Located in the heart of Sandton, the Butcher Shop displays its craftsmanship with a view of the on-site butcher at the entrance. Choose from a variety of meat and non-meat dishes to start – the kudu or springbok carpaccio is a must, or try the izizambo zemvu, a traditional South African dish of grilled lamb riblets. Lighter starters include fish and vegetarian options.
No stone is left unturned when it comes to the variety of steaks, sourced locally and from as far as Tanzania, Australia and the US, and available for personal selection by patrons. Signature entrées include a plate of tender cubed lamb fillet sautéed in olive oil and fresh rosemary, and a hearty oxtail cooked in a red wine sauce. A few tasty poultry, fish and vegetarian options are also available. Add your favourite side and accompaniments such as pap and wild African spinach.
The dessert menu offers wholesome, home-made goodness – the malva pudding is perfect for those cold winter days or, for something light and tangy, go for the lemon meringue.
Drinks
The sommelier will help you pair an award-winning wine with your meal. The ‘investment wine cellar’ boasts a range of rare, limited-edition wines bottled exclusively for The Butcher Shop. Soft drinks, brandies, whiskeys, beers and spirits are also on offer.
Service
Classy service by professional, hands-on waitrons, some of whom have been working at the restaurant since it moved to Sandton Square in 1994.
Ambience
Stepping into The Butcher Shop, you’re struck by the immensity of this 600-seater venue. However, the size doesn’t weaken the warmth exuded by the staff and the natural light shining through the glass panel doors, which allow you to catch a glimpse of the iconic bronze Madiba statue.
Best for…
An anniversary, birthday or celebration.
(August 2019)
Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.
User reviews
★★★★★
6 Reviews
Mark Page
★★★★★
Went on a recommendation. Place was nearly empty with far more staff than customers but it was late afternoon. Was talked into picking our own cut of meat rather than use the menu. Have to say, very nice not to mention expensive. Sitting down and enjoying the view of the square, the steak arrived soon after with a very small plate of undercooked fries. Wondering where the rest of the Veges were, they were an ‘extra’, as were any sauces. Disappointed but keen to try the meat it was gorgeous and very filling. Despite waiter’s attempts to get us to buy more drinks, a desert or coffee, we asked for out bill to be split three ways. No was the reply which was strange but that was not the worst. On seeing the bill, our eyebrows raised but we paid what was printed, even leaving the change only to be told by the returning waiter that we had not paid enough. Confused we asked why and it appeared there is a ‘gratuity’ not mentioned anywhere until AFTER you’ve eaten and the bill arrives. Such a shame that the experience was ruined by this embarrassment and could have been clearly avoided if displayed prior. Overall, nice meat but not an experience any of us will do again as profit is clear winner.
Kevin Basson
★★★★★
Honestly the best Rib eye I have had in a while, well seasoned and perfectly cooked. Service was quick, however I lacked that informative waiter you would usually get at a upmarket restaurant. Besides that I would definitely return.
Akira Wing
★★★★★
Save up for a while, because this upmarket steakery will cost you a monthly salary for some. The expansive restaurant is filled with men in suits sipping wine and talking business, while the waiters bustle around to try and get to every corner of the place. Service was slow, maybe for this reason, but food also took forever to come out of the kitchen. So be prepared to fill your wait with some decent conversation.
Choosing your own cut of steak is the reason to come to this classic steakhouse, and we went big and decided to order their finest cuts of wagyu rib eye and rump. The rib eye comes in at around R2500 per kg, and you have to get a minimum of 350g. They don’t play around. The man behind the counter slices of a piece of marbled goodness and hands you a number, so they can keep track of your piece of gold. When the meat finally arrived, I tried a piece of the rib eye first, and it was quite spectacular. The fat melts in your mouth, and I found the thicker pieces to be juicy and delicious (they slice it quite thin, so the outside cuts were a bit chewier). I also sampled a piece of the rump, which wasn’t as tender but definitely had a bit more flavour. Overall, not the best steak I’ve ever had, but close to the top and definitely an experience worth having. We ordered some other dishes, like an overly expensive Calamari and Halloumi salad which was good, but not amazing. And the Springbok Carpaccio which was delicious, but could have done with a few slices of lemon instead of a sad looking lettuce and jalapeño garnish. To end, the cheesecake won out over the malva pudding and brownie.
Mart-Mari Nieuwenhuizen
★★★★★
Oxtail and lambshank is very good. The sweetbread and sausages for starters are delicious. But the restaurant is extremely expensive!! You will pay on average R220 for a meal.
arwen arwen
★★★★★
Specifically for meat
Very nice restaurant
Biltong super fresh
The shop is very good too
