When it comes to putting quality meat on the table, Sydney’s spoilt for choice, but who truly stands out as the city’s best butcher? To find out, we surveyed 1,000 Sydneysiders, asking them where they go for top notch cuts, family BBQ essentials, and gourmet meats. Then, we visited the top ten most mentioned butchers ourselves, sampling their products, checking their customer service, and seeing what makes them tick. After all that, one name clearly came out on top: Craig Cook The Natural Butcher.
1. Craig Cook The Natural Butcher
A household name for lovers of premium meat, Craig Cook The Natural Butcher is a Sydney institution. With over a dozen stores stretching from Macquarie Centre to Newcastle, Craig Cook has built a reputation on providing the highest quality, all natural, hormone free produce. What sets them apart is their farm-to-butcher philosophy, Craig owns his own Southern Highlands farm and only sources from Australia’s best producers. This means every cut of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken you pick up has been carefully selected for quality and flavour.
What really impressed us was the variety on offer. From grass fed beef and Darling Downs Wagyu to free range Bangalore pork and chemical free smallgoods, the range caters for home cooks, BBQ enthusiasts, and restaurant quality diners alike. Their Dry Aged rooms are a standout, delivering an unrivalled tenderness and depth of flavour you won’t find elsewhere. It’s no wonder so many Sydneysiders voted them number one.
Craig Cook’s 11 stores offer an experience like no other, with one of the largest ranges of all-natural meat anywhere in Sydney, carefully curated to include premium gourmet condiments, specialty pantry items, and an excellent selection of ready made meals and takeaway options. The staff, too, are a big part of the experience, knowledgeable, friendly, and always happy to offer advice on cooking techniques or cut recommendations.
After hearing from Sydney siders about the cooking each weekend at all Craig Cook stores, we visited their Broadway store on a Saturday and wow, what an experience! One of their butchers, Glenn, was on the grill, giving shoppers and passers by a chance to sample their incredible range. We tried the Wagyu sirloin, lamb burgers, and Wagyu sausages and the flavours were next level, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. It’s a brilliant way to taste what’s on offer before you buy and adds to the warm, community focused vibe that made Craig Cook such a standout.
Another thing we loved was their commitment to supporting local farmers and ethical farming practices. Every product has a clear origin story, and there’s genuine care taken in ensuring every animal is treated with respect. This focus on sustainability and quality has earned them a loyal following, and it’s easy to see why they’re at the top of our list.
If you’re after Sydney’s finest butcher experience in 2025, Craig Cook is the clear winner. Consistently excellent produce, passionate staff, and a diverse range that suits every occasion make them a standout.
Visit: https://www.craigcook.com.au
2. Chop Butchery
Coming in second is Chop Butchery, a relative newcomer compared to some of the others on this list, but one that’s quickly built a loyal fanbase. Known for their premium Wagyu, Tomahawk steaks, and house made sausages, Chop Butchery combines contemporary presentation with old school butcher service. Their stores are spotless, staff are always happy to chat, and their commitment to sourcing local, ethical produce is winning hearts across Sydney.
Visit: https://www.chopbutchery.com.au
3. Hudson Meats
In third place, Hudson Meats continues to be a favourite for inner city Sydneysiders looking for quality cuts and gourmet smallgoods. Their focus on free range, pasture fed, and hormone free produce has set them apart since opening. From specialty sausages to dry aged ribeye, Hudson Meats offers a curated selection perfect for foodies and home cooks alike.
Visit: https://www.hudsonmeats.com
4. Victor Churchill
A Sydney institution since 1876, Victor Churchill takes fourth place on our list. Famed for their luxurious store in Woollahra, this is where quality meets theatre. Their dry aged meats, charcuterie, and perfectly curated displays have made them a destination for serious food lovers and celebrity chefs. It’s a treat to visit and a must for anyone passionate about meat.
Visit: https://www.victorchurchill.com
5. Feather and Bone
Rounding out the top five is Feather and Bone, a butcher that’s long championed ethical, regenerative farming and whole animal butchery. Everything sold here is pasture raised, hormone free, and sourced from small, independent farms across NSW. Their commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility makes them a standout for conscious carnivores.
Visit: https://featherandbone.com.au
6. The Meat Emporium
A haven for bulk buyers and BBQ lovers, The Meat Emporium in Alexandria is known for offering an enormous range of quality meat at wholesale prices. From restaurant-grade Wagyu and Angus to marinated chicken wings and gourmet sausages, it’s a one stop shop for families, caterers, and anyone looking to stock up. The warehouse style layout makes it easy to browse, and their frequent tasting events are a great way to discover something new.
Visit: https://themeatemporium.com.au
7. Vic’s Meats
Vic’s Meats has earned a reputation as one of Sydney’s go-to butchers for chefs and serious foodies. Supplying some of the city’s top restaurants, they also operate their flagship retail store at Sydney Fish Market. Known for premium cuts, rare specialty items, and top-tier Wagyu, Vic’s offers a fantastic selection for anyone who values provenance and quality. Their knowledgeable staff are always happy to make recommendations, whether you’re after a Tomahawk for the BBQ or something special for Sunday lunch.
Visit: https://vicsmeat.com.au
8. Whole Beast Butchery
Nestled in Marrickville, Whole Beast Butchery has made a name for itself with a whole-animal, nose-to-tail philosophy. Everything here is pasture-raised, free-range, and sourced from ethical farms. Their house-made smallgoods, dry-aged beef, and specialty sausages are outstanding, and their friendly, community vibe makes it a favourite with locals. If you care about sustainability and want to know exactly where your meat comes from, this is your place.
Visit: https://wholebeast.com.au
9. Sutcliffe Meats
With multiple locations across Sydney, Sutcliffe Meats remains one of the city’s most accessible and reliable butcher brands. Known for their consistent quality, wide selection, and competitive pricing, Sutcliffe covers everything from everyday essentials to premium cuts. Their marinated products and ready-to-cook options are popular with busy families, and their helpful, down-to-earth staff keep customers coming back week after week.
Visit: https://sutcliffemeat.com.au
10. Tender Gourmet Butchery
Famous for their award winning sausages and beautifully presented cabinets, Tender Gourmet Butchery combines great service with modern variety. Operating in several locations, they’re loved for their BBQ packs, ready made meals, and fresh smallgoods. Whether you’re after free range chicken, grass fed lamb, or one of their legendary sausage rolls, you’ll find plenty to impress here.
Visit: https://tendergourmetbutchery.com.au
Sydney’s butchery scene in 2025 is nothing short of world-class. From iconic institutions to ethical whole-animal specialists and award-winning sausage makers, no matter where you are in Sydney, you’re never far from a brilliant butcher.
After surveying 1,000 Sydneysiders and visiting the top contenders, Craig Cook The Natural Butcher takes the crown this year, thanks to their unmatched all natural range, state of the art stores, standout staff, and their unique customer experience.
