How to Eat Bone-In Meat Gracefully: Cutting Tips & Dining Etiquette
Bone-in cuts of meat, like lamb or veal, are essential to main dishes in French and Italian cuisine. While it’s tempting to just bite right in, you probably want to eat it as elegantly as possible. Let’s be honest—many people struggle with the meat around the bone, wondering if they’re doing it right. That’s why we asked the staff at a French bistro in Ebisu, Tokyo, to show us the proper way to enjoy bone-in lamb like a pro!
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【Advised by】le Lion
Table of Contents
First, Move the Meat
A beautifully plated bone-in meat dish can be a bit tricky to cut as is. Create a little space in front of the plate and move the meat to a more convenient position for cutting.
Cut Along the Bone
Start by separating the meat from the bone. While holding it steady with a fork, insert the knife along the bone to cut it away.
Once separated, place the bone on the side of the plate.
It’s also perfectly fine to hold the bone with your left hand and cut with your knife. Just be careful not to splash the sauce.
Alternate Between Lean and Fatty Meat
Once the bone is removed, it’s time to enjoy the meat! Try alternating between the lean and fatty portions. Enjoy the contrast between the light flavor of the lean meat and the juicy richness of the fatty parts.
Hold the Fork Facing Up for Side Dishes
There are no strict rules for eating the vegetables on the side. You can enjoy them together with the meat or on their own. Hold your fork with the tines facing up, scoop the vegetables, and use your knife to help gather them—this gives a neat and smart impression. You can also see where to place the removed bone in this photo.
Bite into the Meat Around the Bone with Your Hands!
One of the real pleasures of bone-in meat is eating the meat around the bone. Don’t hesitate to pick it up and bite into it with your hands. If any sauce gets on your fingers, wipe it off with a napkin or rinse with water from a finger bowl.
Of course, cutting the meat cleanly with a knife and fork is more elegant. Why not practice with friends before a special date?
A renowned French bistro located in Ebisu, Tokyo. Tucked away in a quiet back alley, the restaurant offers authentic French country-style cuisine in a serene atmosphere. It also boasts a wide selection of wines, with staff on hand to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.
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