Tucked within the grandeur of Suria KLCC—one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks—Maria’s Signature stands as a beacon of warmth, comfort, and culinary excellence. At first glance, it may appear to be another upscale steakhouse in the heart of the city. But behind its inviting ambience and meticulously plated dishes lies a rich story of love, legacy, and friendship that stretches back decades—and you can taste it in every bite.
From a Humble Ipoh Kitchen to a KLCC Landmark Maria’s began not in a bustling commercial kitchen, but in the humble home of Angeline’s parents in Ipoh, where the comforting aroma of pies and cakes filled the air and friends queued up for their legendary pastries. What started as a home-based kitchen with heartfelt cooking evolved into one of the Klang Valley’s most beloved steak destinations.
The name Maria’s SteakCafe itself is a nod to their journey. Once simply Maria’s Café, it evolved in tandem with their growing reputation for premium steaks, and yet, the word “Café” remains—preserving its original spirit of warmth and family-style hospitality. Even as they serve up Kobe beef and dry-aged perfection, Maria’s never loses its soul.
Childhood friend, Ai Lee, later joined forces with Angeline and brought a storyteller’s flair from the broadcasting world and helped transform Maria’s into what it is today: a restaurant rooted in care, consistency, and connection.
The Meal That Speaks Volumes The meal began with a duo of appetisers that set the tone perfectly. The New Zealand Spicy Mussels, large and impossibly fresh, were smothered in a spicy sauce that hit all the right notes. Paired with crusty garlic bread, it was both rustic and indulgent. The Caesar Salad, simple and clean, was a testament to fresh ingredients done right—crisp lettuce, savoury dressing, and just the right amount of cheese.
Soups followed, and both were comforting in their own unique ways. The Pumpkin Soup, smooth and sweet with a depth of flavour that only fresh ingredients can provide, was a warm hug in a bowl. But the show-stealer was the Oxtail Soup—a rich, hearty stew where the meat literally fell off the bone. It was soul food at its finest.
And then came the stars of the show: the steak. The Australian Wagyu MB7 Ribeye, prepared using a treasured family recipe, was simply a masterpiece. A five-herb dry rub enhanced the steak’s natural flavours, while the high-heat sear locked in the juices, creating that elusive crust-meets-melt-in-your-mouth experience that true steak lovers dream of.
Equally impressive were the N.Z. Lamb Cutlets, which were tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Each bite was a delicate balance of savoury richness and natural sweetness. For seafood lovers, the Atlantic White Cod offered a light, flaky counterpoint, its crisped skin and aromatic sauce making it a refreshing highlight.
Of course, no visit would be complete without trying the Beef Wellington with Foie Gras—a rare dish in KL, and done here with a twist. Instead of tenderloin, Maria’s uses a deboned short rib for a deeper, more savoury bite. The truffle-mushroom topping and optional foie gras added layers of luxury, making this dish an unforgettable experience.
The Spaghetti Aglio Olio, though simpler in nature, held its own with bold garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and perfectly cooked seafood—it was deceptively complex and incredibly satisfying.
Desserts were the final hug at the end of this beautiful meal. The Prune Cake, sweet, dense and nostalgic, was dotted with rich prunes and had a surprising touch of tartness that kept it balanced. And the Tiramisu—light, fluffy and kissed with a spirited splash of alcohol—was topped with chocolate shavings that gave it just the right amount of crunch and indulgence.
More Than Just a Meal What sets Maria’s SteakCafe apart isn't just the food—it’s the feeling. The team is more than staff; they’re family. From weekly training sessions to supporting teammates during personal crises, the values of care, trust, and empathy are lived, not just spoken.
As you dine, it becomes clear: this isn’t just a business; it’s a love story—between childhood friends, between a family and its legacy, and between food and the people it nourishes.
With upcoming promotions like the Steak Frites (launched 27th June with unlimited fry refills) and the Merdeka Steak Platter (running from 16 August to 16 September), there’s even more reason to visit and celebrate this heartwarming brand.
So if you find yourself beneath the glittering Petronas Towers, looking for more than just a meal—look for Maria’s Signature. Because here, every dish tells a story, and every guest is welcomed like family.
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