Flyout Menu
Eleven Madison Park, located at the corner of 24th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan, is a restaurant with a reputation that reaches far beyond New York City. Established in 1998, the restaurant gained its current acclaim under the guidance of Swiss chef Daniel Humm, whose visionary approach helped it secure a place among the world’s most celebrated dining destinations. In 2021, Eleven Madison Park made headlines when it boldly transitioned to a 100% vegan menu, marking a new era in the fine dining landscape.
Over the years, we have read a range of opinions about the restaurant. While some diners praised its innovation, others questioned the value of a vegan tasting menu priced at the same level as when it featured more luxurious and costly ingredients such as caviar, lobster, and foie gras.
However, it is clear that at this level, the cost is not solely about the ingredients. What you are truly paying for is the craftsmanship: the countless hours spent refining each dish, and the artistry and precision behind every flavour.
After much deliberation, we finally decided to book a table. The question lingered in our minds: would the experience live up to its reputation, or would it be a case of “the emperor’s new clothes”?
Roasted Allium Tea – Marinated Leek Salad – Green Chili – Onion Rice -Thai Basil
Standing outside Eleven Madison Park, we felt a mixture of excitement and anticipation. Inside, we were greeted by the hostess, who checked our reservation and directed us to a small waiting area with a sofa and a few chairs. Her manner had that cold New York attitude—efficient but distant, not the warmest of greetings.
When our table was not ready at the appointed time, we found ourselves waiting longer than expected, as did another couple. We would have appreciated a chance to order a drink or a glass of champagne and look at the menu while waiting.
Tonburi – Advocado – Cucumber – Mint
When our turn to enter the main dining room finally came, we were led into an iconic space, known for its beauty, high ceilings, and Art Deco charm. It was very loud—the liveliest three-Michelin-star setting we have experienced. As the evening progressed, the atmosphere settled into a more comfortable level.
The team operated at a fast pace, almost like a controlled frenzy through Grand Central Terminal at rush hour.
At first, interactions felt slightly tense—polite but almost overly correct, as though everyone was pushing to keep up with the rhythm.
Tofu – Collard Greens – Radish
Once seated, we immersed ourselves in the famed tasting menu, where each course offered a unique expression of flavours that tied together beautifully.
The standout dish for us was the Onion and Leek—a super fresh start with vibrant flavours. The Avocado dish with Tonburi was also enjoyable, though a bit too salty for my palate. Another favorite was the Tofu with collard greens, served in a deep and complex broth that added a satisfying richness to the flavours.
Each dish was undeniably well-crafted, reflecting Daniel Humm’s commitment to detail and precision. Yet, the experience as a whole felt more like a finely-tuned machine than a meal delivered with heartfelt joy.
Red Kuri Squash – Thai Chili – Lemongrass
Dining at Eleven Madison Park was indeed a memorable experience. The restaurant’s ambitious leap into vegan fine dining is commendable and places it in a unique category, demonstrating that excellence can arise from simplicity and technique rather than costly ingredients.
While the experience was not without its quirks—some aspects of the service were more reserved and high-paced than what one might find in European Michelin-starred establishments—there is something unmistakably New York about it all.
Eleven Madison Park’s approach may not be to everyone’s taste, but it remains an iconic establishment that has dared to evolve and adapt in ways few others have. Whether you are a fan of the restaurant’s current philosophy or not, its role in the fine dining world remains undeniable.
They serve a drink to the damage—yes, you will need it.
First time
Three-star
Dinner
08.15 pm
Cozy
Outstanding
High when we arrived but improved as people left.
A tip is to book either early or later if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
Yes
We are torn—both yes and no. While the craftsmanship and ambiance are impressive, certain aspects, like the noise level and service, left us questioning the value. For those seeking a unique plant-based fine dining experience, it may still be worth a visit.
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