Contemporary American
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park, originally opened in 1998 by restaurateur Danny Meyer, was purchased by Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara in 2011, who then led it to become the World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2017. After a bold pivot to an entirely plant-based menu in 2021, the restaurant announced in August 2025 that it would reintroduce select animal proteins, including its famous duck, to its menu starting October 14, 2025, to be more inclusive. Regulars know that while the dining room offers a multi-course tasting menu, the bar area provides a more casual experience with à la carte snacks and a shorter tasting menu.
★ The Legend
Honey-Lavender Glazed Duck
This dish, a signature of Chef Humm's pre-2021 menu, is renowned for its meticulous preparation, involving a nearly two-week aging process, a honey and lavender stuffing, and a spice coating before being roasted to a perfect medium-rare. It's so iconic that its return to the menu in October 2025 was explicitly highlighted by Chef Humm himself.
◆ Fan Favorite
Buckwheat Soba Noodle with Shiitake Mushroom and Wasabi
This dish is celebrated for its profound depth of flavor in the mushroom-based broth, with the noodles themselves prepared in-house following a meditative practice taught by Chef Shuichi Kotani. Diners consistently praise the rich umami and the exceptional texture of the soba, making it a standout even among the plant-based offerings.
● Chef's Pick
Carrot Tartare with Rye Toast and Condiments
Chef Daniel Humm himself has called this 'probably our most talked-about dish due to its innovation and unexpected nature.' It was a key dish on the retrospective menu celebrating the restaurant's greatest hits, showcasing Humm's creative process.
◇ Hidden Gem
Laminated Bread with Onion Butter and Roasted Onion Broth
While many focus on the main courses, regulars rave about this starter, noting its incredibly flavorful, caramelized onion notes in both the bread and the 'butter.' The accompanying broth, initially comforting, transforms in flavor after tasting the bread, revealing subtle Sichuan peppercorn and spices that most first-timers miss.
Insider Tip
First-timers often overlook the bar area, assuming the full tasting menu is the only option. Instead, consider booking a reservation for the Bar Tasting Menu or even walking in for à la carte snacks and cocktails. This allows for a more flexible and often less time-intensive experience, letting you sample the culinary artistry without committing to the full multi-hour tasting journey.
AI-generated results — always verify dishes and information before visiting.