Yes, at some steakhouses in Arnhem you can indeed buy premium meat to prepare at home. This is a relatively new development where restaurants also offer their high-quality meat selection to guests for home use. The big advantage is that you get the same quality as in the restaurant, including professional advice on preparation. More and more meat lovers are discovering this opportunity to enjoy restaurant-quality meat at home.
Can you really buy meat at steakhouses in Arnhem to take home?
Yes, certain steakhouses in Arnhem offer the opportunity to take their premium meat home. This differs from traditional butcher shops in that you get access to the same exclusive selection as in the restaurant. We’re talking about restaurant-quality meat that is often not available at regular butchers.
The difference from a specialty meat shop lies mainly in the expertise and selection. Steakhouses that sell meat often have years of experience sourcing top quality from different countries. They know exactly which farms deliver the best quality and have built direct relationships with their suppliers.
The process is usually simple: you can call ahead or stop by to inquire about availability. Some steakhouses work on order, so your meat is prepared fresh for you. The staff advises on which cut best suits your needs and how to optimally prepare it at home. This personal advice is a major advantage over pre-packaged meat from the supermarket.
Not all steakhouses offer this service, so it pays to contact them in advance. Ask about available cuts, prices and whether minimum purchase quantities apply. You can also often inquire about special ordering options for special occasions.
What is the difference between meat from a steakhouse and meat from a regular butcher?
The main difference lies in the quality grade and sourcing. Steakhouses select specific premium cattle breeds such as USA Prime, Scottish Angus or Japanese Wagyu A4/A5. These breeds are known for their superior marbling pattern, tenderness and flavor intensity. Regular butchers usually work with standard commercial grades suitable for everyday use.
Origin plays a crucial role. Premium steakhouses deliberately choose animals that have had free range, are grass-fed and raised under ethically responsible conditions. This results not only in better taste, but also in meat with a more natural fat profile and texture. Traceability is complete: you can often find out exactly which farm your meat comes from.
Another important difference is the dry-aging process. Many premium steakhouses let their meat age for weeks or even months under controlled conditions. This process intensifies the flavor and makes the meat more tender. At regular butchers this is less common due to the required investments in climate-controlled rooms and the longer lead time.
The selection of specific cuts is also different. Steakhouses often offer special preparations such as thick-cut ribeyes, tomahawk steaks or picanha that are expertly cut according to international standards. This requires craftsmanship that goes beyond standard butchery techniques.
How do you prepare steakhouse-quality meat at home like the professionals?
The most important starting point is temperature. Remove your meat from the refrigerator at least 30-45 minutes before preparation. Meat at room temperature cooks more evenly and gets a better crust. This is a step that many home cooks skip, but that professionals always apply.
There are different methods for preparation. A cast iron pan on high heat is ideal for a perfect crust. Heat the pan until it smokes, pat your steak dry with paper towels and season only with coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook the steak 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
At steakhouses, charcoal grilling is often used. This gives a smoky flavor that is difficult to replicate at home, but a barbecue comes close. Ensure a two-zone setup: high heat for searing and a cooler zone to reach the core temperature. The ideal core temperatures are: rare (50°C), medium-rare (55°C), medium (60°C) and medium-well (65°C).
The resting time after cooking is just as crucial as the cooking itself. Let your steak rest for at least 5-7 minutes under aluminum foil. This ensures that the juices redistribute through the meat instead of running onto your plate. Professionals know that a steak that doesn’t rest becomes dry and tough.
Common mistakes are: turning too early (let the crust form), piercing too often with a fork (juices run out), and using too many seasonings. With premium meat you want to let the natural flavor speak. Simple salt and pepper is often sufficient. Marinades are usually unnecessary and can even affect the texture of high-quality meat.
What are the advantages of buying meat from a premium steakhouse?
The biggest advantage is access to expert advice from meat sommeliers. These professionals can tell you exactly which cut suits your cooking method, how much you need per person and how to achieve the best result. You rarely find this level of expertise at regular retail outlets.
The guaranteed quality and origin provide certainty. You know exactly what you’re buying and where it comes from. Premium steakhouses only work with suppliers who meet strict quality requirements. This means consistency: every time you buy the same product, you know what to expect.
Exclusive breeds and cuts are often only available through specialized steakhouses. Think of Japanese Wagyu A5, dry-aged ribeyes of at least 60 days, or rare cuts such as Denver steak or flat iron. You won’t find these products in regular stores because the demand is too specific and the investments too high.
The ability to recreate your favorite restaurant experience at home is valuable. If you found a particular steak fantastic in the restaurant, you can take home exactly the same product and prepare it at home. Of course with the professional tips that the staff gives you.
In terms of price-quality ratio, you pay more than at a supermarket, but you also get considerably more. The difference in taste, tenderness and dining experience is clearly noticeable. For special occasions or when you really want to enjoy meat, the investment is worthwhile. Moreover, you often support sustainable production methods and fair trade with farmers.
Where can you go in Arnhem for premium steakhouse-quality meat?
In Arnhem, Vlees & Co in Arnhem is an excellent place to buy premium steakhouse meat. As an established steakhouse Arnhem with international allure, we offer our guests the opportunity to take home the same top-quality meat that we serve in our restaurant.
Our selection includes premium cattle breeds such as USA Prime, Scottish Angus and Japanese Wagyu A4/A5. We only work with meat that has had free range, is grass-fed and produced under ethically responsible conditions. Full traceability is central to us, so you know exactly what you’re buying and where it comes from.
The staff consists of trained meat sommeliers who are happy to advise you on the best choice for your situation. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or want to surprise a larger group, we help you select the right cut and quantity. We also provide practical preparation tips, so you achieve the best result at home.
You can contact us in different ways. Call ahead to inquire about availability and prices, or visit our restaurant. For specific requests or larger quantities, we’re happy to work on order. This way we can guarantee that your meat is prepared fresh for you. Also check out the menu to get an impression of our meat selection.
For your first purchase, we recommend starting with a classic cut, such as a ribeye or entrecote. These are forgiving pieces of meat that are relatively easy to prepare at home. Ask about our dry-aged specialties if you’re looking for a more intense flavor experience. Our team is happy to explain the difference between the various options and help you make a choice that fits your budget and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store premium steakhouse meat in the refrigerator?
You can store fresh premium meat for 2-3 days in the refrigerator at a temperature of 1-4°C. Store the meat in its original packaging or wrap it loosely in greaseproof paper so it can breathe. For longer storage, you can freeze the meat for 3-6 months, but make sure you pack it well in vacuum packaging to prevent freezer burn. Always thaw slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
What does premium steakhouse meat cost on average per person?
Count on €15-30 per person for a standard premium cut such as ribeye or entrecote of approximately 200-250 grams. For more exclusive options such as dry-aged meat or Wagyu, this can rise to €40-80 per person. The price depends on the breed, aging time and rarity of the cut. Although this is more than supermarket meat, you do get restaurant quality at a lower price than dining out.
What equipment do you need at minimum to prepare steakhouse meat perfectly at home?
The absolute minimum is a good cast iron pan or heavy frying pan, a meat thermometer and paper towels to pat the meat dry. A cast iron pan retains heat excellently and creates the perfect crust. A meat thermometer (€10-20) is essential to reach the right core temperature without guessing. Optional but valuable are a barbecue for smoky flavor and a kitchen torch for finishing the crust.
Can I also buy smaller quantities or do I have to take a whole steak?
At most premium steakhouses you can buy individual steaks without minimum purchase quantities. This makes it accessible to experiment with different cuts or to buy for a small group. Some specialist cuts or made-to-order products may require a minimum purchase, but this is always communicated in advance. Feel free to ask about options for smaller portions or tasting packages if you want to try different types.
What is the difference between dry-aged and wet-aged meat and which should I choose?
Dry-aged meat ages for weeks to months in a climate-controlled room, which ensures more intense flavor, nuttier aroma and more tender texture through moisture loss and enzymatic processes. Wet-aged meat ages vacuum-packed, retains more moisture and has a milder, meatier taste. Choose dry-aged for a powerful, complex flavor experience on special occasions, and wet-aged for a classic steak taste that is more widely appreciated. Beginners are best to start with wet-aged before investing in more expensive dry-aged cuts.
Should I season premium meat differently than regular meat?
With premium meat, less is actually more - use only coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to let the natural flavor speak. Season just before cooking, not hours in advance, because salt draws moisture from the meat. Avoid complex spice blends, marinades or sauces that drown out the subtle flavor nuances of high-quality meat. After cooking, you can optionally finish with garlic butter, fresh herbs or fleur de sel for an extra flavor layer.
What are the most common mistakes when preparing premium meat at home?
The three biggest mistakes are: cooking meat straight from the refrigerator (causing it to cook unevenly), cutting too early without resting time (causing juices to be lost), and pan temperature too low (resulting in steaming instead of searing). Other common mistakes are turning too often, piercing with a fork instead of using tongs, and adding too many seasonings or marinade. Follow the basic rules of temperature control, patience and simple seasoning for the best result.
