Eleven Madison Park: From Plant-Based Pioneer to Reintroducing Meat and Fish

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once the world's top-ranked restaurant, Eleven Madison Park has navigated a turbulent decade. From its rise as a three-Michelin-star icon to a radical shift toward plant-based dining during the pandemic, the Manhattan institution is now pivoting again, reintroducing animal products to its menu to address financial realities.

Located in Manhattan's Flatiron District, Eleven Madison Park opened in 1998 under Danny Meyer. Its trajectory shifted significantly when Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara joined in 2006, eventually purchasing the restaurant in 2011. The duo transformed the space into a global destination, earning three Michelin stars by 2012 and securing the top spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017. Their partnership, which emphasized the concept of 'unreasonable hospitality,' became a hallmark of the restaurant's identity until their business relationship ended in 2019.

The restaurant's recent history has been defined by adaptation. Following a 2017 renovation, the space was reimagined with a neutral color palette and custom art. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a closure in March 2020, during which the venue pivoted to a commissary kitchen serving food-insecure New Yorkers. Upon reopening in June 2021, Humm introduced a strictly plant-based menu, citing concerns over the sustainability of ingredients like caviar. This transition was met with both acclaim and scrutiny, as reports emerged regarding high employee turnover and difficult working conditions.

By August 2025, the restaurant announced a return to serving meat and fish. Humm acknowledged that the decision was driven partly by financial necessity. While the restaurant maintains its commitment to vegan offerings, the new model allows for optional animal-based substitutions alongside seven vegan courses. This latest evolution reflects the ongoing tension between a chef's ideological vision and the economic pressures inherent in maintaining a high-end, world-renowned dining institution in New York City.

Despite these shifts, the restaurant remains a cultural touchstone. It continues to hold three Michelin stars and was recognized in 2025 as the most-searched Michelin-starred restaurant globally. From its early days of seasonal tasting menus to its current hybrid approach, Eleven Madison Park remains a case study in the volatility and ambition of modern fine dining.

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