Eleven Madison Park Michelin stars remain secure as the iconic New York restaurant announces its return to serving meat after four years of plant-based dining. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant shift for what has been the world’s only three-Michelin-starred vegan restaurant since 2021.
Chef Daniel Humm’s restaurant made headlines when the former No. 1 restaurant in the world announced it would eschew meat in May 2021, citing sustainability concerns. The bold move to plant-based cuisine while maintaining its prestigious three-star rating was unprecedented in fine dining history.
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Current Michelin Status Remains Unchanged
Eleven Madison Park currently holds 3 stars from the Michelin Guide and 4 stars from The New York Times. The restaurant has maintained its elite status throughout its plant-based experiment, demonstrating the culinary team’s exceptional skill in creating world-class vegan cuisine.
The restaurant earned its three Michelin stars from 2012–2024, making it one of New York’s most consistent fine dining establishments. This impressive track record spans both its traditional menu era and its recent plant-based phase.
Beauty and Recognition in 2025
Beyond culinary excellence, Eleven Madison Park gained additional recognition this year. According to a new study by The Luxury Travel Book, Eleven Madison Park is the second most beautiful Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. The analysis examined the top 50 luxury dining destinations in 2025, focusing on beauty and Instagram presence.
The restaurant garnered 46,300 Instagram posts tagged with its name, highlighting its continued popularity among diners and social media enthusiasts. This visual appeal complements its culinary achievements perfectly.
The Plant-Based Legacy
During its vegan years, Eleven Madison Park became the world’s only Michelin 3-star vegan restaurant. This achievement inspired other establishments globally and proved that plant-based cuisine could reach the highest culinary standards.
According to the Michelin Guide, there are currently 10 vegan restaurants worldwide that hold at least one star, showing the growing acceptance of plant-based fine dining. Eleven Madison Park’s success paved the way for establishments like Plates London, which became the UK’s first fully vegan Michelin-starred restaurant in 2025.
Location and Dining Experience
Eleven Madison Park sits at the base of a historic Art Deco building on the corner of East 24th Street and Madison Avenue, overlooking Madison Square Park. The restaurant’s prime Manhattan location adds to its appeal for both locals and international visitors.
The dining experience has consistently impressed critics and guests alike. The three-star Michelin restaurant continues to deliver exceptional plant-based cuisine, though this will soon change with the return of meat and seafood options.
Industry Impact and Future Direction
The restaurant’s menu evolution reflects broader discussions about sustainability in fine dining. When Humm initially made the plant-based transition, he stated that “the current food system is simply not sustainable”, addressing environmental concerns within luxury dining.
Eleven Madison Park’s struggles are not necessarily reflective of the plant-based fine dining industry as a whole, as other vegan establishments continue to thrive and earn recognition.
What This Means for Diners
The return to meat and seafood represents a new chapter for Eleven Madison Park Michelin stars holders. Guests can expect the same exceptional service and innovative techniques that earned the restaurant its prestigious rating, now applied to a broader range of ingredients.
The restaurant’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering, regardless of menu philosophy. With its proven track record spanning multiple culinary approaches, Eleven Madison Park continues setting industry standards.
What are your thoughts on this major shift in one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants? Share your perspective on how fine dining establishments balance culinary innovation with sustainability goals.