Center cut is a butchery term that refers to steaks, chops and other cuts of meat that come from only the middle portion of the primal or muscle.

Why Do Some People Demand Center Cut Meat?

If you look at whole tenderloins, ribeye rolls, or racks, you’ll see that they taper off and are smaller on the ends.  The center of these cuts offers the most uniform steaks and chops.  For some people, particularly some chefs, it is very important that every cut of meat in the case has the exact same appearance, shape, and size.  Ordering center-cut portions gives them uniformity. 

Is Center Cut Really Better?

The end cuts are the exact same meat, and therefore the same quality, so buying center cut meat is only really necessary if you need uniform portions.