Most people love a good steak, but cooking it just right—whether medium-rare, medium, or well-done—can be quite tricky. Only a handful of restaurants in Dhaka have mastered the art of perfectly cooked steaks. According to the buzz, Woodhouse Grill is one of them, and after a recent visit, we can confirm they live up to the hype.
"Most steakhouses in the city use heavy sauces in their marinades, which can overpower the flavor of the meat. We don't do that. Here, we let the seasoning and the quality of the cut speak for themselves," explained Manager Leon Stiphen Gomes, sharing what makes Woodhouse Grill stand out from the crowd.
Food
We started our meal with the Rockport calamari, a delightful mix of crispy fried calamari rings and spicy pan-seared fresh calamari, served with tartar sauce on the side. Both variations were enjoyable, with the spicy rub on the fresh calamari standing out, while the fried calamari had a lovely golden hue. However, the rings were slightly too firm on the inside. The tartar sauce, with a hint of lemon, was excellent and elevated the flavours.
Next came the rib-eye steak, served with sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a grilled tomato. Cooked medium-rare, the steak was firm yet tender, with a slight pinkness that hit the perfect texture. The dry rub seasoning added another layer of flavour, making the dish truly remarkable. The sides complemented the steak well, with the silky mashed potatoes and crunchy vegetables creating a nice balance. Simple yet stunning, this entrée was a highlight.
The steak was accompanied by two sauces: a rose bacon glaze and hollandaise sauce. While the rose bacon glaze added a savory depth we thoroughly enjoyed, the hollandaise didn’t quite hit the mark. It overpowered the rib-eye's natural flavors, leaving an overly thick and unappealing taste on the palate.
We also tried the seafood gumbo, a mix of fish, calamari, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, celery, and okra, served with saffron rice. Unfortunately, this dish was the day's biggest letdown. The seafood’s natural flavors were muted, leaving a bland aftertaste dominated by okra, garlic, and butter. Even the saffron rice couldn’t save the dish.
Woodhouse Grill’s prices range from Tk385 to Tk12,000.
Ambience
Located in Banani, Woodhouse Grill features a simple decor with long wooden tables, chairs and walls that match the furniture. The bustling crowd compensates for the modest and relaxed aesthetics of this steakhouse.
“We’ve focused more on the food than on the decor,” said Gomes, describing the simplicity of the space.
Challenges
Open since 2017, most of their ingredients are imported and that has been a big challenge since imports have been restricted. “The steaks were normally imported and imports are restricted by the government, so that's been difficult for a while. We could have imported meat for at least 20% less than how much we buy it now locally for prime-cuts,” added Gomes.
Verdict
Be sure to try their rib-eye steak, or whichever cut you prefer, as they truly know how to nail the perfect cook. The silky mashed potatoes and grilled tomatoes make excellent accompaniments. The Rockport calamari is a crispy, flavorful appetizer that’s also a must-have at Woodhouse.
Pair your protein-packed meal with a large glass of cola, and you’ll be all set for a satisfying food coma. And, of course, don’t forget to revisit Woodhouse Grill for your next steak.
