1,505 reviews
#4 of 266 Restaurants in StellenboschRR - RRR, Steakhouse, Barbecue, Vegetarian friendly+27 21 882 8705+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 23:30
Mon
12:00 - 22:30
Tue
12:00 - 23:30
Wed
12:00 - 23:30
Thu
12:00 - 23:30
Fri
12:00 - 23:30
Sat
12:00 - 23:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Steakhouse, Barbecue, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, Groups, Business meetings
Details
About
As a consequence of our lacking antlers to sort matters out, man's competitive nature can lead to all manner of attempted besting between friends. One popular method is over a flame. Not by wrestling on a bonfire, but by doing your pal in the cooking of man's greatest culinary obsession: THE STEAK.
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Barbecue
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, BYOB
Contribute
4.5
1,505 reviews
Excellent
1,063
Very good
280
Average
103
Poor
31
Terrible
28
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
John F
Tampa6 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
While visiting a number of wineries in the Stellenbosch area, we had multiple recommendations to dine at Fat Butcher. We went to dinner there and this was one of the best dinning experiences we have ever had. The service was outstanding and the food was incredible! We enjoyed a number of appetizers, sides and my brother and I ordered the ribeye, and our wives ordered the filets. I was shocked that the steaks were cooked perfectly and will go down as a top steak I have ever had at a restaurant. As a business owner, I have dined at pretty much most of the top steak houses in the US....this was as good or better than any! The best part of the evening was paying the bill.....after a number of rounds of drinks and all of our food, the bill was very inexpensive. AWESOME experience!!!
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review, we value your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 7 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sophia A
Hannover41 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
This restaurant has not only sensational meat, but also sensational staff. All staff are super friendly and attentive. My initially ordered dish "The Collins" was not medium and personally much too spicy (I tasted practically only pepper). Immediately a member of staff rushed in and offered me a new piece of meat and recommended another sauce. This dish then, "the Grosvenor" was so delicious and tender that I did not just cheer inside.
Also my husband had a very delicious piece of meat and our son the kiddie burger, which was also delicious and more than sufficient.
The surprise then came with the bill - they had not charged me the Grosvenor instead of the Collins, but neither dish...I had not expected that and it confirmed me in the claim to quality of dishes and service that this restaurant wants to offer.
The dessert was also highly recommended, the Lemon Posset was extremely delicious!
Automatically translated
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sophiaa584,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review, we value your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 7 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kellymom02
Charlotte61 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Had dinner here as a couple. Reservations are essential, even in winter. The food was incredible. Had the burrata appetizer to start, followed by fillets cooked to perfection. Wish we had room for dessert. I usually don’t care for sauces on my steak, but this is the exception—do it!! They know what they’re doing. The only reason for four stars is the service. Our waiter seemed disinterested and barely spoke to us after we said we wouldn’t be ordering any wine with dinner (been to wineries all day and were wined out!). He did give the table next to us a big introduction to the menu—wish we had this before ordering. The food runners, however, were very friendly. I would definitely go back for the amazing food.
Written 7 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kellymom02,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. We value your feedback and would like to get in contact regarding your experience.
Please email manager@fatbutcher.co.za or call us at 021 882 8705
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 11 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Go55307722354
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
I recently had a disappointing experience with The Fat Butcher in Stellenbosch, which is surprising given its high ratings and positive reviews.
It all started when I called to make a reservation for two for dinner. The person who answered was very short, sharply stating they only had space before 4pm and after 9pm. I said thank you and I would get back to them. When I called back, I phoned three times with no answer.
Determined to secure a table, my wife and I decided to visit the restaurant in person, despite the pouring rain. Upon arrival, we were met with further frustration. A lady in a pink chef’s outfit walked past us without greeting, busy taking pictures of ducklings and chatting with her friend while we stood outside waiting for assistance. Despite three or four staff members, including the manager, looking at us from inside the restaurant, no one bothered to attend to us. A sense of arrogance was felt by both my wife and I.
For a restaurant with such a stellar reputation, the lack of basic customer service was appalling. It seems they've forgotten that the most important aspect of a restaurant is its customers. I am very disappointed and hope they address these issues to improve their service.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Go55307722354,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. We would like to get in contact with you personally.
Kindly email mananger@fatbutcher.co.za or call us at 021 882 8705.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 21 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David
London133 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
We tried to get a table here but it was full so we came back after an hour and then needed to wait outside which was fine, there are some heaters and we could get a drink there, we were seated upstairs about 30 mins later. The place wasn’t full there were at least seats for another 10 people that weren’t filled in the time we were there. The upstairs was quite small but fine we had an introduction to the cuts of meat and the farming process and we ordered starter main and a glass of wine.
There is really good choice on the menu and things are all from the local area, the beef cheeks are great and also there is a wide range of meat cuts and sauces. I thought the steak was excellent and really enjoyed it, but I felt that there was a lack of friendliness and boardline arrogance from some of the staff which I hadn’t experienced at any other restaurant in South Africa. I came here for the steak which was great but was left feeling the overall experience was not.
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
4 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
This place was awesome. As an American, It's surprise to find such a fantastic steak establishment abroad. Let me say thought, this was the best experience I've ever had at a steak house. Our waiter, Phillip was AWESOME! He has a PhD in cut's of meat. He took the time to explain all the various cuts of meat in detail and what sides would pair with them well. He did have some preconceptions of American, most of which were spot on, but knew we would appreciate his attention to detail. We were a party of eight with 4 kids ranging from 10-17 years old. He was extremely patient with them, and made sure they were all satisfied. He engaged us in friendly conversation, which was pleasant and refreshing. The food was amazing, one side in our party was a grilled cheese sandwich, best in the world. My wife's vegetable squash meal was outstanding. My youngest son had pork ribs which just fell off the bone. My filet was by far the best I've ever had in my life. If you're in the Stellenbosch area and looking for a great place to eat with an awesome atmosphere and phenomenal service, you have to come to the Fat Butcher.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear DuncansNSons,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. You are a 5 star guest and we hope to see you again soon,
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 29 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StefangnieleiS
Stuttgart64 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
A cosy steakhouse in the centre of Stellenbosch with really good meat selection and quality. The service, however, can be greatly improved. The drinks only arrived almost simultaneously with the food after about 30 minutes and also the various dishes not at the same time but gradually. Actually, I can't. Therefore, despite good food only three points
Automatically translated
Written 18 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Stefan,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review, we value your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 22 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LondonLockwood
Loughton971 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Everything about FB is first rate. The decor is impressive with indoor and outdoor seating. The staff are very knowledgeable when explaining the various cuts of meat and were there when needed. Our server Ben was excellent and added to our overall experience . Of course it’s what’s on your plate that matters and I went with a burger and my wife with the veal option. Both were terrific.
This is not the first Steakhouse I have reviewed whilst here in SA but for someone from the UK it’s like winning the lottery every meal. Our bill would have been at least three times as much at home . I’m very reluctant to leave !!
The Fat Butcher was brilliant… Highly recommended… Enjoy !
Written 17 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear LondonLockwood,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review you are a 5 star guest. We hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 22 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J.A.
28 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
The quality of the ingredients is just unmatched.
The cooking method seems like a shame. Cooking such great steak on gas or flat top.
Had it been woodfired or charcoal, it would have been the best steak restaurant in the world.
Value is not that great, but expected at a steak restaurant like Fat Butcher.
I would love to take the steak home and cook it myself.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear JSS379,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review, we value your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 22 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doob123
London207 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
It's often a mistake to have too higher expectations and sadly that was the case for my visit to the Fat Butcher. There was a far more casual atmosphere than I expected, which is certainly not a bad thing, but it was still a surprise and the service was brisk to the point of being hurried. Neither my partner nor I ordered a starter, opting for cocktails instead, so weren't very happy that our main courses were served less than 10mins after we received our drinks. Perhaps the waiter mistakenly thought we'd ordered shots? So we had to quickly down our drinks and hurriedly order some wine to accompany our steaks. The steaks themselves were fine, so no complains there, but for an evening at what is allegedly one of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch, it was all surprisingly rushed.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manager693
Dear Doob123,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review.
We appreciate your feedback. We would like to get in contact with you personally, kindly call 021 8828705 or email us at manager@fatbutcher.co.za
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 5 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Decent O
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • couples
The Fat Butcher is biblical experience that epitomises South African indulgence. The food is so good you would think Exodus 16: 3 - 4 was fallacious when it referred to the pots of meat of Egypt, and not that of the Fat Butcher. In any event, if the Israelites knew of Stellenbosch they would not have regarded Canaan as the land of milk and honey. The only bad thing about the Fat Butcher is that you cannot decide what to eat. The cuts of meat available, almost invariably accompanied by bone marrow, are nothing short of gluttonous but not in a campy way. All items we had were delectable, from the starters to the desserts, which includes the invention of a deep fried milk tart. Naturally enjoyed with the wines of the region. It really is good to be alive. The service is excellent, the waiters are knowledgeable and passionate about the food and the wines, which adds to the experience. If you have the option, opt for a table in the court yard, although every part of the restaurant has its own charm. The top line steakhouses of JHB simply cannot compete. The Fat Butcher is quite simply the best steak house in the country.
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manager693
Dear Decent0,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. We appreciate your valuable feedback and hope that you will return soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 8 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graeme
Eastbourne265 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
A relaxed but quality environment. Service was very good and professional.
This is a restaurant that gets great reviews and they are justified. The starters, chicken livers and calamari were great followed by a fillet and sirloin steak with trimmings, two bottles of quality wine all for around one and a half thousand rand.
If you are in reach of Stellenbosch make sure you visit the Fat Butcher but book as they are busy
Enjoy
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mooshgeepee40,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you soon.
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 21 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tammy W
Hermitage24 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
This is hands down the best dining experience I have ever had, combined with the best service. From the moment you walk through the door everything is perfect.
The steak was exceptional, but the best part of the experience was Curtney- the most spectacular server, he knew what we wanted before we did. He was just superb.
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tammy,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. You are a 5-star guest, and we hope to see you again soon,
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 7 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
601davidj
London39 contributions
Mar 2024 • friends
We have eaten here a number of times and for the most part it has been great, but last Saturday’s meal was such a disappointment. The starters were great and the waiter was attentive and had an easy manner about him. All 3 of us ordered fillet steak, 2 medium rare and 1 rare. The medium steak was good, but both medium rare were cold and 1 was more rare than medium rare. Our friend ate hers, although she was not happy with it, and it was quite rare, but I sent mine back. I was asked to cut it in half and it was returned a few minutes later. The outside was now black and cremated, and inedible. I cut off the burnt pieces and ate the steak. The manager came over to try and rescue the situation, and despite his best efforts, including not charging for 2 of the steaks, it was a very disappointing evening. 2 weeks prior to this, I sent my burger back for being cold. This was always our go to restaurant in Stellenbosch, but I feel that standards have slipped. I am not saying I would never go back, but we will definitely try another restaurant on our next visit.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephan The Flying Banker
Stellenbosch57 contributions
May 2024 • business
The Faf Butcher continues to deliver and impress! I was there for a business lunch on 31 May 2024 and my client was very impressed! The owner recommended the Fat Butcher Trio and it was delicious! My client’s ribeye steak was a bit overcooked but the friendly FB staff brought a new steak, which was then on a bit on the blue side. I only realised afterwards that FB didn’t charge for the ribeye - thank you very much!! I’m glad I gave a 15% tip.
It was a great lunch with very tasty food and excellent wine! The friendly staff are tops!!
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Flyingbanker,
Thank you for taking the time to write the review. You are a 5 star guest, and we hope to see you again soon,
Regards,
The Fat Butcher team
Written 3 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Showing results 1-15 of 1,157
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all Best nearby restaurants
See all Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing