Asador Bastian gets those decisions right. Easily one of the most satisfying meals I've had, and a restaurant I would return to Chicago specifically to eat at again. P.S. they were out of one of their best cuts so I can only imagine what I missed out on. I wish we had a place of this caliber in Orange County CA. read more

See all

This amazing restaurant is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. As soon as you step inside this charming townhouse, it feels like you've wandered into a beautifully preserved piece of history from the 1930s. It's super modern with a romantic touch. But the food is what really makes everyone stop and take notice. They offer incredible cuts of steak, perfectly cooked to your taste. Plus, they have a fantastic seafood selection. We tried the King crab risotto, and it was absolutely phenomenal. Cheers read more

See all

This is one of the topped ranked steakhouses in the world for good reason! It starts with outstanding service. André made sure we had a delightful experience from the time we sat down until the time we left. The sommelier helped us pick the perfect Spanish wine to go with our meal. The food is remarkable! We started with Jamon Iberica which was as good or better than any we've eaten in Spain. The steak options were amazing. We opted for the Holstein cut, which was a well-marbled, bone in strip. Delicious! We also had the bone marrow potato purée which was the perfect accompaniment. The setting is quite charming. It's a welcoming environment for a date night or a special celebration, which is what most tables on our night were doing. Chicago has many great steak options, but if you can get a table here, do it!! read more

Asador Bastian is a must if coming to Chicago. Wasn't able to get a reso in time so I sat at the bar upon them opening. Nikeda, Brandon, Mike and Tez behind the bar were all awesome. Nikeda had the menu on lock and explained everything to the T! Ended up going with some recommendations he suggested. The blue fin carpaccio, arroz cremoso and the Tajima steak are musts. Five star all the way around. read more

See all

Yum!! Ok I have to say I had mixed feelings about coming because the steakhouse bar is so high in Chicago but with Bavettes closed temporarily had to give Asador a try. Despite the high bar, they passed and then some. Food was amazing, steak was perfect. Service was really great, exceptional knowledge of the menu and the story behind it. Spoiler some of the cows are so free range and untouched that only drones monitor them?! Or so we were told. Drinks and dessert were also great. Couldn't find anything to even nit about. Will be back! read more

See all

I'll try to write a helpful review while keeping it brief. Random: Ignore any reviewer that orders steak any way other than medium rare, particularly at this price point. Elite service with a sexy ambiance. Steaks are perfectly cooked and well seasoned, but the price is nearly impossible to justify. Drinks are balanced. Marrow Mashed Potatoes were overpriced, disappointing, and forgettable. I didn't love the Lobster, Corn & Foie Gras bites. Dessert is worth checking out. Go here with a corporate card. I spend an embarrassing amount of money on food annually, but I can't make sense of this price tag even for special occasions. I'm sure the cuts of beef are about as good as they come, but these talented chefs could make lesser cuts taste equally as good for a fraction of the price. I can't rate higher than 3.81 stars. read more

See all

Went here Tuesday night and was able to get a seat at the bar as a solo diner. Gorgeous restaurant and very friendly staff, only reason for sub 5 star review is that my steak was slightly undercooked as I asked for rare plus and it came out very rare / too-chewy and I had to fight the pull the tendons apart lol... bread and appetizers were delicisous. Would probably come back again and ask for medium rare. Overall definitely recommend read more

Had a very tasty meal here! It's a very elevated meal from the moment you walk in. The service was attentive and very knowledgeable. I love how they present the proteins tableside, which is helpful to making the best decision (saves time from searching for photos!). The cocktails were smooth and elevated and you can't beat a chilled glass! The starter bites were fine, but not as memorable as the mains and steaks especially. We chose the True Galiciana steak since it's a Spain cuisine and the steak was seasoned so well and so tender. Spider Crab Arroz Cremoso - was also really delicious! Presentation was beautiful and the rice was creamy, 'crabby' and a great pairing with the steak. Bone Marrow Potato Purée - also equally delicious and so decadent. I loved how smooth, creamy, and savory this was. To complete the meal, their basque cheesecake was delicious. A little more structured than others, but was really tasty and smooth. Overall, we had. fantastic meal here! read more

See all

100/10 if I could. We plan to go back here every year for our birthdays it was incredible and definitely exceeded the hype everyone was talking about. While it's very expensive and upscale, it provided a home feel and our server joked and talked to us about any and all questions we had. Overall, would love to come here any time and any day, it was fabulous!! read more

Amazing Spanish food and service! Highly recommended! The Angus 28days steak and spider crab rice are impressive. 5J ham is best as always! read more

See all

Let's be completely clear and honest: there is absolutely no moral justification for paying this amount of money for food. The True Galician steak will run you $150, and there are more expensive options than that on the menu. In a world where people are struggling, dropping $250-300 per person (steak, side, drink, dessert) is morally reprehensible. Once you get over that (the cocktail helped), this was an epic dining experience. The True Galician was the best steak I've ever eaten. I literally dreamed about it a couple of nights later and it made me happy again. The mushroom side dish was just about as good, and the basque cheesecake wasn't far behind. It was as good a meal as I've ever had. As a once in a lifetime splurge, or to celebrate a milestone you can't do any better than Asador Bastian. read more

Easily one of the best steakhouses I've been to. Reservations are tough to get, I had alerts set for multiple dates before finally snagging one, but it was absolutely worth the effort. The service is exceptional and delivers a true high-end dining experience. I first visited for their Mother's Day prix fixe menu and enjoyed it so much that I returned a few weeks later to explore the regular menu. Both visits were outstanding, with incredible flavors, perfectly executed dishes, and a memorable overall experience. Drinks are also 10/10. read more

See all

Incredible food and service. My favorite was the spider crab risotto, and the steak was amazing as well. Highly recommend for a special occasion if you can get a reservation. read more

See all

What can I say. Truly one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in recent memory. The atmosphere is so classy. Drinks downstairs. And then the waiter took us upstairs for dinner. Our waiter was the best. Knew our names the whole night. Made it feel like we were dining at a friend's house. The dirty martini is a one of a kind. Great start. All the apps were great. The choices for meats were - no lie - overwhelming. All were great. Sides were all well done and tasty. If you can snag a reservation, I highly recommend. Great date night. Night with good friends. Or a business dinner. Can't go wrong. read more

See all

I went to Asador Bastian before it got really popular. The restaurant is gorgeous and very dark and sexy. Great restaurant for a special occasion, or a place to impress someone. We got the beef tartare to start. It was very yummy. We got the steak that "tastes like popcorn" they charge by the pound but only had cuts that were 2.5 lbs minimum so just keep that in mind! The steak was good - I think they're definitely a contender in the Chicago Steak scene but I wasn't absolutely blown away for the cost of the overall meal. Everything was delicious and I will return, I just would go more often if I felt it was worth the money. read more

The upstairs dining space was lovely but definitely gets loud. Our waiter was so helpful with a) describing the choices on the menu b) helping us decide how much to order. The descriptions did remind me a bit of a Portland episode (e.g., the pig being fed only acorns for 3 years, the 2.5 year old cow from XYZ, Kentucky that is only fed food grown on the same farm, etc. ). That said, I'm here for knowing how hard they work to source food from great farms. We had delicious cocktails: the Cutting Daisies and the Gingersnap Fizz. We would have had more if we weren't trying to keep the bill within reason . The real stars: the whiskey prawn, the spider crab arroz cremosa, and the tortilla española. The steak was great and all but I'm a sides girl. read more

See all

Came in for the spring menu pre-fixe event. Everything we tried was good, but I was a little disappointed. It was good but not earth shattering. Plating was pretty and the servers were super nice. Bar downstairs has a lounge-y feel. A lot of natural light in the dining room, at least the side we were sat in. read more

I had a wonderful experience dining as Asador Bastian. I've been dying to check this place out since it received "World's Best Steakhouse" honors. But reservations are difficult to snag, so I showed up when they open the doors (4pm) and was seated at the bar promptly. Surprisingly, there were a couple people waiting outside prior to 4, and by 445 the entire bar was packed! The food was excellent. I went with the tuna carpaccio for an appetizer and the dry aged steak for my main. I washed it all down with their scotch old fashioned and saved no room for dessert. The price is about what you'd expect - expensive. But the food, ambiance and service were top notch. And speaking of the service, I came away very impressed with the bar staff. Super knowledgeable; the server told me I really need to come back with a larger group so I can try more of their steak options. I highly recommend this spot read more

See all

Excellent seafood and steak. We tried a 14 year dry aged steak. Out of this world. The fish was fresh, but we should try another meat next time. The spider crab rice was delicious, very flavorful. Don't Miss the black swan desert. The service was exceptional. I have to say one of the best for a fine steakhouse in chicago. Our waiter Christian was super attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. This place deserves #1 ranking. read more

See all

I will say the service was spectacular and they selection was nice but overall for the price, the meal did not live up to the hype. I've had a better steak and sides for half the cost in Chicago. We went with the X steak, tarrow potatoes, artichokes, and Jamon Spanish omelette. Honestly the omelette was the star item. I would come for that and a drink! Haha the steak was fine but I don't like that you have to buy the full steak for $100+ instead of each of being able to order a cut we prefer and try two things. My husband's portion had gristle and once you removed the bone and excessive fat, it really wasn't that much meat. The artichokes were some of the best I've had and the potatoes were good but again, for the price I could have a better steak meal. Sorry! read more

Asador Bastian - Steak - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Asador Bastian was a great restaurant to celebrate with some friends. We were able to get a reservation for a Sunday evening for a table of six. My husband and I started in the bar with some drinks, and once the whole party arrived, we were quickly seated at our table upstairs. The bar almost felt like an airport bar and the upstairs felt like a cozy/modern cabin. We ordered a few cocktails, the crab/uni butter risotto, the melody of vegetables, two steaks (Spain and Australia), the potatoes, fried rice, peppers, and two desserts -- the citrus and the swan. We also ordered a bottle of wine. I will say the meal was quite expensive (~$400 a couple), but I think that's to be expected based on the restaurant's price point. The best dishes of the night were the risotto, the Australian wagyu, and the melody of vegetables. The table also really enjoyed the Moscow mules. Overall, the flat fish was a little blander than I'd prefer and the potatoes were mediocre. The fried rice was a little too hard for my preference. But the service was consistent, and the servers were well attentive and helpful, especially in the food and wine selection. read more

My goal is to try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2025! Restaurant: 40/50 Month tried: July Favorite dish: Spider Crab Arroz Cremoso (crab fried rice) Prefacing this review with the fact that I do not eat beef! So although Asador Bastian was just named one of the best steakhouses in the world, I was not able to have that experience. Asador Bastian was good. Insanely expensive. Probably would not go back, as I am not a beef eater and therefore could not even try what they do best. But, I did enjoy the sardines, and the crab fried rice was outstanding. The beef eaters did give rave reviews. But I don't think any of us are willing to pay what we did for the amount of food we got. This is maybe a one-time experience for true steakhouse lovers, but not a place to return. The space itself with the dark ambiance is awesome, and the service was incredible. Our server was awesome, attentive, and always addressed us by name. Felt very cared for! read more

See all

Came here for a birthday dinner, this is definitely a special occasion (or company card) destination. It's pricey, but the service is top-notch, the space is dim & moody, but not pretentious. It can get a little loud. All of the food was outstanding. From the tartare starter, which uses black truffle in a way that doesn't overpower the beef, to the arroz cremoso, which was packed with flavors you'll find in paella, but in a risotto style, to the star of the show, the steak. One member of our party preferred the steak here over Bavette's! The black swan dessert was beautiful and so different. It's a choux pastry filled with vanilla, chocolate, and a rich banana caramel that is to die for. Again, it is pricey! But if you can spring it, do it. read more

See all

Food was shockingly awful as I've been to this restaurant many times before. The burger - a sloppy mess smothered in aioli and not as I ordered. Tallow fries - served on a plate, heavy in grease, which I don't mind. However, because of that, I wanted to eat with a fork and knife but because they were served on a plate under a paper napkin that made it extremely difficult not to get some paper product with my tasteless spud. Hostess unbelievably unpleasant. Maybe she had a rough day. I never complained. Just left a 30 percent tip, uneaten food and walked out. read more

Asador Bastian - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was a unique and magical experience. We sat at the bar with my wife. I ordered a martini which was excellent. Bartender was attentive and knowledgeable about food in general. Started off with the sardines as appetizers. We ordered the San Miguel steak to share and a mashed potato with bone marrow. Food was amazing. Service was amazing. Ambience was amazing. The only bad thing for us is we live on the west coast and can't frequent this restaurant as much as we'd like. Highly recommend if you want a special night out. I'm a steak aficionado and this was the best steak I've ever eaten. My wife who owned a restaurant says the same. read more

See all

Great place to go if you feel like throwing a lot of money around! But actually, I went here with my family, and the food was excellent. The restaurant is very unassuming and in an old townhouse type building from the 1800s. Everyone who has been here in the city always says they love it and so I was excited to check it out. Service was excellent and they are definitely on it at all times. This is one of those special occasion places that doesn't feel super fancy inside and it's really nice but not over the top. I tried the grapefruit, gin and tonic, which was very good and a nice serving for a cocktail. For food, we had the Spanish tortilla (incredible), Spanish salad (fine), Warm vegetable (for sure skip), Grilled artichokes (favorite tbh so good with a lovely lemon flavor and I want to remake them), bone marrow mashed potatoes (Really rich and really good), Spanish rice (Great flavor with the ham) and two steaks. Now I'm not a crazy meat eater, but the steaks were wonderfully flavored and super memorable. They were a bit too rare for me, but I guess that's how people enjoy them. We finished off by trying the Basque cheesecake which I loved. Super light and fluffy. Overall, the food was really good! A lot of people say it's one of their favorite restaurants in the city and I understand why but the price point is a bit crazy! If you feel like spending a lot of money on meat then this is the place to go. It's definitely not your typical Chicago steakhouse at all but it's a unique dining experience. read more

See all

The meal of a lifetime, and I do not say that lightly. This was an experience, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, the ingredients were fresh, the preparations were simple but impactful...this is everything you could want in a meal. Fancy but approachable, dark and intimate. Pricey but absolutely worth it. Special shout-out the dish I will compare all other dishes to for the rest of my life...the sole, served over the spider crab arroz cremoso...that dish f*@ked!! 1000/10 read more

Asador Bastian - Menu and steak options - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Asador Bastian is described as a chophouse with Basque influences - We came here to celebrate a birthday, and after being promptly seated, we started off with some shareable apps: +the Osetra Caviar Churros - the churros didn't have a crisp exterior, and, and the Osetra Caviar was served lukewarm; an order came with 2 pieces +the Anchovy "Matrimonio" - be sure to order at least a couple if you're an anchovy fan, as it came with 3 pieces +the Lobster, Corn & Foie Gras - a nice one-bite app; be sure to order at least a couple, as it came with 3 pieces +and, the Spider Crab Arroz Cremoso - also comes in a half portion; this was served tableside, and it was more like a risotto that was more dense; an interesting presentation, as it had the spider crab shell on top For our mains, we focused on the Txuleton steaks: +the 100% Akushi - had a buttery and sweet notes to it +the Dry Aged Holstein - this was nice and tender, prepared and cooked well +and, The San Miguel - this was a hand-cut, bone-in steak; this was juicy and tender +a side of Iberico Fried Rice +a side of Tallow Fried Potatoes - these were interesting, as they were shaped like thick French toast sticks; a little bit too greasy for us +a side of Nico's Piquillos - we felt that this side dish wasn't worth it, as they were just thinly-sliced peppers +and, a side of Crisp Artichokes - these were really tasty, and could have been an app! We couldn't pass up on the desserts, so we tried the Raspberry Mil Hojas (Napoleon-style), The Swan (I was excited for this - an espresso ice cream, spun-to-order, with vanilla chantilly and cafe amaro chocolate sauce; loved the presentation!), the Citrus Coupe (our favorite out of the desserts; very refreshing), and the Burnt Basque Cheesecake (your usual basque cheesecake). The staff and service were both friendly and attentive. The restaurant is located in the 'Flair House', a historic townhouse that has been around since 1883; the space is dim-lit with a nice wooden decor. Located in the River North area, there's metered street parking available. +the Anchovy "Matrimonio" +Crisp Artichokes +Txuleton steaks +The Swan +friendly staff & service +metered street parking in the area read more

The food and service was incredible. It is a place that takes steak very seriously and it definitely shows. I will be back soon.

Asador Bastian may be the best steakhouse experience we have ever had. Everything from the moment we walked in to the moment we left was exceptional. The service was attentive warm and truly knowledgeable and the townhouse setting added a charm and intimacy that elevated the entire evening. The drinks and wine were outstanding and paired beautifully with every course. We started with the pintxos which were genuinely delicious and full of flavor. The sardines were perfectly prepared and the Iberico fried rice was incredible and something we are still talking about. One of the highlights was the steak display they bring out and take the time to explain each cut. It made the experience feel special and helped build anticipation for what was to come. The steaks themselves were among the best we have ever had the flavors rich and nuanced and each bite memorable. We could not recommend Asador Bastian more highly. If you are looking for an unforgettable steakhouse meal with exceptional food service and atmosphere this is the place to go. read more

See all

The late evening reservations we had were so worth it. The steak and sides were delicious and made an excellent well rounded meal. Outside of the steak the bone marrow puree was a standout. Great date night atmosphere. read more

Asador Bastian - Galacian steak. Back right is the bone marry potato puree. - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Downstairs, not up! It's subtle and feels a little like I imagine an old time speakeasy entry- where you might doubt or question whether or not you're in the right place. Wonderful place to go for Thanksgiving dinner. Staff was outstanding, and even with pared down menu, loved all the flavors presented to us. Even though it's an upscale place, it didn't feel overly stuffy. Love the intimacy of the venue. Getting a full tour of the place was another nice touch. Highly recommend read more

See all

Sat at the bar. The tortillas was completely raw. Throughout. Potatoes were hard. Only thing eatable was the jamon However that's not the worse. When the main course came. They sent out the wrong sides. Would not let me mix the bone marrow. Steak was burnt and chewy. Asked for a different glass of wine. The bartender said he got me then completely forgot about it. Has he have checked up on us.. these issues would have been resolved. However the only check up he gave was the check itself. Pretty ridiculous as he only had 4 covers. read more

See all

Wonderful experience. I loved our server Juan. Very knowledgeable and very friendly! When they bring out those trays of seafood and steaks it's wild. Started with the caviar churros so good. Get these for sure! Spider crab table side was pretty awesome too like a rich risotto great recommendation. Next we ordered two different steaks. The Holstein with like a popcorn dry age and a traditional style NY Bronx dry aged steak as well, that one wasn't on the menu. Both were top notch! Can't even decide which I liked better. Both equally amazing and for different reasons. Lastly, the bone marrow mashed potatoes were insane. I can eat those every day! Don't snooze on those. We had a couple G&T's with grapefruit, and a couple nice glasses of wine! No room for dessert. Everything was perfection. Will definitely return. Thank you for the hospitality, Asador Bastian! I think it's important to mention we were sat almost immediately, and the place was very busy. It's dialed in there and I love the clean Design. Noise level is perfect - not too loud not too quiet. Met a great table beside us celebrating a birthday. We all had a phenomenal evening. Cheers to the entire staff! It definitely lives up to what everyone is talking about. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! read more

See all

Asador Bastian is a wonderful place for high quality steaks with a Basque styling. All the steaks are very good, but if you get a chance to try the Kagoshima wagyu (a special) it will be a momd blowing experience. But more than the steaks, you'll enjoy the great appetizers, desserts and drinks. The restaurant is dimly lit but if you can get the chef's table (note this is just a larger table near the kitchen) you'll have a great opportunity to see the steaks being beautifully prepared. Across the three times I've been the service has ranged from excellent to good, depending on who's helping you - with some variety in how the meats are presented and the level of friendliness. read more

See all

The service, the food, and feeling of being part of something special made dinner here delightful . read more

Asador Bastian - Fish for your dinner choices - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

step inside the historic flair house, where basque tradition meets river north sophistication at the iconic asador bastian. we're kicking things off with the summer in bordeaux, an incredibly bright mix of old tom gin and yuzu sake, and the el perfecto--a serious london dry and spanish vermut blend for the gin lovers. for the main event, you have to see this txuleton burger. it's an 8oz curated beef blend with mahon cheese on toasted brioche with a roasted garlic and piquillo pepper aioli--it's pure luxury. if you're here for the signature basque experience but want something manageable, the san miguel steak is the move; it's the perfect size for one or a quick share. we're rounding out the night with the rich old tom tonic, the smokey-meets-nutty cutting daisies with mezcal and pistachio, and finishing on a bright note with the citrus coupe. summer in bordeaux $22 old tom gin, yuzu sake, cocchi americano, benedictine el perfecto $21 london dry & navy strength gin, spanish vermut txuleton burger $22 harking back to the days of lavish parties in the original flair house, our txuleton burger is an 8oz blend of curated beef, topped with mahon cheese served on a toasted brioche bun brushed with roasted garlic & piquillo pepper aioli the san miguel steak $73 a smaller cut of our classic txuleton steaks. perfect for one person to enjoy or for two to share for a quick bite bone marrow potato puré $26 rich old tom 19 hayman's old tom gin, cocchi americano, angostura, fever tree tonic cutting daisies $18 la luna mezcal, genepy, pineapple cordial, pistachio citrus coupe $17 read more

What an incredible dining experience! We ordered at least half of the menu items and somehow each dish managed to outdo the last - every bite was exceptional. The meat was butter and cooked to sheer perfection, and even the NA drinks were beautifully crafted and full of flavor. read more

Asador Bastian - Spanish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

We were able to snatch a last minute reservation to this amazing place and so happy to be able to experience it. The ambiance is dark, moody and classy. Service is truly outstanding. Now on to the food. The char on the steak is hands down one of the best I have ever had. The lobster appetizer is amazing but oh so tiny. I could have had an entire plate of just that and would be in heaven. It's just 2 per order and they are literally one bite each. As were the churros with caviar. Tiny and amazing! Also 2 per order. Definitely need to order multiple appetizers if you are hungry. We shared the steak and ordered 2 sides. The bone marrow mash potatoes were incredible!! Cannot speak highly enough about them. So creamy, they practically melt in your mouth. The other were the potatoes like French fries but not, in beef tallow. Also very good but that bone marrow mash potatoes side was amazing. Would definitely come back for that. read more

Because I am stubborn and am hell-bent on adding to my (short) list of favorite Chicago steakhouses, my wife and I returned for our anniversary to give Asador one more shot. And because I was planning to shell out $600+ on a tasting menu at a local favorite (Kasama), I decided to approach this experience differently, like a lavish tasting menu, not a meat and potatoes experience. With that slight tweak, my perspective on Asador changed immensely. One could argue that I shouldn't approach it similar to an evening at Kasama (phenomenal), Ever (ehh), or Next (solid), but given how broad and interesting Asador's menu is, and how quaint it is - perhaps 40% the size of Bavettes - I believe it is fair, considering our experience read and was served like a tasting menu: - Pan Con Tomate - 5J Ibérico De Bell - Cecina of Beef Y Queso Azul - Grilled Caviar - Black Truffle Beef Tartare - Cured Sardines & Salsa Verde - Socarrat - Carabinero - The Charolais with Iberico Fried Rice on the side - Raspberry Mil Hojas There are plenty of reviews out there on individual plates, so I won't get into details, but I will highlight a few standouts from the evening, as only the Pan Con Tomate and Raspberry Mil Hojas were carryovers (because they are amazing) from our first experience. Our server, Nikita (more on him later), shared a pro tip of combining the caviar and beef tartare atop the grilled brioche (I think?) for a single bite. This was perhaps the best "one-and-done" bites of food I've ever had. Despite each on its own being very simple (which is a compliment), the combined textures, flavors, and seasoning turned this into (pardon my childish description) an explosion of flavor unto my cakehole that is forever seared into my hippocampus. The socarrat - imagine an uni paella taco - was exceptional as well. Reading and seeing videos of this I feared it was just hype, that the socarrat was just a clever way to mask some average uni. Nope, I totally get the hype now. The uni was firm enough to not shoot out the ends of the socarrat vessel, yet remained creamy. The humble paella grounded the decadent uni so well, a ying and yang pairing that shouldn't work but does like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, and Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman! And what's a review of a steakhouse without a mention of the steak. Where the Holstein and Galciana failed to impress during our last visit, the Charolais hit the spot. The aging provided great flavor and just a kiss of that blue-cheese funk without overpowering it. If I may offer one suggestion: consider providing diners with a side of some fancy salt so folks can add additional seasoning if they'd like. I truly appreciate Asador not backing a salt truck up onto each steak so the beef may speak for itself (despite technically already being dead), but I found the steak in all three instances to be slightly underseasoned, and this from a guy who orders fries sans salt. Lastly, the tomatoes. I'm not sure where they source their tomatoes, maybe from the Land of Oz, but Nikita mentioned they were coming to the end of the season and wow, they great with the Pan Con Tomate and with the sardines (served partially dehydrated). I know, who remembers accoutrement with such vividry, but they were that good. Finally, Nikita. Nikita made our experience truly memorable. We left the selections in his capable hands, telling him what we had last time and that we'd like to explore more of what makes Asador special, and he delivered. From walking us through the evening's steak and fresh seafood offerings, to sharing his story of how he entered the industry and experiences prior to joining Asador, we were thankful for his time and attention to detail. His ability to make guests feel wholly welcomed, while reading his audience and knowing when to geek out on food and when to subtly step away (whether to allow guests to actually enjoy their meals or to make sure the adjacent table was not being ignored) is a skill he has mastered. Good luck to you, sir, as you approach your sommelier certification! In closing, yes, you're going to drop quite a bit while spending an evening at Asador, but if you approach it in the right frame of mind, it will make for a magnificent experience. Afterall, not many steakhouses can pull off a legit tasting menu experience. All that said, I'm updating my review from 3 to 4.5 stars, but since Yelp doesn't allow halves, we'll round up. Thank you to Nikita, Judy, and Luis for a memorable anniversary dinner. read more