TLDR
America's original fine dining landmark offering iconic steaks and vintage NYC atmosphere. A historic destination for those seeking classic American grandeur.
Instagram Posts References
Delmonico's is presented as the oldest restaurant in New York City, established in 1837. Located in Lower Manhattan's Financial District, it is famed as a legendary steakhouse and a significant piece of New York history. The restaurant is recognized for its classic dishes, specifically the Delmonico steak and Eggs Benedict, and has historically attracted a prestigious clientele including presidents, celebrities, and Wall Street elites. The post emphasizes its enduring presence long before the modern skyline, portraying it as a 'time machine' offering a glimpse into 'old New York' with a dinner reservation.
Delmonico's is frequently credited as the birthplace of Eggs Benedict in the late 1800s, establishing a significant part of New York City's culinary history with this now-famous brunch item.
Delmonico's holds the distinction of being America’s first fine dining restaurant, a true icon with a rich history in the culinary world, particularly celebrated for its significant contribution to steak culture.
Visit Delmonico's in the Financial District, America's first fine dining restaurant, for a taste of old New York with its pristine seafood and top cuts of steak.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Delmonico's, an iconic New York steakhouse. Despite minor initial issues, the restaurant offers a refined dining experience with excellent steaks and classic cocktails in a beautifully restored setting.
Details
Widely recognized as America's first fine dining restaurant, this historic Financial District destination offers a quintessential New York steakhouse experience [1][2]. Guests are transported back in time within a beautifully restored, elegant setting that features soaring ceilings and crisp linens [3][4]. While the service and food quality can occasionally vary based on the specific menu or occasion, it remains a celebrated landmark for classic American fare [5][6].
Food Overview
The restaurant is famous for its classic American menu, particularly its dry-aged steaks like the signature rib-eye [3][4]. Other highly regarded items include the unique Caesar salad, where each leaf is individually dressed [1], and the iconic Baked Alaska for dessert [5]. Conversely, some diners have found specific dishes like the crab cake or certain lunch specials to be hit-or-miss in terms of flavor and quality [5][6].
Highlights / Recommended
"The dry-aged bone-in rib-eye and the signature Delmonico steak are frequently recommended for meat lovers [3][4]. For sides and dessert, the Caesar salad and the historic Baked Alaska are standout choices [1][5]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •baked alaska(10)A famous dessert invented at Delmonico's, this iconic dish receives mixed review...
- •ribeye(8)The ribeye is a polarizing choice; some find it fatty and greasy or small with l...
- •delmonico steak(8)An iconic steak dish invented at Delmonico's, reviews are mixed with some findin...
- •crab cake(7)The crab cake is frequently recommended, with one commenter calling it the best ...
- •caesar salad(6)This Caesar salad is highly recommended and considered by some to be the best ev...
- •steak(6)Steak reviews are highly variable, with descriptions ranging from the best steak...
- •fries(3)
- •creamed spinach(3)
- •wedge salad(3)
- •hash browns(2)
- •dessert(2)
- •lobster newberg(2)
- •eggs benedict(2)
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is generally positive, with many diners appreciating the historic atmosphere and elite steakhouse feel [1][6]. However, some patrons report inconsistent service and find the pricing high, occasionally leading to mixed reviews compared to other established steakhouses [5][6].
Caveats
Dining here is a significant financial investment, and some patrons feel the experience relies too heavily on nostalgia [5][6]. Additionally, lunch specials and prix fixe menus may sometimes offer lower quality meat compared to the regular dinner service [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About DELMONICO'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For A Good Prime Rib Spot In Manhattan
"Delmonico's was listed as a restaurant that serves prime rib."
NeutralFrom post: Lastminute Reservation Downtown To Catch Up With
"This user also recommended Delmonico's."
PositiveFrom post: Lastminute Reservation Downtown To Catch Up With
"This user listed Delmonico's as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Nice Venue For Dinner With Work Clients In
"Delmonico's was mentioned again as a restaurant suggestion."
PositiveFrom post: Nice Venue For Dinner With Work Clients In
"Delmonico's was suggested as a possible restaurant for the group, and it was mentioned that reservations would be required."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This user inquired if the crab cake at Delmonico's is a Maryland-style crab cake."
NeutralFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter simply states that the dry-aged ribeye at Delmonico's is very good."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"The original poster was surprised by their great meal at Delmonico's, noting it as the best steakhouse experience they've had in the city, despite seeing mixed reviews elsewhere."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter finds Delmonico's fantastic but very expensive, and humorously dislikes their Baked Alaska."
NegativeFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter also found Delmonico's to be great and ranked it second among steakhouses they've tried, after Quality Meats and before Keen's and Hawksmoor."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This user had a disappointing experience at Delmonico's, citing poor service and an underwhelming steak. They also disliked their girlfriend's lobster newburg, which differed significantly from the original, and found Keens and Gallaghers to offer better experiences."
NegativeFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter acknowledged the original poster's experience, noting it's unsurprising their meal was great given Delmonico's status as the original steakhouse."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter plans to give Delmonico's another try, as their previous visit shortly after reopening was disappointing."
NeutralFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This user agrees with the original poster's ranking and enjoys Delmonico's but notes that the location in the Financial District can be inconvenient for business dinners. They also mention Keen's prime rib as a better value."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This user expressed surprise that the original poster was surprised by their great meal, stating Delmonico's is one of the best steakhouses in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter agrees that Delmonico's is a great steakhouse and their favorite in the city when price is not a concern, noting their crab cake is unique and wonderful."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This commenter agrees that Delmonico's is a go-to for steak and specifically praises their method of dressing each leaf of the Caesar salad individually."
PositiveFrom post: Delmonicos Review 51126 Surprisingly Great Meal
"This user commented that Delmonico's is a great time, in response to a discussion about Gage and Tollner."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Great Solo Dining Experiences With No
"Delmonico's is mentioned as a place where diners were seen dressed neatly in polos and khakis, indicating a smart-casual rather than strictly formal dress code."
NeutralFrom post: Seeking Great Solo Dining Experiences With No
"Dolmenico's is listed as a restaurant that generally does not enforce strict dress codes."
Neutral