A Delightful Feast at Macellaio - Review

If you enjoy steak and meat, Macellaio RC needs to be on your must-visit list. With three locations across London, we visited the Exmouth Market spot and were extremely impressed.

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a wave of warm smiles from the staff. The interior was cosy and well-laid-out. The decor felt authentically Italian, with a nod to traditional butcher shops, adding to the charm of the place.

It is certain that Macellaio RC is much more than just a restaurant chain; it's a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Founded by a team passionate about Italian food and culture, Macellaio prides itself on its dedication to high-quality meats. In Italian the word "Macellaio" translates to "butcher", highlighting their promise to offer the finest cuts of beef, making it a perfect place for meat-lovers.

Our dining experience began with a special treat: a platter of their freshest selection of raw beef, our waitress took us through the different options of meat-cuts, their taste and texture. 

Although steak is their specialty, you will also find pastas and burgers on their menu. The staff's knowledge on the menu was also very impressive. Their enthusiasm about the menu and  founding story of Macellaio set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

For our starters, we feasted on olives, bread baskets, and a very aesthetic-looking edible butter candle (you may have seen this on instagram….) The Lard on Toast with sweet honey, crunchy walnuts, and salty Lard was the perfect appetiser. Additionally, the traditional Tigella, served with mortadella in soft buns, was just as delightful. We also had beef carpaccio, following a recommendation from our waitress. The delicate buttery texture and rich flavour were a revelation. These dishes were unlike anything we'd been offered at other Italian restaurants.

The highlight of our lunch was definitely the Revolver Steak which was cooked to medium-rare perfection. Served in a cloche plate, this was 500g of juicy and flavorful beef with a side of bone marrow and seasoning. It was simply outstanding and one of the best steaks we have had in London. We also ordered Truffle Chips, Rosemary Potatoes, and Carrots, along with smaller plates of Ragu and Tomato Spaghetti. Each plate was a testament to the quality of food at Macellaio.

If you are not visiting for the steak, the Ragu pasta was equally as delicious as the Revolver Steak.

Despite our starters and mains being enough to satiate our appetite, we couldn't resist the dessert options. We opted for the Apple Tart and homemade Tiramisu. The Tiramisu, made from a recipe handed down by the owner’s grandmother, was a standout dish. It was rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. Similarly, the Apple Tart was not only tasty but also Instagram-worthy, shaped like a beautiful rose.

Overall, our dining experience was impeccable Macellaio RC's commitment to quality extends beyond their food. Their impeccable service made us feel valued and well taken care of during a relaxed meal.

We were also very impressed by their innovative approach to traditional dishes-like the edible butter candle and creatively presented desserts.

Macellaio truly lives up to its reputation, making it a must-visit for any food lover who appreciates culinary heritage, quality and meat.

Address: 38-40 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE

Website: https://www.macellaiorc.com/

Written By Ismelda Nela

Photos courtesy of Macellaio