Are you a meat lover in the Bay Area looking to indulge in the finest quality beef?
Look no further than Wagyu beef, known for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
But where can you find this premium meat in the Bay Area? We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best places to buy Wagyu beef.
From exclusive retailers to local butcher shops, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to sink your teeth into some of the best beef the Bay Area has to offer.
Where To Buy Wagyu Beef In Bay Area?
1. The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse: This exclusive retailer is the only certified Kobe Beef retailer in San Francisco and offers Japanese A5 Wagyu beef from various Japanese farms. The master butcher here is a veteran in the industry and ensures quality and consistency for both the restaurant and butcher shop concepts.
2. GOZU: Chef/owner Marc Zimmerman offers two options of wagyu pick-up boxes, including Miyazaki strip, Duroc pork chops, jidori eggs, and wagyu tallow. Limited delivery within San Francisco is available via Tock.
3. Alexander’s Steakhouse: This steakhouse offers a house grind that is 70% A5 Wagyu and 30% high-end beef, resulting in a delicious flavor and juicy mouthfeel.
4. Local high-quality suppliers: Look for suppliers who state the exact location of their beef farms, such as Miyazaki or Kagoshima. Pape Meat Company in Millbrae and Niku Butcher Shop in San Francisco are great options for high-quality Wagyu beef.
5. Online retailers: If you’re unable to find Wagyu beef locally, consider ordering from online retailers such as Snake River Farms or Holy Grail Steak Co.
What Is Wagyu Beef And Why Is It So Special?
Wagyu beef is a type of beef that comes from four specific breeds of cows that are genetically tied to Japan. These breeds are chosen for their endurance and predisposition for marbling, which is the white specks of intramuscular fat that you’ll see spread throughout a cut of lean pink meat. The heritage and subsequent nurturing of these breeds is what commands top dollar, with an adult cow being sold for as much as $30,000. The high price tag is due in part to the exclusivity of the product, the experience it delivers to customers, and the expenses breeders incur, such as the import prices of the concentrated feed required to expand their bovine’s waistline. Prior to slaughter, a cow bred for Wagyu beef can amass up to 50% of its weight in fat thanks to a meticulous feeding routine, which can last up to two years. When cooked, the marbled fat melts into the muscle fibers within the steak cut, helping it retain moisture and remain juicy. Additionally, the ratio of mono-unsaturated to saturated fat ratio is higher in Wagyu than other red meats, making it an appealing option for those with dietary constraints. In summary, Wagyu beef is special because of its unique genetic background, meticulous feeding routine, and mouthwatering taste and texture.
Exclusive Retailers For Wagyu Beef In The Bay Area
If you’re looking for exclusive retailers for Wagyu beef in the Bay Area, there are a few options available. The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse is a notable retailer that offers Japanese A5 Wagyu beef from various Japanese farms, including the exclusive Bushu Gyu raised by the Hasegawa family in Saitama, Japan. They are also the only certified Kobe Beef retailer in San Francisco. The master butcher, who is a veteran in the industry, ensures quality and consistency for both the restaurant and butcher shop concepts.
Another great option is GOZU, where Chef/owner Marc Zimmerman offers two options of wagyu pick-up boxes that include Miyazaki strip, Duroc pork chops, jidori eggs, and wagyu tallow. Limited delivery within San Francisco is available via Tock.
Alexander’s Steakhouse is another steakhouse that offers a house grind that is 70% A5 Wagyu and 30% high-end beef, resulting in a delicious flavor and juicy mouthfeel.
If you’re looking for local high-quality suppliers, look for suppliers who state the exact location of their beef farms, such as Miyazaki or Kagoshima. Pape Meat Company in Millbrae and Niku Butcher Shop in San Francisco are great options for high-quality Wagyu beef.
Lastly, if you’re unable to find Wagyu beef locally, consider ordering from online retailers such as Snake River Farms or Holy Grail Steak Co. These retailers offer a wide selection of Wagyu beef cuts and can deliver them straight to your door.
Local Butcher Shops Offering Wagyu Beef
For those who prefer to buy their Wagyu beef from a local butcher shop, there are a few great options in the Bay Area. The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse is an exclusive retailer of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and is the only certified Kobe Beef retailer in San Francisco. They work with various Japanese farms to offer a wide selection of Wagyu beef cuts. The master butcher at the shop, Guy Crims, is a veteran in the industry and ensures quality and consistency for both the restaurant and butcher shop concepts.
Another great option is Alexander’s Steakhouse, which offers a house grind that is 70% A5 Wagyu and 30% high-end beef. This results in a delicious flavor and juicy mouthfeel that is sure to impress any beef lover.
For those who want to support local farms, Pape Meat Company in Millbrae and Niku Butcher Shop in San Francisco are great options for high-quality Wagyu beef. These suppliers often state the exact location of their beef farms, such as Miyazaki or Kagoshima, so customers can be sure they are getting authentic Japanese Wagyu.
While not strictly a local option, online retailers such as Snake River Farms or Holy Grail Steak Co. are also great options for those unable to find Wagyu beef locally. These retailers offer a wide selection of cuts and grades of Wagyu beef, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Online Options For Purchasing Wagyu Beef
If you’re unable to find Wagyu beef in your local area, there are several online options available for purchasing this premium meat. Here are some of the best online retailers for buying Wagyu beef:
1. Holy Grail Steak Co.: Holy Grail Steak Co. offers a wide selection of Japanese and American Wagyu steaks, including authentic Kobe beef. They also sell packaged steak flights and offer subscription plans for added convenience.
2. DeBragga: DeBragga offers three different varieties of Wagyu beef – American, Australian, and Japanese. They dry age select cuts of Wagyu and offer a selection of dry-aged Wagyu strip steaks and rib chops.
3. Snake River Farms: Snake River Farms is the premier producer of American Wagyu steaks and roasts. Their beef features a buttery texture, complex flavors, subtle sweetness, and a lingering finish.
4. Rastelli’s: Rastelli’s carries a handful of Wagyu cuts, including sirloin, rib eye, New York strip, and filet mignon. They also sell poultry, seafood, pork, and lamb.
When purchasing Wagyu beef online, it’s important to find a reputable distributor who can provide you with all the details you need to order without any surprises. These online retailers have a long history of selling high-quality Wagyu beef and are trusted by many customers.
Tips For Cooking And Enjoying Wagyu Beef At Home
Cooking Wagyu beef at home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to it. But fear not, with a few tips and tricks, you can cook the perfect Wagyu steak in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Sear the surfaces: Searing the surfaces of roasts and thicker steaks will help them retain moisture during cooking and result in a nice browned color. For Wagyu beef, sear it in a pre-heated pan for 1.5-2 minutes on each surface before moving to a moderate heat to finish cooking.
2. Don’t overcook: The best temperature to enjoy the luxurious texture and sweet, buttery flavor of Wagyu is medium-rare. Avoid cooking it to well-done as the fat will melt, and you’ll lose its rich flavor.
3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection, use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let it rest: After cooking your steak, let it rest for at least five minutes but as much as 10 minutes before enjoying. Resting allows your meat’s fibers to relax, widen, and reabsorb those delicious juices.
5. Grease the pan with butter: As the marbling of Wagyu produces high amounts of juices, grease the pan lightly with butter or olive oil before cooking.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook and enjoy Wagyu beef at home like a pro. Remember to source your Wagyu beef from reputable suppliers and retailers for the best quality meat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wagyu Beef
1. What is Wagyu beef?
Wagyu beef is a type of beef that comes from specific breeds of cattle developed over time in Japan. These breeds are known for their ability to marble intensely, providing a tender, flavorful, and juicy steak.
2. How is Wagyu beef graded?
Wagyu beef is graded on two main factors: how much meat can be yielded and the quality of the marbled fat. Only A3 to A5 Wagyu beef is certified for sale in Japan, and the higher the grade, the higher the price.
3. Are Wagyu cows really fed beer and massaged daily?
There are many myths surrounding Wagyu farms and the way the animals are treated, but these often aren’t true. The cows are raised very differently in each region and by different farmers, but they’re often raised by a breeder until they’re about 10 months old and then sold at auction to a fattening farmer.
4. Is Kobe beef the same as Wagyu beef?
No, although all Kobe beef is Wagyu, not all Wagyu is Kobe. Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle that meet very strict guidelines and are born, raised, and slaughtered in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan, whose capital city is Kobe.
5. Where can I buy high-quality Wagyu beef in Bay Area?
There are several options for buying high-quality Wagyu beef in Bay Area, including The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse, GOZU, Alexander’s Steakhouse, local high-quality suppliers such as Pape Meat Company and Niku Butcher Shop, and online retailers such as Snake River Farms or Holy Grail Steak Co.