America’s First Steakhouse Is Expanding Nearly 200 Years Later
Long before modern steakhouses, there was Delmonico’s. It has been widely recognized as the country’s first fine-dining steakhouse, expanding for the first time in nearly 200 years. The legendary New York institution will open a second location in Midtown Manhattan, marking a rare move for a restaurant that has long operated as a single destination.
The restaurant first opened in 1827 as a pastry shop before evolving into a fine dining destination in 1837. Over time, it helped define what American fine dining looks like, setting standards that still shape restaurants today.
From the beginning, Delmonico’s did more than serve food. It created a dining experience that blended luxury, innovation, and tradition, a combination that still draws attention nearly two centuries later.
A Legacy Built on Food and Fame
Few restaurants carry a history as rich as Delmonico’s. Its dining rooms have welcomed generations of notable guests, from Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain to Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Even today, the restaurant continues to attract high-profile diners and business leaders.
The menu itself has also left a lasting mark. Delmonico’s helped popularize dishes like Eggs Benedict, Baked Alaska, and Lobster Newberg, items that now appear on menus around the world.
Inside the restaurant, that history remains visible. Walls display vintage menus, historic photos, and memorabilia that turn each meal into something that feels connected to the past.
Why Expand Now After Nearly Two Centuries
The decision to expand comes at a time when demand for steakhouse dining remains strong. According to market research firm Technomic, steakhouse sales in the U.S. grew more than 5 percent last year, outpacing most full-service restaurant categories.
Delmonico’s leadership also sees a clear opportunity in Midtown. The new location sits near major corporate offices and aims to capture business dinners, private events, and the return of the power lunch culture. Owner Dennis Turcinovic made that point clear when speaking about the expansion. “New York doesn’t need another generic steakhouse,” he said in a press release. “Delmonico’s was born here… we helped define it.”
At the same time, the move comes despite rising beef prices and industry pressures. While some restaurants face tighter margins, Delmonico’s is betting that its history and reputation still draw customers willing to pay for the experience.
What This Expansion Means for Diners
The new Midtown location will not simply copy the original. It will build on it. Executive chef Adam Plitt, who previously worked at Le Bernardin, plans to introduce a more modern menu while keeping the restaurant’s core identity intact. That includes expanding seafood options alongside the classic steak offerings.
The space itself will reflect a similar balance. The new restaurant will feature large dining areas and private rooms designed for business gatherings, while still carrying the sense of tradition that defines the brand.
Delmonico’s has spent nearly two centuries shaping how Americans think about dining out. Now, it is doing something new without leaving that legacy behind. The expansion signals confidence not just in one restaurant, but in the continued appeal of classic dining experiences that feel both familiar and timeless.
