Steakhouse Appetizers

In our steakhouse appetizers guide, we give you the typical starters that are found in steakhouses around the world.

A great steakhouse experience doesn’t begin with a perfect cut of wagyu or a well-done ribeye. It starts earlier, with the first course: the appetizers. Those small, artfully plated dishes that tease your taste buds and set the rhythm for what’s to come.

Most steakhouses typically offer a mix of classics and unique options in their menus. 

What makes a steakhouse appetizer ideal and quintessential to the experience? Their flavor profile should be a lesson in balance. It should be rich without the heaviness, have flavor without overstatement, and be presented effortlessly without trying too much. 

Visiting a steakhouse soon? Know what to order for a satisfying first course.

What Makes a Great Steakhouse Appetizer?

A well-designed appetizer menu is all about contrast with your steakhouse entree. The richness of steak or other choice of meat needs to be balanced with starters that awaken, not overwhelm. That’s why seafood, acidity, and umami are frequent choices for the start of a steakhouse meal.

Seafood starters like oysters, crab cakes, and tuna tartare are global favourites. Their delicate flavors cleanse the palate and pair beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or champagne.

Then there are savoury indulgences. Dishes like roasted bone marrow or smoked short ribs give diners a glimpse of a steakhouse’s bolder side. These hint at what’s to come, offering richness in smaller, artfully measured doses.

And finally, consider dishes rich in texture like softness and crunch, with flavours that balance creaminess and acidity. These fall into the perfect appetizer territory. Think jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, crunchy mini-burgers, and more. 

Tip: When choosing your appetizer, it is important to factor in what sides you will be selecting with your main so your overall meal will be balanced.

Typical Steakhouse Appetizers

If you’re exploring steakhouse dining, these appetizers are timeless and versatile choices to start your meal:

• Oysters (Natural or Kilpatrick): Whether enjoyed raw with a squeeze of lemon or grilled with smoky bacon and Worcestershire, oysters never fail to impress.
• Crab Cakes: Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, crab cakes are a delight. Pair with lemon aioli or remoulade for a punch of flavor. 
• Beef Tartare: Finely chopped beef seasoned with capers, mustard, and herbs, and finished with a creamy egg yolk. What’s not to love? It’s rich yet balanced, and often shows off a chef’s culinary mastery. 
• Tuna Tartare: A lighter, modern choice that blends the freshness of the sea with the finesse of fine dining.
• Bone Marrow: Served roasted with pickled shallots and toasted sourdough, it’s the definition of decadence, melt-in-the-mouth luxury.
• Caviar: Nothing marks a special occasion like some caviar. Pair with champagne for a perfect start to your evening. 
• Shrimp Cocktail: A cold, crisp classic with tangy cocktail sauce and a citrus twist. You really can’t go wrong. 

Cultural Influences on Appetizers Offerings

Steakhouse appetizers can vary around the world based on cultural influences and local preferences. Some steakhouses’ menus offer local flavors and fusion food. For example, at Blossom Steakhouse in Bali, appetizers like the Soto Ayam – a local soup, gives visitors a glimpse into Bali’s rich culinary traditions, while still offering traditional steakhouse appetizers like buffalo wings, oysters and bone marrow. 

Regardless of what you eat at a steakhouse, one thing is for sure: these dishes exist not to fill you up, but to make you pause, savour, and appreciate.

Pairing Options for Steakhouse Starters

A thoughtful pairing can elevate an appetizer from great to extraordinary. Light seafood dishes come alive with crisp wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé, while richer starters such as bone marrow or beef tartare pair beautifully with earthy reds like Pinot Noir.

We have a separate guide where you can learn how to pair wine with seafood that you can check out. 

Even cocktails have found their place in the steakhouse experience. A classic martini alongside oysters, or a smoky old-fashioned before a ribeye, bridges the flavours of the meal beautifully.

At high-end establishments such as Blossom Steakhouse, expert staff curate these pairings with care, ensuring every element complements the next course. The idea is not to overwhelm but to harmonise, keeping the experience fluid and elegant.

Looking for the perfect steak choice? Check our guide on What Steak to Order at a Steakhouse? 

Experience the Luxury of Beginning Well

In Bali’s world of dining, Blossom Steakhouse stands out for its ability to merge steakhouse indulgence with authenticity. Its appetiser selection is proof that true luxury lies not just in extravagance but in execution. The harmony of flavor, the respect for ingredients, and the careful attention to presentation transform the simplest bites into memorable moments.

Whether you begin your evening with a plate of oysters kissed by the sea breeze or a spoonful of rich, glistening caviar, one thing is certain – at Blossom Steakhouse, every beginning is as remarkable as the destination.