Emeril's Delmonico

Delmonico Restaurant was 102 years old when Emeril Lagasse purchased it with the intent to present his interpretation of traditional New Orleans cuisine in an updated New Orleans landmark. The restaurant had undergone numerous makeovers in its long history, yet the kitchen was functionally obsolete and the building did not meet modern life safety code or ADA requirements. The architectural challenge was preserving the character of this landmark institution while bringing the building into the 21st century.

The interior was gutted and the general configuration of rooms was maintained. New stairs were built based on the original design, and a second means of egress was added on the second floor. The kitchen and bar were enlarged and a bay window was introduced. A mezzanine houses storage and mechanical equipment. To capture a view of an unused courtyard, the rear wall was removed in a large windowless dining room. The original restaurant signage was also maintained and restored.