W doesn't really eat steak but I do, and what amazes us is that over here, nearly every steak you get in a restaurant, even quite a cheap cut, is always OK, but buying decent steaks in shops is a nightmare. Even our normal butcher, who is brill for everything else, we once had a steak from him and it wasn't good. So now i buy Tournedos from Leclerc and that is OK.
I think part of it is that restaurants tend to cook them on charcoal grills, which makes a huge difference to the taste. I tend to flash fry mine in butter. Our barbie is gas so not as good, yes I know you can get stuff to use that makes it like a wood barbie but for how often we use it.... And just for me?
But your situation is a little weird. Especially re lamb.
We accidentally bought mutton chops the other day. Din't realise (only I eat them) and I cooked them as I would lamb chops, in the oven, 190 degs for 25 mins.
Jeezo they were awful! Couldn't chew them. The dogs loved them!!