Delmonico’s Steak House, New York

Dating back to 1837, Delmonico’s has been part of New York dining history since long before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge or the creation of Central Park. The restaurant helped shape the American fine-dining experience, earning recognition as one of the country’s earliest establishments to adopt the French term “restaurant.” It also broke social conventions of its era, becoming the first restaurant in the United States to admit female diners and allow women to gather together for meals.

Originally beginning life as a small pastry shop at the corner of William and Beaver Streets, Delmonico’s evolved into a landmark of elegance and culinary innovation. Its grand entrance, Pompeian columns, chandeliers, mahogany details, and richly colored banquettes evoke the atmosphere of 19th-century dining, when dinner was treated as a formal occasion. The menu balances tradition with modern refinement, preserving classic techniques while reimagining historic dishes for contemporary tastes. Among its most famous creations is the Delmonico steak, often associated with the restaurant’s long culinary legacy. Over the years, the dining room has welcomed notable guests ranging from Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy, reinforcing its reputation as one of New York’s enduring institutions.