In the heart of Cheltenham, a culinary gem has emerged—Sef Steakhouse. The ugly Quad we once knew has had a facelift, and where the old bakery was, now sits a wonderful new restaurant that I could not wait to get home and talk to you about. Under the guidance of its passionate owner, Metin; this place will redefine the Cheltenham steak dining experience, delivering exceptional food and hospitality that, for me, rival the finest steak houses I have eaten in worldwide. A decent steakhouse in Cheltenham has been long overdue, but it seems worth waiting for, offering a genuine taste of properly grilled steak reminiscent of Paris, New York and London.
From the moment you step foot into Sef Steakhouse, the alluring aromas of sizzling grilled steak envelop your senses, evoking a sense of anticipation and excitement. The well-aged beef, meticulously displayed in the fridges, further showcases the dedication to sourcing only the finest ingredients. Every aspect of the restaurant has been carefully crafted to transport you to the heart of an authentic steakhouse experience.
The centerpiece of Sef Steakhouse is its captivating gallery kitchen, where talented chefs wield their culinary prowess with finesse. From the hypnotic sight of tomahawk steaks being expertly seasoned to the theatrical display of a flaming strip steak being skillfully sliced at a neighboring table, the energy and artistry within the kitchen are mesmerizing. It's a sensory journey that immerses you in the world of top-notch culinary craftsmanship.
Sef Steakhouse proudly embraces the farm-to-fork philosophy, championing the use of locally sourced produce. Metin's unwavering commitment to supporting local farmers and producers ensures that each dish bursts with freshness and flavor while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the community. This dedication to local sourcing showcases the restaurant's deep connection to Cheltenham and its surroundings.
Notably, Sef Steakhouse celebrates its collaboration with Deya, a beloved local brewery. The partnership between the steakhouse and Deya Brewery harmoniously marries delectable cuisine with exceptional craft beers. This collaboration exemplifies Sef Steakhouse's ethos of supporting local artisans, fostering a sense of pride in the town's culinary and brewing heritage.
Step inside, and you'll be transported to a world-class steakhouse experience while still relishing the charm of Cheltenham. The elegant interior, with its thoughtful decor and comfortable seating, creates an inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the outstanding cuisine. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a celebratory gathering, or a business meeting, Sef Steakhouse provides an exquisite backdrop for unforgettable moments.
Indulgence extends beyond the perfectly cooked steaks, as Sef Steakhouse prides itself on an impressive array of handcrafted cocktails. Talented mixologists concoct captivating blends, ensuring that each sip is a delightful journey of flavors. From classic favorites to innovative creations, the cocktail menu is a testament to Sef Steakhouse's commitment to delivering an all-encompassing dining experience.
While Sef Steakhouse offers a luxurious culinary adventure, the prices reflect the unparalleled quality of the ingredients and the extraordinary craftsmanship. It's important to note that while the experience is not cheap, the value and caliber of the food and service make it a worthwhile investment.
I had the Bone Marrow to start—I have not seen this offered anywhere recently, a really good sign. It came with a wonderfully fresh salad and freshly toasted bread. For the main course, I opted for the Sirloin and savored the first few mouthfuls without sauce. The taste was divine, cooked exactly as requested, rare. There was almost no jus left on the board at the end, a testament to the aging process.
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful meal for our...
Read moreWe were so excited to come here after seeing it hyped up on instagram. The restaurant itself is beautiful with a nice atmosphere, would be better to have drinks tables infront of the bar instead of dining tables.
The waitresses are friendly however some were very inexperienced… we ordered red wine, it got plonked on the table and we were asked “did you want me to pour it?” Not at all what you’d expect at a restaurant of this level. Once pouring it she screwed the top back on instead of letting it breathe… it was red wine. We were surprised the wine was a screw top at a restaurant like that… The first wine we ordered they had run out of which was a bit annoying when they’ve not been open very long but can understand they need to get used to what stock levels they need so this is just a teething issue.
We also watched her throw down a bottle of wine on another table and run off without even offering to open it, the table laughed about It but they were clearly shocked and surprised at this type of service. This is basic wine service, you wouldn’t even get this at somewhere like pizza express.
Little things like we asked for water which never came, we had to ask again.
We wanted to order the boneless Rib Eye, got told they would only cook this ‘well done’ which was a bizarre thing to hear in a steak restaurant. Needless to say we ordered something else. The steaks that did come were cooked perfectly to what we ordered. In terms of taste one was very good, the other was ok but a little bland even with the sauce on it.
We had prawns for starter, these were not good at all. Very fishy and didn’t taste of much.
The chips and mushrooms we had as sides were both very nice. The creamed spinach was more like cooked spinach with a little bit of watery milky sauce at the bottom.
The Baklava for dessert was tasty but arrived looking very dishevelled and a bit sorry for itself.
Overall it was a pleasant meal but nothing to write home about and if they don’t iron out these kinks very quickly, they won’t last long somewhere like Cheltenham. When you are competing with other Steak restaurants in town like No3 and The Ox, which are both very good, they have missed the mark a little bit here.
The head chef seemed more concerned with putting on a show than actually delivering top quality food. Reminded us of trying to be like Nusr-et apart from the fact both times we’ve eaten there the food has been excellent and those prices are justified. So they’re going to need to try a little harder here with the food quality if that’s the vibe they’re going for.
Really hope they up their game as the setting is great and they have...
Read moreWalking into SEF Steakhouse feels like being welcomed into a temple of beefy goodness, where the steaks are so tender you’ll start questioning why you ever ate anything that wasn’t perfectly seared and cooked to carnivorous perfection. They say the steaks here are amazing, but honestly, that’s an understatement. These steaks are so good they should come with their own theme song and parade float.The menu is basically a meat-lover’s dream: every cut imaginable, from ribeye to filet, all seasoned so perfectly that you’ll wonder if the chefs have made some kind of deal with the steak gods. If you were planning on ordering a salad, just know that you’ll be deeply regretting your life choices when you see the sizzling platter of steak being carried past your table. (Pro tip: Just get the steak. You’re in a steakhouse, not a lettuce house.)The staff? Absolute rockstars. It’s like they’ve trained under steakhouse Jedi masters who taught them the ancient art of providing impeccable service without hovering awkwardly. They’re attentive without being intrusive, and by the end of the meal, you’ll be so charmed you might even be tempted to invite them to your next family barbecue.As for the location, it’s beautiful enough to make you pause and reconsider your current address. Between the great ambiance and the delicious aroma of steak wafting through the air, SEF Steakhouse isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to revel in the joy of knowing that you’re about to have the best meal of your week (possibly your life). Honestly, you’ll probably start planning your next visit before you’ve even finished dessert.So, if you’re looking for a place that will make your taste buds sing and your stomach say "thank you," SEF Steakhouse is where you need to be. Just be prepared to leave with a happy food coma and a newfound appreciation for the finer...
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