The emerald green awnings of Smith & Wollensky stand out on John Adam Street, and signal the entrance to a traditional American steakhouse in the heart of London. This iconic steakhouse started life in 1977 in New York, but has since established itself over the Atlantic as a bastion of American steak cookery, as well as classic New York hospitality.
The interiors are traditional steakhouse, right down to the tiled floors, dark leather banquettes and a gleaming marble bar, which holds shelves of whiskies and spirits behind it. Bar stools and chairs match the emerald colour scheme, and the whole room is rather striking and impressive.
Naturally, Smith & Wollensky steaks are USDA Prime beef, and they're all dry-aged and butchered on-site - in fact, this is the only steakhouse in London which combines those three things. You'll also find top quality British and Irish beef here too, and the menu allows you a choice between the three, offered in cuts ranging from the usual fillets, sirloins and ribeyes, all the way up to a chateaubriand or cote de boeuf to share. You can enhance your steak of choice with anything, ranging from a simple peppercorn sauce, to half a lobster or a gorgonzola crust.
Outside of the steaks, there are lots of other options, ranging from steak or tuna tartare, chilli and garlic shrimp, seared scallops, roasted monkfish and shellfish platters. Sides like truffled mac 'n' cheese and hash browns are also popular options.
Whatever time of day you're planning on visiting, Smith & Wollensky has you covered with lunch and dinner menus, pre and post theatre menus, a brunch menu on the weekends, and dedicated children's menu. Save room for a New York style cheesecake, or perhaps just for a dessert cocktail like Smith & Wollensky's famous espresso martini, or a classic Irish coffee.