Delmonico’s Steakhouse is considered the birthplace of America’s fine dining as it introduced elements like an à la carte menu, private dining rooms, a wine cellar, and more.

They served French cuisine with ingredients like eggplant and artichoke, a shift from the British-inspired food prevalent at the time, marking a shift in American culinary culture.

Established by Swiss brothers John and Peter Delmonico, the Steakhouse began as a cafe-patisserie before their nephew Lorenzo migrated to New York to help them.

Under Lorenzo, the restaurant Delmonico’s opened at its William Street location in 1837, and later in other locations in lower Manhattan, which attracted high society members.

Its contribution to culinary history includes the creation of the Delmonico steak, a thick rib steak served with herb butter and cheesy potatoes, that’s still on the menu today.

Their French chef Charles Ranhofer, who took the reins in the kitchen for over three decades, is credited with creating dishes like eggs Benedict and creamy chicken à la king.