Can côte de bœuf mean more than one cut?

Check the confidence note below; low confidence or multi-cut rows are flagged when present.

How do you order steak doneness in France?

In France, medium rare is called "À point". Rare is "Saignant" and well done is "Bien cuit".

What should I ask for at a butcher in France?

Ask for "Côte de boeuf pour deux, saignante" when looking for côte de bœuf in France.

What is côte de bœuf in France?

Q: What is côte de bœuf in France?

côte de bœuf is the Belgium retail name for the prime rib, which sits on the rib primal. In France, the same cut is most often labeled Côte de boeuf.

Q: What is côte de bœuf called in France?

Look for Côte de boeuf—mapped to Prime Rib (prime rib).

Q: What primal is côte de bœuf from?

Prime Rib is on the rib primal (Ribs 6-12, bone-in, with cap and eye).

Close match

cote de buf

is very similar to Côte de boeuf in France

Ask for: Côte de boeuf

About this cut

A bone-in rib roast consisting of the ribeye with the bone, cap (spinalis), and fat layer intact. Premium roasting cut — the classic holiday centerpiece. 'Prime' refers to the cut, not necessarily the USDA grade.

rib primal · Ribs 6-12, bone-in, with cap and eye

In France

Côte de boeuf

Say this at the butcher

“Côte de boeuf pour deux, saignante”

Côte de boeuf is typically shared — specify number of diners

What is this cut?·Global guide

How to order steak doneness

Belgium → France

rareSaignant→Saignant48–55°C

medium rareÀ point→À point55–60°C

mediumÀ point cuit→Entre à point et bien cuit60–65°C

well doneBien cuit→Bien cuit70–100°C

Most French steaks are served rare (saignant) by default. Asking for bien cuit may surprise your waiter.

Doneness terminology varies by country and restaurant. When unsure, describe what you want (e.g., “warm red center”).

Detailed explanation

“côte de bœuf” in Belgium maps to canonical prime rib (rib: Ribs 6-12, bone-in, with cap and eye). In France, look for labels such as Côte de boeuf. A bone-in rib roast consisting of the ribeye with the bone, cap (spinalis), and fat layer intact. Premium roasting cut — the classic holiday centerpiece. 'Prime' refers to the cut, not necessarily the USDA grade.

Keep exploring

Related cuts

Entrecôte (rib)back ribs (rib)

Compare with similar cuts

Other countries & routes

Same canonical cut, different destination markets (deduped URLs).

Explore more cuts

This information is for educational purposes only and may vary by region or butcher practices.