Sometimes you just want to take it back to the old school classics. For a foodie like me, living in NYC is literally food heaven. With so many options and new places, it can get overwhelming. I certainly get drawn into wanting to always go to the hottest, newest, most trendy restaurants serving up fusion or eclectic cuisines. But I always appreciate my city most when I can circle back to my classic restaurant go to list. Delmonico’s has been on that list for some time and I was super excited to finally have had the chance to check it out!
Located in NYC’s Financial District, Delmonico’s is categorized as a steakhouse. But if steak isn’t your thing, the menu includes several chicken and seafood choices too. What makes it special is that it has been at its location since 1837 – making it one of the city’s and country’s oldest restaurants! It is the originator of the classic entree Lobster Newburg and the decadent dessert Baked Alaska.
Everything about this restaurant is iconic—the building itself is a landmark—and when you step inside you feel it immediately. The ambience and decor is old time NY (antiqued chandeliers, scrolled wallpaper, art work and fireplaces) and manages to be upscale, but still welcoming. The table settings are elegant, featuring monogramed wine glasses and decorative plates. Since it’s located in the Financial District, you’ll definitely see the suit and tie crowd, but trust, there’s also a casual vibe as well. Come here for a dinner date after work like I did, special occasion, lunch with family or just a night out with friends. Demand is popular, so whenever you decide to visit be sure to make a reservation to ensure you’re able to be seated quickly.
My friend and I started out with appetizers—the risotto with octopus, shrimp, saffron and pepper jam for me and the Crab Cake Newberg for him. I especially appreciated the risotto’s generous amount of seafood and its creamy texture was just right. The crab cake was the restaurant’s signature ‘Newburg’ style—finely minced pieces of crab that was creamy and moist versus the traditional firm, lump crab meat.
I ordered the petite filet mignon for an entree, which I really loved. I ordered it medium rare as was the chef’s suggestion and it was perfectly seasoned and juicy. It was accompanied by potatoes and a roasted cauliflower medley all lightly drizzled in a Cabernet wine sauce. We also had the braised short ribs with sweet potato grits and sautéed kale. Those short ribs were so tender and the sides complimented the savory meat very well.
For dessert we had their signature Baked Alaska which was delicious and sweet. It’s this creamy, rich, light and fluffy layered concoction. You have walnut cake, apricot jam and banana gelato, topped with meringue. Our other dessert choice was the classic New York cheesecake with raspberry sauce—creamy and rich goodness. I was so full with all I ate that I was only able to take one bite of each dessert!
Service was great. The host greeted us warmly and promptly when we entered and our server was knowledgeable and attentive.
I give Delmonico’s 4 out 5 steaks and will definitely return to try other cuts of steak (everything that passed by looked amazing), the famous Lobster Newburg and any other menu options that caught my eye.
Have you visited Delmonico’s yet? Or will you? What are some classic or iconic restaurants or dishes you’ve always wanted to try in your city? We’d love to hear about it!
