While restaurants in SoHo come and go, MEATS has remained popular since it opened in 2017. The vibe is casual yet chic, and it’s a great spot for dates, group dinners and definitely for happy hour (on seven days a week), where cocktails and bar bites start from just $40. I visited twice when it first opened and thought it was okay – quite good, but only one or two dishes really stood out. Having gone back recently to check out their new menu, I think the restaurant has matured well and the dishes are better than ever.
Chicken liver pâté ($95): this pâté had an airy texture and spread easily on the toast. It came as a very generous portion, which allowed us to pile it on! Flavour-wise, it was quite light, and the candied pecans and onion jam complemented it well.
Wagyu carpaccio ($120): just look at those slices of Wagyu! This was one of my favourite dishes of the night. The quality of the meat was great – fragrant and tender – and the accompanying ’nduja oil, burrata and mustard seeds added real depth. A must-order.
UFC – aka ultimate fried chicken – ($90): who can resist nuggets of chicken thigh coated in Doritos? The meat was very moist and tender, though the seasoning itself was a little plain. Definitely dunk these guys in the accompanying tangy “comeback” sauce, which reminded me of chipotle sauce. This is also on the happy-hour menu for just $50.
BBQ beef ribs ($230): these slow-cooked beef ribs were fab. Smoky, tender and with a creamy yet tangy BBQ sauce.
Pluma ($190): pork is one of my favourite meats, and I thought this pluma was excellent. Each bite was delicious, with the edges giving superb crispy, fatty flavour. Delicious on its own and even more so with the juicy, refreshing pineapple salsa.
Truffle mac and cheese ($90): I loved the aromatic Cheddar béchamel sauce with its hints of black truffle and the panko topping. Sometimes mac and cheese can be a bit bland, but there are no such worries with this one.
Verdict
This probably doesn’t need to be said, but in case there’s any doubt, MEATS really lives up to its name. If you’re a meat lover, this is definitely a restaurant you don’t want to miss. Since my last visit, I feel the recipes and quality of the meat have improved, yet the prices remain super affordable. There’s a lot to love on the new menu, so I hope to come back soon – whether for brunch, dinner or the amazing happy-hour deals.
28–30 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, 2711 1812, book online
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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