Eleven Madison Park
Fine dining at the only vegan restaurant with THREE Michelin stars
My recent trip to New York culminated in a long-awaited visit to Eleven Madison Park. Please know that I am not a professional restaurant critic. But, as a vegan food and restaurant enthusiast, I’ve dreamed of dining here since 2021 when I heard that owner chef Daniel Humm reopened his 3 Michelin star restaurant with a plant-based only menu. The recent popularity of the Netflix docuseries “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment” spotlights Humm sharing his philosophy and rationale for switching his award-winning dining experience to an exclusively plant-based menu. In committing to a healthier and more sustainable menu for both planet and human health, Humm took an unprecedented and courageous gamble in a highly competitive industry.
A warm and comfortably elegant ambiance
That warm summer evening, we centered ourselves in the lovely setting of Madison Square Park until almost 6:00 p.m. Entering the elegant and modern dining room, we were greeted by a large group of formally dressed staff who are charming and hospitable, not at all arrogant. Feeling genuine warmth from the numerous young servers, we smiled with excitement as we were escorted to the best corner table in the room. On this balmy July evening, the tall windows inviting in the warm sunlight, allowing us to have a view of the entire restaurant.
How to reserve
Reservations are made exclusively on RESY. Seating times are available every 15 minutes between 5:30 and 10:00 pm. As per the EMP site, three menus are offered and must be paid for at the time of reservation: “The main dining room tasting menu is nine to ten courses for $365 per guest, traditionally lasting two and a half to three hours, featuring both plated and communal dishes. The 5-course menu is $285 per guest and features highlights from the Full Tasting menu, lasting roughly two hours. Offered in the lounge is the Bar Tasting menu for $195 per guest that consists of four to five courses, commonly lasting one and a half to two hours.”
Selecting and pre-paying for your meal.
I traveled solo on this New York trip (without my regular dining partner–my husband) and carefully considered who I would ask to join me. My sister-in-law (a Manhattanite) was excited to, and we decided on the 5-course menu. You can decide on wine and beverages at the time of your meal, or you can include it in the amount that you prepay. Of course I read differing reviews online, some critical of the high priced meal and it’s value. But my sister-in-law enthusiastically encouraged what a classic New York experience we would share.
This trio of tomato delicacies was our first course.
Our dining experience
Upon being seated, I appreciated the warm washcloths offered to cleanse our hands (even though I’d made sure to use the restrooms in advance). This is the time you decide and choose any beverages you’d like with your meal. I chose the standard (vs. reserve) wine pairing. You can choose from their extensive wine menu, and as well as the cocktail menu, which also offers non-alcoholic options. The food menu is always seasonal and nothing was available to preview online, nor were we were presented with a paper hard-copy (I would have loved one to keep).
Multiple courses of pleasure
We enjoyed absolutely everything about our experience at Eleven Madison Park. Each course and beverage was served with such graceful hospitality. We delighted in the artistic design and presentation of the food as much as the delicious flavors of everything we tasted. The execution of the meal was perfect–we enjoyed the performance of all the servers.
You won’t leave hungry.
I did have trouble deciding which menu to choose and we were both concerned that we might be hungry at the conclusion of the five course menu. We were quite full at the end — my sister-in-law even gave me much of her dessert! I’m not sure how we would have managed the full ten course meal, but I’m willing to try it in the future!
Eleven Madison Park: A special experience
My friend’s cousin is one of the chefs and we received some special attention as a result. They did acknowledge our connection at the beginning. At the end of our meal, we were so excited to be invited into the kitchen! Unlike the load, stressful chaos I expected from watching The Bear, Chef Humm’s kitchen is immaculate, and has a quiet flow of concentration and focus on perfection. Our host brought us to a special station, where she proceeded to prepare yet another dessert for us! We chose for our frozen sorbet pop to be dipped in chocolate and coated with nibs and then sprinkled with chili. What a special way to end our exquisite experience!
Taking home EMP
After settling the remainder of our bill, which includes any beverages ordered (we had wine, coffee and tea), as well as gratuity, one of the many very polite and friendly wait staff presented us each with a generous jar of granola enclosed in a Eleven Madison Park cloth sack (I think normally you have to purchase it, but I can tell you it’s incredibly delicious). There’s nothing like taking home a keepsake from probably the most amazing meal we’ve ever had.
Was it worth the cost?
Initially, it was hard to commit to this expensive dinner, especially because of the cancellation policy. Plenty of people I know spend the same dollar amount our dinner cost on tickets for sports events or concerts. But now I can tell you that this was NOT a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me — I want to go back there again!!! I’d like to try the Bar menu and even the full tasting menu. It was the best dining experience I’ve had since I shifted to whole food plant based eating and look forward to when I get to return again.
A blissful ending
We floated out of the elegant and spacious dining room into the festive and very European setting of Madison Park Square on a warm summer night, giggling and giddy from our wonderful dining experience. With absolutely no regrets and so much appreciation, I will look forward to when I can return to enjoy another dining experience at this world-class restaurant.
Read more about my trip to New York in my blog post Vegan in Manhattan (it’s in development).
Your favorite restaurant and dining experience
What has been your favorite restaurant and dining experience? What’s on your “bucket list”? Please share in the comments!
