Originally launched in 2000, Tocqueville debuted in its new home at 1 Fifth Avenue in February 2006. The original concept came from husband-and-wife team Jo-Ann Mokovitzky and Marco Moreira, founders of Marco Polo Cafe, an offshoot of their highly successful Marco Polo Caterers catering company. When they decided to expand Marco Polo Cafe, they created Tocqueville, which outgrew itself in just a few years. In July 2005, construction therefore commenced on the new Tocqueville, which like the original was designed firsthand by Mokovitzky and Moreira. By February 2006, the new Tocqueville was born and its old residence, at 15 E. 15th St., became the new 15 East, Tocqueville’s sister restaurant. Of course, Marco and Jo-Ann haven't forgotten their first co-venture, Marco Polo Caterers; although they've moved on with fresh creations, their original still lives on inside the new Tocqueville, where it's based.

The entryway into Tocqueville from Fifth Avenue is enhanced by light that shines through the paned glass door. Once through that door, you walk through a glass entryway that provides a respite from the breeze outside. The reception desk is made of dark wood and enhanced by oversized artwork that decorates the cream-colored wall behind it. Upholstered armless chairs provide a chance to relax, in case you have to wait for your party. If you don’t, you can make your way toward the back, through the bar and lounge area into the main dining room. Along the way you’ll see that there are even lockers in which you can store those oh-so-special items -- your purse, for instance, or your umbrella -- that you don’t want to bring with you to the table, and that you don’t want to check with your coat.