Every bite tells a story | Meat your match: Prime cuts, prime flavour

The rich, juicy flavours, the delicate marbling and the expert sear that locks in all the goodness make dining at a steakhouse a memorable experience.

When that steakhouse is bustling with life — filled with families, groups of friends, couples and solo diners — it becomes more than just a meal; it’s an event.

Butchers Prime is a place where the aroma of sizzling meat fills the air; where warm lighting and inviting décor set the stage for an evening of indulgence.

Upon entering, we were greeted by the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses and bursts of laughter from tables of old friends reconnecting over a meal.

Yuzan, the owner, welcomed us warmly, generously taking the time to chat despite the busy restaurant.

The atmosphere was vibrant, with large family gatherings spanning multiple generations, making the space feel engaging and lively.

Yuzan spoke about the joy of seeing patrons who had quickly become regulars, an impressive feat for a restaurant that had only been open for three months.

We complimented him on this achievement, and it was easy to see why Butchers Prime had already built a loyal following — the food was simply magnificent.

Even those dining alone seemed to find comfort in the experience.

A perfectly cooked steak and a well-paired drink offered a sense of luxury, while the restaurant’s welcoming ambiance made it easy to relax and enjoy.

Some guests soaked in the lively surroundings, while others focused entirely on the flavours of their beautifully prepared meals.

Yuzan shared the story of how Butchers Prime came to be.

After meeting the building’s owner, discussions began about opening a premium steakhouse similar to the one he operates in Docklands, Melbourne.

The location had housed previous food ventures that, for unknown reasons, hadn’t succeeded or continued, but there was a strong belief that a top-tier steakhouse would thrive.

And thrive it has — just three months in, the restaurant is bustling with guests, serving excellent food seven days a week, making it a must-try destination for steak lovers.

As we chatted, the conversation turned to Shepparton’s rich multicultural community and the possibility of introducing Nepalese flavours to the menu.

While Yuzan expressed openness to the idea, for now, Butchers Prime remains dedicated to delivering top-quality prime beef dining.

The menu also caters to a variety of dietary preferences, offering seafood, chicken, vegetarian options and accommodations for food allergies.

With so much buzz surrounding the restaurant, we had been asked multiple times if we had tried Butchers Prime.

When the occasion arose to celebrate our combined wedding anniversaries with friends Sandra and Guido Vazzoler, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to experience it for ourselves.

We were delighted to find that the hype was entirely justified. With a relaxed, family-friendly environment and attentive, cheerful staff, the bustling venue made for a fun and enjoyable midweek outing.

We started our evening with refreshing, zingy margaritas and crisp beers, setting the perfect tone for the meal.

Our shared entrée, the ‘Favourites’ platter, was a standout — featuring calamari, grilled prawns, chicken and lamb ribs with delicious dipping sauces.

The dish was met with a chorus of satisfied sighs and a flurry of forks reaching for more.

For mains, we enjoyed three different cuts of steak: two eye fillets, a ribeye and a Wagyu Scotch fillet, each cooked to perfection and tailored to our preferences.

The accompanying vegetables, particularly the glazed Brussels sprouts and carrots, were also worth mentioning for their exceptional flavour.

To round off the evening, we shared a decadent chocolate lava cake — a sweet finale to an outstanding meal.

A prime beef steakhouse is more than just a restaurant — it’s a gathering place, a celebration of food and a reminder of how meals bring people together.

Whether in the company of loved ones or savouring a steak solo, Butchers Prime offers an experience worth savouring.

If you haven’t been yet, it’s time to treat yourself — you may just become one of its many regulars.

Food pricing for Butchers Prime, rated by Jan and Paul: $$; $$$ when ordering premium cuts of beef.

(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).