Bœuf & Cow — Restaurant in Caen

We absolutely loved our dinner at Beouf & Cow in Caen! Booking a table online was quick and easy (I’d definitely recommend doing so), and as a really nice touch, the restaurant even phoned to reconfirm on the day - in English too so you don't have to worry that you regret taking German instead at school.

It’s a stylish, modern steakhouse with options for every budget. whether you’re after an affordable cut or want to splash out on the wagyu or even Kobe. The menu is extensive, and if you love beef, you’ll be spoilt for choice. A small note for fellow English speakers: the English menu is written with a lot of American phrasing, which doesn’t always translate perfectly for other English speakers - we found ourselves glancing at the French menu with a smile to double check what was what 😂

We started with a selection of sharing tapas so everyone could try a bit of everything. They arrived beautifully on a wooden plancha with bread. Highlights were definitely the beef tartare (an absolute musttry) and the dauphinoise balls with curry sauce... Perfect for us as big curry lovers.

For mains, we ordered a range of steaks - ribeye, filet, onglet, and sirloin, and every single one was cooked perfectly. (Tip: in France, if you usually order medium rare, you might want to go one level up, as steaks here tend to be served a touch pinker than elsewhere.) I had the onglet, which is one of my favourite cuts but rarely found on menus, and it was incredible! Robust, beefy flavour and so good.

Desserts were just as good, the fruit with apple sorbet was refreshing after a rich meal, while the table side caramelised crème brûlées stole the show with a bit of theatre. Still being talked about.

Drinks were also delish with a wide wine list ranging from affordable to indulgent. We especially loved their twist on a Moscow Mule, made with calvados instead of vodka - delicious and very Normandy!

Service throughout was excellent. I know some reviews mention brusque service, but we felt it was simply cultural differences in directness; for us, everything was warm, attentive, and very professional.

If you’re in Caen, you really should make time for Beouf & Cow. Whether you go for the set menu at lunch or dinner, or treat yourself to wagyu or Kobe, you’ll have a fantastic experience. Highly...

An Unfulfilled Culinary Journey at Bœuf & Cow

Visited: April 2025

On a cool April evening in Caen, we dined at Bœuf & Cow with disappointing results.

Starter The smoked meat appetizer showed promise—flavorful though somewhat dry—served with good olives and an acceptable baguette, but unfortunately cold butter.

Main Course The chef-recommended medium-rare beef rib showed poor execution—nearly charred edges remained untrimmed while insufficient heat meant the fat hadn't rendered properly. Four accompanying sauces partially salvaged the dish.

Side vegetables appeared limp and watery—inexcusable at a serious restaurant. The modest portion of French fries lacked crispness and flavor.

Dessert The Tarte Tatin with caramel sauce made for a decent finale, complemented nicely by the recommended Calvados.

A second dessert featuring melting chocolate could have provided a dramatic tableside moment, but was amateurishly executed while the intended guest was absent—leaving this potentially impressive presentation wasted.

The Experience Outdoor dining without heating elements meant rapidly cooling food. Service was somewhat disjointed with three different waiters throughout the meal. Wine pairings were satisfactory, providing one bright spot.

Verdict Bœuf & Cow shows unrealized potential. The beef rib was overpriced for its quality—an entrecôte would likely offer better value. With simple improvements in meat preparation, vegetable handling, tableside service coordination, and outdoor comfort, the restaurant could deliver a substantially better experience.

Rating: 3/5 – A mediocre experience that doesn't...

We had an excellent experience at Boeuf and Cow. We had booked for July but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness so I was delighted to have another opportunity. We received a warm welcome from all the staff and were seated promptly by a window as I had requested. It was a beautiful view although a rainy evening. We chose the Menu de Terroir at 35 Euros for three courses. There was plenty of choice. Both starters were delicious and unusual. Then we both had the bavette steak cooked au point. The meat was tender and juicy, the frites perfectly cooked and the sauces delicious. For dessert I chose tarte tatin. I asked the waiter if it was well caramelised and he said ‘a little’. I was surprised that it was delivered flaming and obviously that added to the caramelisation. Excellent. My husband chose the chocolat mi-cuit and that was runny in the centre, just perfect. All in all an excellent meal to round off our lovely...