Smith & Wollensky, the New York institution long synonymous with American steakhouse bravado, has officially opened its first Malaysian restaurant at Suria KLCC, marking a significant new chapter in the brand’s global expansion. The grand opening, held on 18 January 2026, places the 48-year-old steakhouse brand at the very heart of Kuala Lumpur’s luxury retail and lifestyle ecosystem.
More than a headline-grabbing launch, Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur represents a carefully considered localisation of a heritage brand. While the restaurant retains the hallmarks that made it “America’s Steakhouse” — from prime cuts and polished service to its unmistakable green-and-white livery — the Malaysian outpost has been adapted to meet local expectations, most notably through its use of Halal-certified meat across the menu.
Steak And Style
Spanning several dining zones with capacity for over 300 guests, the all-day dining destination includes private rooms, bar seating and expansive spaces designed for business entertaining as much as celebratory dining. Interiors subtly reference Malaysian craftsmanship, weaving batik motifs, pewter accents and the national flower, the bunga raya, into an otherwise classic steakhouse aesthetic.
The beverage programme positions the KL opening firmly within the luxury-lifestyle space. Led by an award-winning sommelier and supported by a seasoned mixologist, Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur is rolling out monthly wine pairing events and vineyard collaborations, beginning with Napa Valley’s Aleksander Wine, co-founded by former NBA player Sasha Vujačić.
The cellar forms part of the brand’s broader ambition to establish one of Southeast Asia’s most significant steakhouse wine collections, complete with exclusive membership experiences. Additionally, sustainability underpins operations, with a focus on responsibly sourced beef alongside locally procured seafood and poultry.
Founded in New York City in 1977 by restaurateur Alan Stillman, Smith & Wollensky has built its reputation on consistency, craftsmanship and a distinctly American sense of occasion. In Kuala Lumpur, that legacy has been recalibrated — retaining its old-school charm while embracing a new market where luxury dining is increasingly defined by inclusivity, provenance and cultural fluency.
