Eleven Madison Park reintroduces meat and fish to its menu after four years of offering only vegan dishes.
Eleven Madison Park, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant located in Manhattan, is set to reinstate meat and fish to its menu after a four-year commitment to a vegan-only dining experience. This significant shift, announced via a statement on the restaurant’s website, comes from Chef Daniel Humm, who initially transitioned the establishment to a plant-based menu in 2021 as part of both a creative exploration and a response to climate concerns.
Humm described this earlier transition as a “creative leap” that inadvertently sparked a broader dialogue surrounding the nature of food and dining. While the plant-based focus earned Eleven Madison Park the distinction of being the first entirely vegan restaurant to achieve three Michelin stars in 2022, it also had unintended consequences. Humm recognized that the restaurant’s exclusive plant-based offerings limited its appeal, contradicting the fundamental ethos of hospitality.
Beginning this fall, Eleven Madison Park will merge its culinary philosophy, offering both plant-based options and select animal products, including fish and meat dishes, which notably feature their honey-lavender-glazed duck. This dual approach aims to create a welcoming environment for all diners, affirming Humm’s belief in the importance of shared experiences centered around food.
In terms of pricing, the restaurant maintains that the costs for its complete tasting menu—5 per guest—along with its 5-course and bar tasting menus will remain unchanged, regardless of whether diners opt for plant-based or animal product dishes.
The decision to revert to an omnivorous menu has drawn mixed reactions from the community, particularly from those in the vegan demographic. Critics have expressed disappointment, with some voicing concerns over supporting an establishment that now includes animal products in its offerings. Comments on social media reflect a sentiment of loss among loyal patrons who previously embraced the restaurant’s plant-based philosophy.
The new menu is expected to debut on October 14, marking a pivotal moment in the historic establishment’s evolution. As Eleven Madison Park navigates this complex transition, it aims to balance its culinary aspirations with a commitment to inclusivity, reaffirming its place within the broader dining landscape.
