Who is controversial New York restaurateur, Keith McNally? The British owner of Balthazar just called a photo of the Kardashians and Lauren Sanchéz ‘repulsive’

Sep 29 , 2024

Keith McNally posted this photo of the Kardashians and Lauren Sanchéz, calling it “repulsive” ... but just who is he? Photos: @keithmcnallynyc/Instagram

The British restaurateur behind celeb NYC favourite Balthazar isn’t impressed by Lauren Sanchéz and the Kardashians – or James Corden or Jeff Bezos, for that matter …

It’s no secret that the Kardashian-Jenner family have had their fair share of haters over the years – from Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart criticising Kim’s Met Gala interview in 2022, to Barack Obama reportedly disapproving of the whole clan.

And now, it seems, British restaurateur Keith McNally can be added to the list of people who have publicly called out the reality TV stars. Taking to Instagram, McNally wrote, alongside a group photo of Kris Jenner, Jeff Bezos’ wife, Lauren Sanchéz, and Kim and Khloé Kardashian: “Am I alone in finding this photo repulsive beyond? I wonder what Susan Sontag [whom I knew a little] or Virginia Woolf would have thought of this photo? Any suggestions anyone?”

McNally, 73, didn’t indicate why the photo annoyed him so much, but some netizens slammed the Brit for “bullying” the celebs, per US media.

Keith McNally moved to America from the UK, in 1975. Photo: @keithmcnallynyc/Instagram

This isn’t the first time McNally has caused controversy over the years. Here’s what we know about him:

What does Keith McNally do?

Keith McNally isn’t impressed with the Kardashian-Jenners or Lauren Sanchéz. Photo: @keithmcnallynyc/Instagram

McNally is a well known New York restaurateur. Per the bio on one of his restaurant’s websites, he was born in London and moved to New York in 1975, when he began his journey in the restaurant world doing everything from shucking oysters to busing tables. He opened his first restaurant, The Odeon, in 1980.

What restaurants does Keith McNally own?

Keith McNally and Anna Wintour at his famous New York restaurant Balthazar. Photo: @keithmcnallynyc/Instagram

McNally is now behind numerous restaurant ventures. According to his profile on Balthazar NY, he has launched Café Luxembourg, Nell’s, Lucky Strike, Pravda, Balthazar, Pastis, Schiller’s, Morandi, Minetta Tavern, Cherche Midi, and Augustine, as well as Balthazar in London, since he started his career.

His Instagram bio notes that he is currently operating Balthazar in New York and London, in addition to Pastis, Morandi Restaurant and Minetta Tavern. Despite running all these businesses, he told Eater New York in 2016 that he likes to eat at home. “I don’t eat out that much, to be honest,” he told the publication. “I like staying in. I like cooking at home. I like going to places that are very ordinary.”