Ticking Off the Tomahawk at Arno’s: The Search for a Smaller Cut
It was my husband’s birthday, and after months (or even years!) of talking about it, the mission was simple: find him a Tomahawk steak. While I’d had the show-stopping 1+kg version at The New York Steakhouse, we needed a smaller serving for two.
My search led me straight to Arno’s Butcher and Eatery, which conveniently offers an 800g Tomahawk, perfectly sized to finish without bringing a crowd!
The Branch Hunt: From Silom to Narathiwat 20
We initially chose the branch at Silom Serene Boutique Hotel, but were disappointed upon arrival. Being a smaller outlet, they had run out of the Tomahawk and several other select cuts on a Saturday afternoon. We were strongly advised to go to the Narathiwat Head Office as they would definitely have it.
We stuck to our original ride booking for Arno’s Butcher and Eatery – Narathiwat Soi 20, even though we passed the Soi 15 branch (which may have been the one recommended by the Silom staff). Soi 20 proved to be a reliable choice, and a bonus: you can also buy raw meat for takeaway there!
The Meal: Dry-Aged Beef and the Missing Wow
We opted for the 75 days dry-aged Tomahawk (800g). At 1,850 baht for two, it came with two side dishes: we chose the potato sarladaise and a small mixed salad. (Note: The Narathiwat branch offered bacon-wrapped asparagus as a side, which the Silom branch did not.)
| Dry-Aging Options (per 100g) | Price |
| 75 days | 219 baht |
| 80 days | 229 baht |
| 100 days | 399 baht |
| 120 days | 499 baht |
I also tried the “Fine de Claire” Oyster No. 2 (120 baht), which was nice, but not the best I’ve tasted. We balanced the rich meat with an added rocket salad (490 baht). Our total bill, including a glass of wine, came up to 3,068.33 baht.
The Tomahawk Takeaway: Rib-Eye in Disguise?
For me, this second Tomahawk experience highlighted a key difference: the smaller cut at Arno’s lost its “wow” effect.
- Service Style: Unlike the theatrical carving at The New York Steakhouse, the Arno’s steak was served already carved. This made the experience feel essentially like a “plain jane” rib-eye steak on a bone.
- Cut Definition: The Tomahawk steak comes from the rib primal (between the sixth and twelfth ribs) and is essentially a thick-cut ribeye with the long, frenched rib bone left attached. We realized we were paying a premium largely for the visual spectacle and the bragging rights!
- Texture: My husband noted that the Arno’s Tomahawk was quite chewy. If you prefer a chewy bite, this is for you, but traditional rib-eye tends to have more spread-out fat for tenderness.
- The Hot Plate Problem: The meat was served on a hot plate, which meant it was on the red side for me. My husband flipped it to cook it further, which risks overcooking the rest of the meat beyond the requested medium-rare. If you are particular about having a perfect medium-rare and want total control over your cooking level, the hot plate setup may be something to avoid.
⚖️ Arno’s Dry-Aged vs. El Gaucho Wagyu: Which Tomahawk is Better for a Group?
Since we’ve experienced both premium options in Bangkok, it’s worth comparing Arno’s value proposition against El Gaucho’s renowned “Super Tuesday” promotion (which I covered in a [previous blog post link here]).
| Steakhouse | Cut & Style | Price (Per 100g) | Flavor Profile |
| Arno’s | Dry-Aged Tomahawk (80 days) | 229 baht | Intense, concentrated, deep, and complex beefy flavor (Dry-aged). |
| El Gaucho | Japanese/Australian Wagyu Tomahawk | 290 baht (with promotion, min 1.5kg) | Known for intense marbling, resulting in a rich, buttery, and juicy steak (Wagyu character). |
If you are dining in a bigger group and considering a large Tomahawk (1.5kg+), your choice comes down to preference:
- Go to Arno’s if you prioritize a complex, deep flavor profile and the significant cost savings.
- Go to El Gaucho if you prioritize intense richness, melt-in-your-mouth butteriness, and the intense marbling characteristic of premium Wagyu.
In the end, this meal at Arno’s brought us back to earth, focusing entirely on the meat quality without the usual fanfare. We successfully checked the Tomahawk off my husband’s bucket list, and we’ll likely revert to ordering our regular cuts next time!
🔥 Pro Tip for Arno’s Diners (Check Hungry Hub!)
If you are keen to try Arno’s and their various dry-aged options, checking for deals via Hungry Hub is highly recommended. I checked the promotion beforehand and noticed a great value deal!
- The Hungry Hub Tomahawk package (around 1,629 baht) is often listed as 45-day dry-aged and includes 2 side dishes and 2 drinks.
- However, in the restaurant, I noted they did not offer a 45-day cut, and the smallest option was the 75-day dry-aged (219 baht/100g).
Conclusion: You are likely getting a much better cut (the 75-day dry-aged) than the promotion describes, making the Hungry Hub package an excellent deal! You can also visit their official site to browse the full menu and locations: https://arnosgroup.com/
