The legendary Smith & Wollensky, New York’s original steakhouse renowned for its timeless charm, exceptional hospitality and premium steaks, officially celebrated the grand opening of its first Malaysian outpost at the Ground Floor of the prestigious Suria KLCC on the 18th of January 2026.
The milestone event marked a significant chapter in the brand’s global journey, celebrating heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of great steakhouse and all-day dining, while also unveiling Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur’s long-term commitment to community engagement and mental health awareness in Malaysia.
At Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur, every detail was thoughtfully designed to uphold the brand’s legacy while embracing local flair. From the weight of the steak knives to the distinctively New Yorker service ethos, quality permeated at every touchpoint. The restaurant proudly uses Halal-certified meat, ensuring all guests could indulge in the signature Smith & Wollensky experience with confidence.
The grand opening celebration, held from 5.30pm, was a landmark evening combining culinary excellence, entertainment and social responsibility. The programme began with a traditional lion dance performance, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony and live entertainment, including a jazz performance by Dasha Logan that set the tone for the evening.
As part of its first CSR initiative in Malaysia, Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur also unveiled its Mental Health Awareness Commitment, introduced in collaboration with Plus Vibes. The long-term initiative focuses on raising awareness and education surrounding mindful eating and its impact on mental well-being, including plans to host mental health talks and forums at the restaurant throughout 2026, alongside charitable contributions to mental health-related NGOs.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by a distinguished line-up of VIPs, namely :
His Excellency Mr Edgard D. Kagan, Ambassador of the United States in Malaysia
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs Malaysia
Jonathan Chang, Board of Director of Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur
Ms. Shirley Hsia, CEO and Board of Directors of Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur
Nathan Evans, Brand President of Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group
Datuk Sr. Mohd. Salem Kailany, Group Chief Executive Officer at KLCC Group of Companies
Justin Lin, Board of Director of Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur
Joe Flizzow, Malaysian hip-hop icon, Managing Director of US hip-hop label Def Jam Southeast Asia
Francis Tan, Executive Director & CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bh
Sasha Vujačić, 2x NBA Champion with the LA Lakers & Co-founder of Aleksander Wine
Spanning multiple dining areas with a total capacity of over 300 guests, Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur offers all-day dining, private dining rooms, bar seating and elegant spaces ideal for business dinners, celebrations and intimate gatherings. Its Conference & Events Services were designed to cater to both social and corporate occasions — from weddings and fashion presentations to shareholder meetings and gala dinners — supported by advanced visual and audio systems, bespoke event management and refined hospitality.
Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur, is also more than just a steakhouse, it aims to be the hub for creativity, as well as entertainment through their partnership with Universal Music Malaysia, and other local higher education institutes such as Taylor’s University, Sunway University and the Food Institute of Malaysia, making it a platform to nurture talents in hospitality, food and service.
Beyond being a steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur positioned itself as a cultural and social landmark — a place where stories are shared, partnerships forged and milestones celebrated. The interior pays homage to Malaysian artistry and heritage, featuring subtle design elements inspired by batik, pewter and the national flower, the bunga raya.
Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur also introduced curated wine pairing programmes led by an award-winning sommelier and supported by an acclaimed mixologist. The establishment also organises monthly wine pairing events, from exclusive partnership with various vineyards in Napa Valley – notably their very first with Aleksander Wine through their co-founder Sasha Vujačić, former professional NBA player.
With an unwavering focus on craftsmanship and sustainability — including the localisation of ingredients, seafood and poultry — the restaurant represents more than dining; it stood as a celebration of legacy, taste and connection.
As the brand proudly proclaims, “A steakhouse to end all arguments. Old-school charm, colourful stories and some local swagger — our lifelong commitment to producing America’s best steaks.”
Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur welcomes guests to rediscover the joy of great food and even greater company — where every visit feels like coming home.
Established in New York City in 1977 by celebrated restaurateur Alan Stillman, Smith & Wollensky has earned its reputation as “America’s Steakhouse” — a destination where the spirit of the American dream is served alongside perfectly grilled prime cuts. From Boston to London, Taipei to Seoul, the brand’s signature green-and-white livery has long symbolised uncompromising quality and authentic hospitality.
Built on the backbone of American industry — smoke, fire and steak — Smith & Wollensky has always stood for excellence and integrity. Its commitment to serving prime quality beef and the finest locally sourced seafood has made it a benchmark for steakhouses worldwide. The brand was also a pioneer in championing American wines, a tradition continued through its cellar — an extensive wine collection that is set to become one of the largest wine cellars in Southeast Asia, offering curated pairings and exclusive membership experiences.
