Eleven Madison Park

Landing a table at Eleven Madison Park isn't just about scoring a reservation—it's about securing your spot at what many consider the pinnacle of American fine dining. With three Michelin stars, four stars from the New York Times, and a reputation that extends far beyond Manhattan, EMP reservations disappear faster than you can say "plant-based tasting menu."

The restaurant's 2021 pivot to an entirely plant-based menu sent shockwaves through the culinary world, and while they've recently announced the return of select animal proteins in 2025, the demand has only intensified. Every drop brings hundreds of eager diners competing for just a handful of tables in their iconic Art Deco space overlooking Madison Square Park.

The Restaurant

Eleven Madison Park occupies hallowed ground in New York's dining scene. Chef Daniel Humm transformed this Flatiron institution from a respectable business lunch spot into a global phenomenon, earning its first Michelin star in 2010 and ascending to three stars by 2012. The restaurant famously held the #1 spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017, cementing its status among culinary royalty.

The dining room itself is a study in understated elegance—soaring ceilings, massive windows overlooking the park, and an open kitchen that serves as theater for Humm's culinary artistry. The space feels both grand and intimate, with warm wood tones and soft lighting that make every meal feel like a special occasion.

Under Humm's direction, EMP became known for pushing the boundaries of what fine dining could be. The famous honey lavender milk and honey course, served tableside with theatrical flair, became an Instagram sensation long before social media dining was commonplace. Each dish tells a story, often inspired by New York itself—from the carrot tartare that mimics the restaurant's previous duck course to desserts that capture the essence of a New York autumn.

The 2021 shift to plant-based cuisine wasn't just a menu change—it was a philosophical evolution. Humm committed to proving that vegetables could deliver the same emotional impact as any protein-driven dish. The move was controversial among some longtime fans but attracted a new audience eager to experience this groundbreaking approach to luxury dining.

Expect to spend 3-4 hours here, with the full tasting menu running around $365 per person (wine pairings additional). This isn't dinner—it's an experience that begins the moment you step through those Art Deco doors.

What to Order

The beauty and frustration of EMP is that you don't really order—you surrender to Chef Humm's vision. The Full Tasting menu in the main dining room is the crown jewel experience, featuring 8-12 courses that showcase seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways.

Signature dishes have evolved with the plant-based transition, but certain presentations remain legendary. The roasted carrot course, glazed and caramelized to perfection, delivers umami depth that rivals any meat dish. The restaurant's famous black truffle and celery root preparation continues to wow diners, with paper-thin truffle shavings adding luxury to earthy, perfectly prepared vegetables.

For those seeking a more approachable introduction, the Bar Tasting menu offers 4-5 courses in the lounge area. While shorter, it still delivers the EMP experience with dishes that highlight the kitchen's technical prowess and creative vision.

The beverage program deserves special mention—their non-alcoholic pairings are as thoughtfully crafted as their wine selections, featuring house-made kombuchas, fruit-based elixirs, and innovative tea preparations that complement each course perfectly.

The Drop Time

Here's where things get technical: EMP releases reservations exactly 14 days in advance at 10:00 AM ET. Not 10:01, not 9:59—exactly 10:00 AM. This timing is non-negotiable and published clearly on their website.

The restaurant takes an unusual approach by requiring full payment upfront for all reservations, with no cancellations or refunds allowed. This policy, while strict, actually helps your chances—it weeds out casual browsers and ensures only serious diners are competing for tables.

What the Internet Says

Reddit's fine dining community has developed an almost scientific approach to snagging EMP reservations. One r/FoodNYC user shared: "I've gotten EMP reservations three times now. My secret: have your payment info saved, be logged into Resy, and start refreshing at 9:59:50. When that clock hits 10:00:00, you click faster than you've ever clicked before."

Another frequent poster on r/finedining noted: "Tuesday and Wednesday nights seem to go last. Everyone wants Friday/Saturday, so if you're flexible on timing, aim for midweek."

The consensus from Twitter diners is clear: preparation is everything. One user tweeted: "Scored EMP for next month! Had three devices ready, payment saved, and my dining companion already confirmed. Still barely made it."

A Chowhound veteran offered this insight: "The bar seating goes faster than main dining room tables for parties of 1-2. Counterintuitive, but the bar experience is nearly identical and books out in under 30 seconds."

Pro Tips

• Sync your devices: Have multiple devices ready with different internet connections. Some users report success using both WiFi and cellular data simultaneously.

• Payment method matters: Save your payment information in advance. The full payment requirement means any delay in checkout equals a lost reservation.

• Party size flexibility: If you're dining with one other person, search for both "2 guests" and "1 guest" options—sometimes singles seats at the bar appear when couples tables don't.

• Weekday advantage: Tuesday through Thursday nights have slightly better availability than weekend slots.

• Seasonal timing: January and February typically see the best availability as post-holiday dining demand drops.

• Technical preparation: Clear your browser cache, ensure you're logged into Resy, and have the EMP page bookmarked and ready to refresh.

• Alternative dates: If your first choice disappears, have 2-3 backup dates ready. The entire process happens in under 60 seconds.

• Bar vs. dining room: The lounge experience is exceptional and often easier to book. Don't overlook it in favor of the main dining room.

Or Let Mise Handle It

While the thrill of landing an EMP reservation yourself is undeniable, the reality is that success requires perfect timing, technical preparation, and often multiple attempts. If you'd rather focus on anticipating your plant-based culinary journey instead of racing against hundreds of other diners at 10 AM sharp, Mise's automated reservation service handles the entire process for you.

Our system monitors EMP's drops with precision timing, automatically securing reservations the moment they become available. No more setting alarms, clearing your schedule for 10 AM drops, or experiencing the frustration of cart abandonment just as you reach checkout. Mise members simply tell us their preferred dates and party size, and we handle the rest—from the technical execution to the full payment processing that EMP requires.

Because some New York dining experiences are too important to leave to chance.