Where to Buy Beef Carpaccio for the Perfect Appetizer

With its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and luxurious mouthfeel, beef carpaccio makes for an elegant and impressive appetizer. But finding high-quality beef carpaccio requires knowing where to source it. From butchers to specialty stores, here are the best places to buy beef carpaccio.

What is Beef Carpaccio?

For those unfamiliar, beef carpaccio consists of thin slices or sheets of raw beef served chilled or room temperature. Traditional carpaccio features filet mignon or other tender beef, thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil or dressing. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, arugula, truffle oil, lemon juice or aioli often garnish the dish.

When prepared properly, the tissue-thin beef literally melts on the tongue, providing a decadent start to a fine dining experience. But it requires starting with the right beef carpaccio.

Where to Source Beef Carpaccio

Butcher Shops

For the best quality beef carpaccio, local butcher shops are often the best source. High-end butchers carry prime cuts like filet mignon and have the skills to slice the beef paper thin. Key advantage: You can buy the exact amount needed.

Specialty Gourmet Shops

Specialty food shops aimed at gourmet cooking aficionados frequently carry pre-sliced beef carpaccio or can prepare it Zabar’s in New York City for example offers house-sliced filet carpaccio,

Italian Markets

Authentic Italian markets and delicatessens are another good option, especially in urban areas like New York City or Chicago. These stores sell imported thin-cut carpaccio.

Upscale Grocery Stores

Some upscale grocers like Whole Foods have in-house butcher departments that can slice carpaccio upon request. The prepared foods section may also stock pre-cut beef carpaccio.

Online Butcher Services

For those without nearby butcher shops, online services like Porter Road ship frozen pre-sliced carpaccio nationwide. Pricey but convenient.

Restaurant Suppliers

Wholesale restaurant suppliers like Restaurant Depot sell large portions of pre-sliced carpaccio intended for food service businesses. Minimum orders may apply.

Thinly Sliced Yourself

Of course, you can always buy filet mignon at a standard grocer and slice it thin yourself. This is budget-friendly but time-consuming and tricky to master.

What to Look for When Buying Beef Carpaccio

To achieve the right melt-in-your-mouth texture, keep these tips in mind:

• Find the freshest beef possible, ideally sliced right before serving

• Look for bright red color without brown spots

• Seek well-marbled filet mignon, sirloin, or ribeye

• Confirm the beef is sliced tissue-thin, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick

• For food safety, ensure raw beef is kept refrigerated at 40°F or below

• Ideally, purchase only amount needed as carpaccio is best consumed fresh

Storing and Handling Beef Carpaccio

Handle beef carpaccio carefully to maximize its delicate texture:

• Keep refrigerated until ready to plate dish

• When plating, let carpaccio sit out at room temperature briefly to take chill off

• Prepare carpaccio topping/dressing while beef sits out

• Plate carpaccio quickly to prevent over-warming before serving

• If pre-sliced carpaccio not used, re-wrap tightly and refrigerate

• Use refrigerated carpaccio within 2 days for best flavor and texture

• Freeze extra for later up to 2 months, separating slices between sheets of plastic wrap

Serving Suggestions

Beef carpaccio may be thin, but packs a flavor punch. To make the most of its rich taste, consider these serving suggestions:

• Lightly drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over carpaccio slices

• Sprinkle with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for added richness

• Add peppery arugula greens on the side or atop the carpaccio

• Spoon on aioli, pesto or another flavorful sauce for creaminess

• Garnish with capers, shallot slivers, or chopped parsley

• Drizzle with truffle oil or serve with truffle shavings on top

• Accompany with crostini slices for a carb complement

• Arrange carpaccio elegantly rolled or fanned out for visual appeal

Beef carpaccio may seem like a splurge, but a little goes a long way thanks to its intense flavor. Visit a top quality butcher or Italian market to get your hands on the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is beef carpaccio. Buon appetito!