Guide to Wagyu Beef in Australia
Published 30 January 2026
Australian wagyu has earned a global reputation for quality. Here's what you need to know to order with confidence.
What is Wagyu?
Wagyu literally means "Japanese cow." These cattle are bred for intense marbling – the white fat distributed throughout the meat that melts during cooking, creating incredible flavour and tenderness.
Understanding Marble Scores
Australian wagyu is graded on a marble score from 1-9+:
- MS3-5: Good entry-level wagyu
- MS6-7: Rich, buttery texture
- MS8-9: Exceptional marbling, melt-in-mouth
- MS9+: Rare, ultra-premium
Fullblood vs Crossbred
Fullblood wagyu (100% Japanese genetics) is rarer and more expensive. Crossbred wagyu (typically wagyu crossed with Angus) is more common and still excellent.
How to Order
Higher marble scores mean richer beef. For first-timers, MS5-6 offers the wagyu experience without overwhelming richness. Order smaller portions – wagyu is incredibly rich.