John and Peter Delmonico

The original Delmonico's opened in 1827 in a rented pastry shop and appeared in a list of restaurants in 1830. It had a reputation as one of the nation's top fine dining establishments and is credited with being one of the first American restaurants to allow patrons to order from a menu à la carte, as opposed to table d'hôte. It is also said to be the first to employ a separate wine list.

It was opened by the brothers John and Peter Delmonico, from Ticino, Switzerland. In 1831, they were joined by their nephew, Lorenzo Delmonico, who eventually became responsible for the restaurant's wine list and menu.