NEIGHBORHOOD- FINANCIAL DISTRICT

With the arrival of upscale new residences and A-list office tenants (hello, Condé Nast!), Lower Manhattan is undergoing a renaissance. As FiDi evolves into a true 24-hour neighborhood, among the most welcome changes in the nabe is the anticipated arrival of numerous buzzworthy dining options.

Newcomers include Le District, a vast French marketplace with several dining options at Brookfield Place, as well as a second location of Mario Batali’s Eataly, slated to open later in the year at the massive retail complex at Westfield World Trade Center. Also coming to Brookfield Place: the much anticipated return of L’Atelier de Jo?l Robuchon as well as an outpost of upscale tapas restaurant Amada.

But even as these new eateries enjoy their time in the spotlight, the Financial District — the oldest neighborhood in the city — also boasts some historic culinary treasures that should not be overlooked.

Founded in 1762, Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl Street claims to be the oldest restaurant in the city. Located in a red and yellow brick building, the tavern has a fine dining restaurant with colonial allure, a whisky bar and a more casual bistro. The landmarked Fraunces Tavern building dates back to 1719, making it the oldest structure in the city. Despite several renovations and additions, it also houses a museum of historical artifacts such as maps, American flags and a reconstruction of the dining room where George Washington bid farewell to his officers at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War.

A few blocks away, another eatery professes to be the city’s oldest restaurant — in fact, it bills itself as the “first fine dining restaurant in the country” — Delmonico’s. (Some argue that Fraunces Tavern is too changed from its original condition to maintain its claim.) In 1837, the Delmonico brothers purchased a triangular lot at 56 Beaver Street, where the restaurant remains today. The location still serves its signature Lobster Newberg (now $49), a dish that dates to 1876, with a rich sauce made of cream, eggs and sherry.

Just a quick stroll north on cobblestone streets is the Bridge Café at 279 Water Street. The red wooden building, on the corner of Water and Dover streets, claims to be the oldest-operating tavern in the city, dating to 1794. In the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge (hence its current name, which it has had since 1979), the café prides itself as a onetime popular spot for mariners, pirates and porters. It’s been a favorite among public officials, too — former mayor Ed Koch was said to enjoy its signature steak and dined at the pub weekly.

The café is currently under renovation in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which caused severe flooding. Reopening has been postponed several times and is currently slated for the summer. While most of the features will be new, the original mirrors and the bar, which dates to the 1920s, will be restored.?—Lucia De Stefani

Median March sale prices

Studio $715,000
1 bed $1,284,750
2 beds $2,200,000
3 beds $4,602,500
> 3 beds $6,552,500

Median March rents

Studio $2,925
1 bed $3,785
2 beds $5,457
3 beds $6,400
>3 beds $18,700

- See more at: https://www.llnyc.com/neighborhoods/financial-district-10#sthash.Dlav5SvI.dpuf