Know Your Meat - Wagyu
Book NowZelman Meats is a staple of London, an iconic steak restaurant serving up some of the finest cuts of beef, delicious sides, and a selection of flavourful mains. Whether you’re exploring London for the very best Wagyu steak, enjoying a bite to eat after a shopping spree in Harvey Nichols, or perhaps booking a private dining event, Zelman is the place to go!
What is Wagyu beef?
Wagyu steak is the famous phrase on many restaurant goers lips. Prized as the most tender cut of beef imaginable and expertly cooked by chefs across the world (especially in the Zelman kitchen), but what is it exactly?
The term 'Wagyu' translates to 'Japanese cow' and encompasses four unique breeds native to Japan. What makes Wagyu so special, however, is its remarkable marbling - a trait that lends it an exceptionally rich, buttery flavour that's second to none. This marbling is not just for show, it's responsible for the steak's distinctive 'melt in your mouth' sensation and an unparalleled depth of flavour. Wagyu beef is absolutely a cut above the rest, thanks to its intense marbling, superior tenderness, and opulent beefy taste that cannot be matched by any other cut of beef.
Where does Wagyu steak come from?
Wagyu beef comes from Japan and includes four primary breeds: the Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. The story of Wagyu beef dates back several centuries when cattle in Japan were used purely for draught purposes, which led to their muscles developing intense marbling.
Fast forward to the present day and Japanese breeders have painstakingly nurtured these breeds, refining their genetics to optimise marbling, tenderness, and flavour. The rearing process of Wagyu is a labour of love, with meticulous attention paid to each cow's diet, environment, and general well-being. The result is a breed of cattle that's genetically predisposed to intense marbling and a delicacy that's celebrated worldwide.
Whilst Japan is undoubtedly the birthplace of Wagyu, the breed has found new homes across the globe. In Australia and the United States, for instance, breeders have crossbred Wagyu with local breeds to produce a variation of Wagyu beef known as 'American-style Kobe beef' or 'Australian Wagyu.'
Wagyu steak flavour
If you’ve yet to savour the delightful flavours of delicious Wagyu beef, the first impression is undeniably a sumptuous, buttery richness with a gentle, slight nuttiness. But it's not just the flavours that captivate; it's also about the texture. Wagyu’s unparalleled tenderness results in a unique mouthfeel - a succulence that perfectly complements its taste. When cooked to perfection, Wagyu steak gives you the impression of melting in your mouth, a sensation as decadent as the flavours it provides.
Wagyu steak pairings
For those of you who appreciate a good glass of wine alongside a gorgeous cut of steak, Wagyu presents a wonderful opportunity to elevate your wine experience. The richness and depth of Wagyu steak require a wine that can hold its ground. Full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a robust Merlot are excellent choices. These wines possess the structure and tannin content necessary to balance the buttery richness of Wagyu, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours in your mouth.
If you're a fan of Japanese whisky, this is another fantastic partner to delicate Japanese Wagyu. The sweet, smooth and slightly smoky characteristics make it an ideal companion to the luxurious flavours of Wagyu. The whisky's subtle sweetness enhances the inherent sweetness of the beef, while its rich, complex flavour profile mirrors the intricacies of Wagyu's marbling. It's a pairing that's uniquely satisfying, reminiscent of the Japanese art of balance. For beer enthusiasts, dark, full-bodied beers such as stouts or porters can stand up to the rich, complex flavours of Wagyu. These beers offer a combination of roasted malt, caramel and chocolate notes that complement the beef's robustness and add an extra dimension to the Wagyu beef.
At Zelman Meats, we’ve got a fantastic drinks list a bar stocked with the finest spirits, a wonderful selection of wine and the perfect combinations to craft the finest cocktails. Whatever your favourite tipple, we can have it on the table, ready to be paired with your Wagyu beef.
Wagyu steak in London
For some of the best Wagyu beef in London, head to Zelman Meats in Harvey Nicholls, Knightsbridge. For a taste of the most perfectly beefy burger, you’ll want to sink your teeth into our Zelman Wagyu Burger: a delicious Wagyu beef patty, sriracha burger sauce, cheddar, crispy onions, pickles and our famous triple-cooked chips. If you’d prefer to try the steak in all its simple majesty, the F1 Wagyu Ribeye is a delectable grade 8-9+ grain finished Wagyu cattle lovingly prepared and expertly cooked. Pair this with any of the Zelman sides and a delicate glass of red for the ultimate Wagyu beef experience.
Better yet, if you’re craving the ultimate Zelman experience, the Zelman Plate consists of every single cut of steak all sliced on one plate and paired with a choice of side per person. The Zelman Plate is the best way to get a taste of all Zelman does best and find your cut of steak.
If you’re positively famished and want to try more than just delectable Wagyu beef on your next visit to Zelman Meats, you’ll also find plenty of other delicious cuts! Grain finished Fillet, delicious Hereford Striploin, tender and flavourful Ribeye and the delectable Picanha. Pair this with a selection of sides and a glass (or bottle) of something spectacular and enjoy Zelman how it was meant to be enjoyed: in abundance and with great company.
Conveniently located
Zelman Meats is located on the 5th floor of Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RJ. A visit to Zelman Meats is the perfect opportunity to sit and relax after a London shopping spree, or the perfect place to end the day after exploring central London.
Getting to and from Zelman couldn’t be easier. The nearest tube stations are Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner, both on the Piccadilly line. Knightsbridge station is a 5-minute walk from the restaurant, while Hyde Park Corner station is just a 10-minute walk.
If travelling by bus, Several bus routes stop near Harvey Nichols, including the 7, 19, 22, 414, and C1. You can use the Transport for London website or app to plan your journey and find the most convenient bus stop. You’ll find lots of exciting attractions nearby too, such as the iconic Harrods, beautiful Hyde Park, and the Royal Buckingham Palace.
