Summer evenings in the city should be spent here

For someone who has always lived south of the river, Exmouth Market has never been particularly on my radar. Friends who live North or East have always raved about it, though, so when the opportunity popped up to visit Macaellaio RC on a balmy summer’s evening, it seemed like the perfect time to go and see what all the fuss was about. With rows of tables lining the cobbled street, nestled under a canopy of fairy lights and friends catching up after work over wine and tapas, it’s a true escape. Macaellaio RC sits nestled at the end of the market with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot during the summer months.

Italian style meats from both mountain and sea, are served fresh or dry-aged in a contemporary sharing cicchetti style. Expect beautifully cooked steaks with an array of sides, all produced on boards for the table to share.

It’s essential to start with lardo bruschetta, tuna carpaccio and beef carpaccio. The marriage of these flavours are what Macellaio RC is all about – simple, fuss-free Italian cooking. For mains, it’s all about sharing; ask your waiter what amount of steak would be suitable for the group and then add sides accordingly. Whether you opt for sirloin steak or tuna, adding the beautifully marinated vegetables, mashed potatoes with nutmeg and purple sprouting broccoli will ensure you experience all the authentic Italian flavours Macellaio RC is so loved for. Be sure to leave enough room for the Tiramsu, as we guarantee it’ll be the best you’ve had in a long time.

Rich, full-bodied red wines are the main order here, complimenting the steaks perfectly. Waiters have a wealth of knowledge of wine pairing, and offer sound advice on what works best, along with lighter whites if red isn’t your thing.

Starters and side dishes range between £5-£10, with mains going up to £20-£30, especially when ordering steak. All depending on the number of grams of your steak, eating here can easily be done on a budget if sharing.

Macellaio RC is a welcome addition to Exmouth Market. It has a great evening ambience, whether you’re sitting in a cosy corner inside, or the terrace outside. It’s clear that there is passion that goes into the food here, and that translates throughout the whole experience.

Catching up with friends mid-week, or even a first date if you’re looking for something intimate.

Visit Macellaio RC here.