Eleven Madison Park has been a staple of the New York City dining scene since 1998. In 2006, owner and prolific restaurateur Danny Meyer sold the fine-dining venue to chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara, who took the establishment to new heights, earning it a permanent place among the best restaurants in the world.
The iconic eatery closed in 2017 for a four-month revamp of the kitchen and dining room. The reopening wowed diners with new seating, dinnerware, artwork and a fresh logo and entryway. But while the décor was altered, what adorns the plate remains thoughtfully conceived, gorgeously executed and alive with flavor.
The seasonally rotating tasting menu incorporates fresh ideas while continuing to maintain one or two classic favorites. The result is a carefully crafted experience that takes you on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget.
- Though the tasting menu at Eleven Madison Park changes with the seasons,
you can expect classic American cuisine with modern and creative twists no
matter when you dine here.
- This recently refreshed spot is an oasis of calm and sophistication after
a day of exploring all that the Big Apple has to offer, and its location in
Madison Square Park immediately transports you to a time of old-school New York
City charm.
- If you are visiting one of NYC’s top culinary destinations for a
special event, be sure to make a note on your reservation. The restaurant’s
designated “Dreamweavers” will go out of their way to make your experience
extra memorable, like giving you a tour of the kitchen or delivering your
favorite dish.
- Despite the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star venue’s elegance, the
restaurateurs do not want you to whisper or feel as though you are walking on
eggshells — music plays at an audible volume, and the waitstaff will pick up on
whether you like to talk and joke around or be left alone, ensuring that every
aspect of your meal is personalized.
- The art deco style of the 1920s building is striking (Eleven Madison
Park is housed in a former MetLife warehouse), and the artwork is all designed
specifically for the Flatiron District restaurant. Look out for the Rita
Ackermann chalkboard painting and a stone monument built by Daniel Turner made
from melted-down items from the pre-renovation kitchen.
- Eleven Madison Park offers a dining room tasting menu of eight to 10
courses, or a five-course option at the bar.
- All reservations open at 9 a.m. on the first of the month for the
following month, and seats typically book very quickly, often within hours.
- There is no dress code. Diners are encouraged to wear whatever makes
them feel the most comfortable.
- The stools in the bar are first-come, first-served, and walk-in patrons
may order from the bar tasting menu in addition to a selection of light snacks
and à la carte plates.
- During the summer, the New York City restaurant opens a pop-up, EMP
Summer House, in the Hamptons.
- Each tasting menu will always include one or two tableside
preparations, an impressive touch that calls to mind classic white tablecloth
service.
- Staple dishes include the famous savory black and white cookies, a
caviar dish, a cheese course and the famous glazed duck. Eleven Madison Park is
happy to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
- The take-home gift is an unexpected delight that you
will enjoy for days after your visit: delicious granola made with raisins,
coconut and chia seeds.
- Bar director Leo Robitschek has designed his cocktail offerings to
highlight ingredients found on the tasting menu. Recent categories have
included apple, squash, chocolate and mushroom.
- For a classic treat, order the milk punch, made with sweet vermouth, amaro
and rye whisky. This and many other cocktails are crafted tableside for a special
touch.
- The signature sips are made with logo-stamped ice
cubes — be on the lookout for every detail while dining at Eleven Madison Park.
