The Best Places to Buy Wagyu Beef in Philadelphia

Wagyu beef has become all the rage in recent years, and for good reason. This exceptionally marbled and flavorful beef from Japan offers an unparalleled dining experience. If you live in Philadelphia or are visiting the city, you may be wondering – where can I find the best wagyu beef in Philly?

Luckily, the City of Brotherly Love has some fantastic options when it comes to finding this premium product. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wagyu beef and highlight the top restaurants and butchers to visit for sublime wagyu in Philadelphia

What is Wagyu Beef?

Wagyu refers to four specific Japanese cattle breeds – Japanese Black, Japanese Brown Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn. While they originated as work animals, farmers soon discovered these cattle produced exceptionally flavorful beef due to extensive marbling.

The high percentage of monounsaturated fats in wagyu beef gives it a remarkably tender texture. When cooked, the fat melts at a lower temperature, keeping the meat juicy and resulting in an unbelievably rich, buttery flavor.

True wagyu beef adheres to strict grading rules based on marbling The highest grade, A5, has the most extensive fat marbling Wagyu is rare even in Japan and production is tightly controlled. That makes it a luxury item around the world.

Why Buy Wagyu Beef in Philadelphia?

There are several great reasons to seek out wagyu beef when visiting Philadelphia:

• It’s available from top restaurants and butchers. Thanks to Philadelphia’s thriving food scene, wagyu has become available at some of the city’s best steakhouses, Japanese restaurants, and butchers.

• You can try exclusive cuts. Places like Barclay Prime offer wagyu filet mignon and ribeye, while Morimoto serves up wagyu tartare and carpaccio. The variety allows you to experience this beef in all its forms.

• It’s a splurge-worthy experience. Anticipate paying $60-300 for a wagyu steak. While pricy, it’s worth it for the incredibly rich, almost buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. A wagyu meal is perfect for special occasions.

• You can find great wine pairings. Philadelphia’s excellent selection of wine helps bring out the complex flavors of wagyu beautifully. Restaurants like Butcher and Singer expertly pair their wagyu options with wines that complement the beef.

• It’s a treat for hardcore foodies. For those who want to experience top-quality cuisine, wagyu is a must-try. The meticulous grading system ensures you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to beef.

The Best Wagyu Beef in Philadelphia

If your mouth is watering for wagyu, here are the top restaurants and butchers in Philly to visit:

Barclay Prime

This upscale Rittenhouse steakhouse offers a wide selection of Japanese wagyu beef alongside American prime cuts. Their list includes rare offerings like wagyu ribeye and New York strip sourced from family-owned Japanese farms. The wagyu filet mignon is a can’t-miss as well. With a sophisticated atmosphere and excellent service, Barclay Prime provides the full luxury wagyu experience.

Morimoto

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s eponymous Japanese restaurant in Center City is a go-to for top-quality wagyu. Known for their sushi and robatayaki grilling, they serve up wagyu in appetizers like carpaccio and tartare as well as entrees including sukiyaki hot pot. With a hip ambiance and innovative Japanese fare, Morimoto is perfect for experiencing wagyu in a fun, modern setting.

Butcher and Singer

This polished American steakhouse near Rittenhouse Square offers an exclusive wagyu New York strip steak from Miyazaki Prefecture on their menu. Their in-house butcher cuts thick, beautifully marbled steaks cooked expertly over a 900-degree broiler. With a classy old-school vibe and fantastic wine list, Butcher and Singer is ideal for a special occasion wagyu dinner.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Located downtown, this upscale chain steakhouse is a go-to for premium dry-aged steaks and seafood. Their menu features Australian wagyu filet mignon and strip steak options. Pair your expertly grilled wagyu with crab cakes, tuna tartare and their extensive wine selection for a luxurious dining experience.

Steak 48

New American steakhouse Steak 48 in Midtown Village offers wagyu beef from Snake River Farms in Idaho. Their wagyu filet mignon and New York strip are beautifully marbled and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Set in a glamorous, contemporary space, Steak 48 provides a fantastic ambiance for an indulgent wagyu dinner.

The Butcher’s Market

This local butcher shop with locations in Fitler Square and Newtown Square is a top spot to buy quality wagyu beef to cook at home. They carry wagyu New York strip, ribeye, tenderloin, brisket and ground beef. With competitive prices and knowledgeable staff, The Butcher’s Market is perfect for picking up wagyu cuts for your next special home-cooked meal.

Heritage Foods USA

This online grass-fed meat purveyor carries American wagyu beef from a collective of small, family-owned farms. They offer ground wagyu, strip steaks, ribeyes, brisket and more. With free shipping on orders over $150, it’s easy to get high-quality wagyu beef delivered right to your door in Philly.

Wagyu Marketplace

Specializing in Japanese wagyu beef, this online retailer ships authentic Japanese wagyu to your home. They carry coveted A5 wagyu strip steaks, tenderloins, ribeyes and brisket. Expect to pay premium prices, but it’s the easiest way to get real-deal imported Japanese wagyu without leaving Philly.

How to Order Wagyu Beef in Philadelphia

If your mouth is watering for wagyu beef in Philadelphia, here are a few tips for ordering:

• Call ahead – For restaurants, call ahead to check on wagyu availability and reserve a table. Limited quantities mean wagyu sells out quickly.

• Pre-order – For butchers, consider pre-ordering your wagyu cuts so they have it ready for you. The Butcher’s Market takes pre-orders online.

• Consider takeout – For a more casual experience, some restaurants like Morimoto offer takeout wagyu options you can savor in the comfort of your home.

• Watch the grades – For authentic Japanese wagyu look for the A5 grade, and confirm country of origin when ordering. Australian and American wagyu breeds differ in taste and quality.

• Watch portion sizes – Given the rich taste, a 6-8 oz wagyu steak is often perfect for one. Larger cuts like 16 oz ribeyes can overwhelm. Opt for size appropriate to your appetite.

• Give it a good sear – Proper cooking means searing the exterior while keeping the interior rare to medium-rare to melt the fat. Watch closely to avoid overcooking this delicate beef.

Cooking Your Wagyu Beef Purchase

Once you’ve procured those perfect wagyu cuts, you’ll want to cook them properly at home to serve up a gourmet experience. Here are a few tips:

• Let meat come to room temp – Take wagyu out of fridge 30-45 mins before cooking so it cooks evenly. Don’t leave longer than 1 hour.

• Pat dry thoroughly – Blot steaks with paper towels right before cooking. Any moisture will inhibit browning.

• Use a cast iron skillet – Get skillet very hot. The heavy pan will give the best sear.

• Sear fat cap first – If your cut has a fat cap, sear with cap down first to render the fat and add flavor.

• Don’t move the meat! – Resist flipping repeatedly. Let it cook 2-4 minutes per side to get a good crust.

• Baste with butter – Spoon melted butter over the beef as it cooks for extra richness.

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook to 125F for rare, 135F for medium rare. Wagyu is best served rare to medium-rare.

• Let it rest – Allow meat to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly when sliced.

The Ultimate Wagyu Beef Experience in Philadelphia

From old school steakhouses to sleek new spots, Philadelphia offers many excellent options for experiencing sublime wagyu beef. For the ultimate wagyu night out in Philly, we recommend Barclay Prime.

Their Rittenhouse location provides impeccable service and atmosphere. Their extensive wagyu selection, including hard-to-find cuts like wagyu ribeye, allows you to fully appreciate the wonders of this beautifully marbled beef.

Order wagyu alongside east coast oysters, seared foie gras, and truffle mac and cheese for a true wagyu feast. Cap it off with their signature 24-layer chocolate cake for dessert.

When only the best will do, Barclay Prime provides a complete luxury fine dining experience perfectly tailored to highlight the unique taste and tender texture of wagyu beef. Just be sure to save room for this unforgettable meal!

So if you’re hungry for the best wagyu beef Philadelphia has to offer, now you know exactly where to go. Use this guide to find wagyu bliss at restaurants, butchers, and specialty delivery services. Ordering the right cut, cooking it properly at home, and savoring every supple, buttery bite will give you a true taste of wagyu heaven without leaving Philly!