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OUR HISTORY

     Since its official inception as an organisation on the 10th of April 2013, the Werner’s Group was formed to manage all entities under the same roof. The group has grown from strength to strength, from its first concept restaurant in 2005 to its eighth in the year 2018. El Cerdo KL, The Whisky Bar KL, The Steakhouse KL, Dining In The Dark KL, Director’s Cut by The Whisky Bar KL, Prime Steaks & Artisan Pasta, TOKIOTONIC and Cielo KL were conceptualised and wholly owned by Werner Kuhn, German expatriate and Master Chef residing in Malaysia for the past 30 years.

     After an impressive growth of its establishments over the many years, the success reflected solely on its efficient management team, vibrant staffs, operational structure, design portfolio and consultation framework to name a few. We have and always will take pride in what matters most – the journey to a perfect dining experience.

From the launch of its first restaurant El Cerdo in 2005, to its ninth in 2022, the group has seen steady growth and loyal customer support over the past 18 years. 

Each establishment offers a diverse range of classic culinary experiences, aiming to satisfy dining enthusiasts and people who are looking for that extra “something” when planning a good dinner night out. 

2005 The Group’s flagship restaurant, El Cerdo, opened its doors in KL’s Golden Triangle on Changkat Bukit Bintang. Known for its traditional European pork dishes and popular “Cochinillo Segoviano” (Spanish Style Roasted Suckling Pig), served with a ceremonial plate breaking activity, the restaurant exemplifies its “Nose To Tail Eating” slogan and was one of the pioneering western-style dining establishments of its time in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating its 18th birthday this year. 

The Group celebrated its opening of El Cerdo No 2 in the neighborhood of TTDI mid 2022, to cater to the bordering community of Petaling Jaya, affording patrons to save the sometimes troublesome trip to the city center of KL.

2010 The Whisky Bar KL set out to conquer the ever-growing demand for single malts from around the world, by now offering close to 1000 labels of rare and unique whiskies in the city center of Kuala Lumpur, making it the 4th largest whisky selection in Asia. 

Its mission: Providing a gentlemen’s club like drinking & dining experience in the middle of buzzing Changkat Bukit Bintang, setting itself apart with an elegant, cozy ambiance, classic cocktails whilst upholding informed hospitality standards and warm service. A Bar as classic as it gets.

2011 saw the opening of The Steakhouse KL, adjacent to the Whisky Bar, serving classic Steakhouse cuisine in a rustic, cozy ambiance. Its unique selling proposition: All proteins are prepared in its signature JOSPER ® Oven, considered the hottest indoor charcoal oven in the world, lending a unique “Josper Charcoal grilled” flavor to steaks, lamb racks, lobsters and more. 

2012 Dining In The Dark KL was introduced as the first-ever “dining in the dark” concept restaurant in Malaysia, which aims to elevate food appreciation through an immersive dining experience without sight. Collaborating with the Blind Association of Brickfields KL, the dining room is staffed with visually impaired service personnel, we call them our “Darkness Experts”. Whether you are in search of an unusual Company Dinner, a romantic dinner adventure for 2 or simply feel like leaving the world behind for 2 hours with your friends, it is truly a unique once in a lifetime experience. 

Director’s Cut TTDI, an iteration of The Whisky Bar on Changkat Bukit Bintang, is an exclusive space that embodies the elegance and refinement of modern whisky distilleries and grand hotel bars. Opening its door in 2022, the interior pays homage to the rich history and tradition of whisky as a spirit of celebration and creates a relaxed atmosphere that combines liquid expertise and culinary technique, bringing a touch of luxury to the fine dining and drinking scene in the vibrant neighbourhood of TTDI.

The same year also saw the debut of Prime Steaks & Artisan Pasta, a haven for steak and pasta lovers. Known for its signature Josper Grill steaks, the restaurant has earned acclaim for its reverse-seared steaks, which are prepared to perfection for unparalleled flavour and texture.

Imagine savoring a perfectly crisp Iberico Pork Katsu paired with a crafted Highball infused with in-house cordials and spirits. This vision comes to life as TOKIOTONIC, a contemporary Yōshoku Izakaya, opened its doors in Changkat Bukit Bintang in 2024.

The latest addition to the Group’s portfolio, which includes El Cerdo, The Steakhouse, The Whisky Bar KL, and Cielo Sky Dining & Lounge, TOKIOTONIC seeks to redefine the izakaya experience by blending Western influences with traditional Japanese cuisine.

The space itself offers a modern take on a Japanese izakaya, featuring warm wood tones, subtle lighting, and contemporary art pieces. Whether for casual dining or special occasions, TOKIOTONIC promises an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the best of both worlds.