Review of Macellaio RC – South Kensington’s finest steakhouse

Tucked away just a short stroll from South Kensington station, Macellaio RC may appear from the outside to be a humble butcher shop — but step through its doors and you're transported into an atmospheric trattoria reminiscent of a Tuscan wine cellar. Deep red walls, rustic wooden tables, and an eye-catching and eccentric chandelier installation set the scene for what would be an unforgettable dining experience.

Macellaio — which translates to "butcher" — is no ordinary steakhouse. This Italian gem specialises in expertly sourced beef, with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and respect for both animal welfare and the environment. The restaurant’s carbon-positive supply chain is a result of close partnerships with Lake District Farms and select Italian producers, allowing the team to personally meet every farmer and handpick every breed.

We were invited to experience Macellaio’s halal offering — a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights their uncompromising standards of quality and flavour.

We began with a signature special Beef Tonnato — tender slices of Lake District beef dressed with an airy tuna and caper sauce. Unexpectedly delicate, the tuna blended seamlessly with the capers, creating a lighter, more nuanced alternative to a traditional horseradish. The meat - feather light, and although the portion was incredibly generous, the dish does not make you feel overly full. Leaving plenty of room for the delicious courses to come.  On the advice of our server, this dish was paired with a glass of Ginestrino Langhe Nebbiolo, a wine supremely refined, fresh and easy drinking.

Next, we tried the Beef Carpaccio, featuring paper-thin slices of raw Merrango beef topped with rocket and a magnificent heap of shaved parmesan. Despite its hearty appearance, the dish again felt light and effortless—a testament to the kitchen's finesse.

Moving on to the main course, the highlight of the evening was the fillet steak, a premium cut from the Marango breed — a cross between Angus Aberdeen and Italy’s Maremmana or Frisona cattle. Raised on an organic, Omega 3 and 6-rich diet, the meat is unparalleled in tenderness and flavour. Ours was served medium rare and sliced like butter, paired beautifully with a full-bodied and seductively rich Cabernet Sauvignon.

Alongside our steak, we chose the Galletto al Mattone — free-range chicken grilled under a brick, infused with herbs and olive oil, crisp on the outside and succulent within. With such a fantastic steak as competition, the chicken had a lot to live up to, but it certainly was not to be outshone, and for those who don’t want to overly indulge in red meat, the chicken is also an outstanding choice as a main course.

A special mention must go to the glazed honey carrots — an unexpected triumph. Perfectly balanced sweetness with earthy herbs, they were savoury, aromatic, and an ideal complement to the richness of the meats.

The mixed salad, crisp and refreshing, added a welcome contrast, along with the crunchy chips; this exceptional combination completed the table.

We ended with a classic Tiramisu, elegantly presented, with light, airy Mascarpone; this could quite easily be the best version I’ve ever tried. Teamed with fresh mint tea to aid digestion, the combination rounded off the evening on a sweet, soothing note.

Overall, we had a fantastic evening, the food is farm fresh, and you can taste the difference. The staff are warm and engaging — knowledgeable without pretension. Service was attentive and genuine throughout the evening.

Whether you’re looking to impress a steak-loving friend or simply want to indulge in high-quality meat with a conscience, you should have this restaurant on your culinary radar. With additional locations in Soho and Exmouth Market, Macellaio RC is a dining experience not to be missed.

For more info. and to book click here.

Written by Claire Bloom

Image two by Claire Bloom

Image one and three courtesy of Macellaio RC