Delmonico's Restaurant

History and architecture

Erected in 1890-91, to the designs of the prominent architect James Brown Lord, this striking Renaissance Revival restaurant and office building is the only surviving building associated with the world-famous Delmonico's Restaurant. Founded in 1827 by Swiss-born brothers, John and Peter Delmonico, Delmonico's was one of the first restaurants in the United States to specialize in fine Continental cuisine. When their restaurant burned in the Fire of 1835, the Delmonico brothers acquired this site, where they erected an elegant four-story building that quickly became a favorite gathering place for New York society and visiting dignitaries.

In 1890 the Delmonico's replaced that building with the current eight-story building, which provided additional restaurant space as well as several office stories. Delmonico's was Lord's first major non-residential work and is a notable example of an architectural style for which he achieved renown. Praised by the New York Times as "admirable in its simplicity and elegance," the building is skillfully adapted to an irregular site.

By 1889 Delmonico's was the leading restaurant in the city and one of the most famous in the country. Credited with transforming American eating habits, its kitchens were overseen by the great chef Charles Ranhofer, who had created such renowned dishes as Baked Alaska and Lobster Newberg. Its various branches had hosted every president since Monroe and the Delmonico's had lost count of the notables who had been served in their restaurant. As the New York Sun observed, the Delmonico family had given New Yorkers "places not merely to dine at, but to talk about, to take foreigners to, places to be proud of, places which make the city attractive the world over."

Charles Crist Delmonico, a grand-nephew of the original founders who had taken control of the business in 1884, was anticipating future growth. He acquired two properties at 4 and 6 South William Street, adjacent to the "Citadel," with the idea of replacing that building with a new restaurant and office building.