Fatcow on James St — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Fatcow in Fortitude Valley is a true celebration of premium ingredients, offering an elevated dining experience that leaves you savoring each bite. From the quality of the meats to the attentive service, everything speaks to the expertise and passion behind this establishment. The chef and staff ensured a flawless experience from start to finish, making it a standout choice for any steak lover.

We started the evening with a bottle of Louis Bouillot Blanc de Blancs, a crisp, elegant choice that perfectly complemented the rich flavors of our dishes.

Our meal began with the Foie Gras Rougié that seared to perfection between a buttery brioche, accompanied by caramelized figs. The richness of the duck foie gras was indulgent and decadently smooth, setting a high bar for the night.

Next, the Wagyu Beef Croquettes with Blue Cheese arrived, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The exterior was delightfully crisp, encasing a melt-in-your-mouth center of tender Wagyu beef, enriched by the creamy tang of blue cheese.

The Lobster and Prawn Ravioli in a crustacean bisque followed, and it was nothing short of luxurious. The pasta was delicate, filled with succulent seafood, while the bisque offered a rich, comforting depth, an impeccable marriage of flavors that left a lasting impression.

The star of the show, however, was the 500+ days grain-fed Infinitive, F4 Purebreed Wagyu from Southern Tablelands, NSW, cooked to a perfect medium. The steak was seared and seasoned to such perfection that it needed no accompanying sauce. Each bite was tender, flavor-packed, and almost ethereal in its richness; truly how a steak should be. It easily ranks as one of the best steaks we’ve enjoyed, even surpassing our experience at Victor Churchill in Melbourne.

To balance the richness of the meal, we added a leafy side salad for a touch of freshness. And let’s not forget the fries, another winner.

Service at Fatcow was impeccable, with our waiter offering a personal touch by bringing a selection of cuts to the table for us to choose from, ensuring a truly tailored experience.

The restaurant itself is a visual delight, with fine decor and lush seating that create an inviting and upscale ambiance. It’s a beautiful space to enjoy a high-end meal, adding to the sense of occasion that Fatcow delivers.

For those seeking an exceptional dining experience in Brisbane, Fatcow is a must-visit. This high-end chop shop excels on all fronts, offering a culinary journey that’s well worth the indulgence. Highly...

Fat Cow - They're finally back in Brisbane.

Fat Cow reopened at stunning premises situated at 10 James St, the Valley.

All my friends agree that it is the best steak house in Brisbane.

I have already dined here twice in the two weeks since the re-opening. It is really worthy of everyone’s recognition, it is top-notch😍

Although the chef team is different from before, they still perform very well.

I highly recommend the Chargrilled Prawns for Entree.

The fresh and sweet Prawns are paired with the concentrated prawn bisque extracted from the prawn heads and paired with finger lime. It tastes fresh, sweet and creamy.

The feeling of the foam and prawn bisque melting in your mouth is like the enjoyment of floating on the sea😋

Also highly recommend is the Chargrilled Octopus.

The squid ink and a little spicy sauce made the octopus taste a little more layered (but my second octopus performance was not as perfect as the first time). The first sauce had the aroma of black sesame, but the octopus was just right. Not a little over cooked like the second time, but still delicious👍👍

Now I want to emphasize the advantages of Fat Cow Oysters, really fresh and delicious. The Kilpatrick oysters are one of top three available in Brisbane!

Fat Cow, as expected, is well-deserved and highly anticipated...

Your steak is so delicious❤️😋🤤

Strongly recommend it as a must order item.

180g Eye Fillet (Grassfed) Medium Rare with Red-wine jus or Garlic and Peppercorn sauce is awesome.

Be sure to order this steak at Fatcow It’s not because it’s the cheapest, but Fatcow really mastered the preparation of this steak perfectly.

It’s soft and tender, and the aroma and beef juices bloom in your mouth the moment you bite it. It’s like lying on the grassland rolling over!

The last and most important thing I want to share is the star waitress Kimberley.

Have you ever met a friend who is very beautiful, very kind and considerate? At Fat Cow they are very lucky to have Kimberley!!

We have eaten in almost two-thirds of the restaurants in Brisbane.

I rarely go to a restaurant and remember the names of their staff because I usually only care about whether the food is delicious and whether the environment is friendly or not.

Kimberley is an excellent waitress who adds professionalism and courtesy to any visit to the FatCow.

We really appreciate Kimberley’s attention to detail and look forward to meeting her every time we dine at...

Disappointing Experience - Not Recommended for Couples

I visited Fat Cow on 5 June 2025 and delayed writing this review out of respect for the hospitality industry. However, the experience was disappointing enough that I feel it’s important to share.

As someone who knows their steaks and wines, I had high expectations for Fat Cow, but the visit fell short on nearly every front.

To begin with, I was seated next to the aquarium, with my back to the entire room and directly on the busy pathway to the main entrance. It felt both exposed and awkward, far from the ambiance one would expect at a premium restaurant. This was especially frustrating given I had booked well in advance, and it was clear that quieter, more suitable corner tables were available.

The steak, while nicely presented, had been cooked too fast on too high a heat, which stripped it of its natural flavours and tenderness. The sides were underwhelming, basic at best, the kind of dishes I could easily prepare at home, lacking any real finesse or creativity. The recommended Tasmanian Pinot Noir was a poor match for the meal, clashing with the main course rather than complementing selected steaks. It left me questioning the staff’s understanding of pairings.

The environment was chaotic. A group of loud, disruptive patrons dominated the room, and at one point, one of them leaned over me just as I was about to take my first bite and made a rude, unsolicited comment. It was invasive and deeply inappropriate. The staff did eventually step in, and the manager apologised, offering a free dessert, though frankly, a glass of wine would have been a more fitting and respectful gesture.

All in all, the experience failed to deliver on food, wine, and atmosphere. It didn’t live up to the premium branding or price point, and I wouldn’t recommend it, especially not for couples looking for a refined or intimate evening out.

Ultimately, the restaurant feels like it’s still trying to find its footing, uncertain of its place or direction within Brisbane’s competitive hospitality scene, whether it wants to be a high-end dining destination or something more casual. I’m giving 2 stars for...