Been here a few times, but this was my first time since @fatcow_onjamesst introduced Kobe beef, and yes, I was quietly excited walking in.
Fatcow, another awesome restaurant by @michael_tassis, sits right where it should on James Street, polished but relaxed. The room feels grown-up. Low-lit, stylish.
The service is one of their strongest plays. From wine to steak, they know exactly what they are talking about, and more importantly, they know how to read the table. You feel looked after without being hovered over. Special shout out to Melissa and @caiorossettoaus for exceptional and genuinely fun service, she made the night.
The starters and sides were solid across the board. Nothing trying too hard, just food that made sense and complements the main act (steak!). We started with oysters that were fresh and clean, an easy way to kick things off. The wagyu tortellini was rich and comforting. Highly recommend you ordering this one.
Then came the Kobe beef, which was the whole point of the visit and absolutely delivered. It was rich, deeply marbled, and indulgent without tipping into excess. Soft, buttery, and full of flavour. A very good beef treated with respect. We are genuinely lucky to have access to this calibre of beef in Brisbane, especially when true Kobe is so tightly controlled and rarely seen outside Japan. This is one of those ingredients where the pedigree actually matters, and you can taste it in every bite.
I have not had a bad steak here yet, and that is something I have come to associate with Fatcow. Consistency, done properly.