Know Your Meat - Fillet
Book NowEveryone has their favourite cut of steak, and perhaps the most common: the succulent Fillet steak. Known for incredible flavour, versatility and popularity, the Fillet steak is a prized cut and prized menu offering across the world. This guide will help you to appreciate the quality, flavour, and sourcing of this delectable meat cut.
What is Fillet steak?
As one of the prime cuts of beef, Fillet steak is cherished for its unrivalled tenderness and rich flavour. Extracted from the tenderloin, a muscle located along the lower back of the cow, this cut is also one of the leanest. It's instantly recognisable by its elongated shape, free from bones and gristle. This lack of fat and bone contributes to its distinctively delicate texture and subtly sweet taste. Unlike other beef cuts, which can be tough or marbled, the fillet steak is consistently soft and lean, making it a prime choice for those who appreciate the subtler side of beef. Whether it’s cooked to a blushing medium-rare or seared to a well-done finish, the fillet steak never fails to make your mouth water.
Where does Fillet steak come from?
The origins of succulent fillet steak start right in the heart of the cow, specifically, the lower middle back. This area, known as the tenderloin, is responsible for producing this exceptional cut. The tenderloin gets very little exercise, which results in a lack of intramuscular fat and leads to the fillet steak's lean and tender nature. One of the reasons why fillet steak is considered a prime cut is due to its scarcity. Only about 2% of the entire weight of a cow is made up of tenderloin. This rarity, combined with its naturally soft texture, has solidified fillet steak's position as one of the most coveted cuts of beef.
This meat cut’s global journey is a testament to its popularity. It’s sourced from cattle breeds around the world, from the Angus and Hereford in the UK, the Charolais in France, to the Wagyu and Kobe in Japan. Each breed lends a unique flavour and quality to the fillet steak, adding to its allure.
Fillet steak flavour
Experiencing the flavour of fillet steak begins with a delicately rich, beefy taste, underpinned by the subtle hints of the animal's diet. There's an unmistakable depth to the flavour, a result of the steak's lean nature and minimal marbling. It’s a taste that’s more subtle than that of fattier cuts, but no less satisfying.
The fillet steak's inherent tenderness plays an equally important role in its flavour profile. Its softness allows it to melt on the tongue, releasing its juices and creating a smooth, almost buttery feeling that passionate steak lovers will always crave. This, coupled with its light meaty flavour, offers a gastronomic experience that's truly remarkable.
Fillet steak pairings
This tender, subtly flavoured cut of beef is versatile and can harmonise with a range of complementary flavours. A medium to full-bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec, can stand up to the robust, delicious flavour of the steak. For a slightly different experience, a bold and elegant Chardonnay can also make a surprisingly pleasing match.
Cheese enthusiasts might consider crowning their fillet steak with a dollop of creamy blue cheese or grating over a mature Parmesan, intensifying the steak's richness for a truly indulgent pairing. You’ll find plenty of flavourful wine pairings on our wine list, however, should you need some guidance, ask your waiter for their recommendations.
Fillet steak in London
At Zelman Meats, we take our meats very seriously. From sourcing to cooking, we want to ensure everything is lovingly taken care of for the most flavourful dining experience. On our menu you’ll find an abundance of steak, and of course, at the top of that list is the well-loved Fillet steak. Our Fillet steak is a truly delicious grain-finished Angus Aberdeen Black from Canada, cooked to your specifications, sliced on the grain to present perfect colour and finished with flaked sea salt.
If you already have your preferred cut, you’ll also find other choices on the Zelman Meats menu, such as the Striploin, Sirloin, Picanha, Ribeye, or perhaps Wagyu. If you’d like a taste of everything, however, The Zelman Plate provides a portion of every cut with your choice of sides, providing the perfect opportunity to taste everything and find your signature cut of meat for your next visit.
Other menu favourites include a selection of classic sides and a fully stocked bar of spirits, house beers, wine, and cocktails. You’ll find classics like the Porn Star Martini and Mojito, as well as the more unique Hood Good and Smoky Margarita, as well as plenty of mocktails, softs and stills.
Perfectly located
You’ll find your new favourite Fillet steak dish at Zelman Meats. On the 5th Floor of Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ. If you’ve indulged in a bit of shopping, Zelman Meats is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat, or perhaps an after-shopping cocktail to rest your feet and tempt you into an afternoon of further indulgence.
If you’re travelling from within London, or need to head further into Central London after your visit to Zelman Meats, the nearest tube station is Knightsbridge Station (Piccadilly Line) – just a 2-minute walk away. You’ll also find numerous bus stops surrounding Harvey Nichols, with routes like the 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452, and C1 providing easy access.
If you’re searching for things to do around Zelman Meats, Harvey Nichols itself provides the perfect opportunity to browse the designer delights. Just a stone's throw away, you’ll also find Harrods, the iconic rival department store that offers another dose of luxury retail therapy. Alternatively, take a refreshing stroll through the verdant expanse of Hyde Park, just a 10-minute walk away, or indulge in some London culture and arts at the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum.
