Eleven Madison Park

Great atmosphere and well prepared dishes worthy of (at most) a four star restaurant. The word pricey, however, is an understatement. We would return if priced more reasonably -- consistent with the true level this restaurant merits.

We had been to this restaurant several times in the past and have liked it. Our children gave us a gift certificate for Mother's Day so we went despite having to have to jump through hoops to get a reservation. Amex Platinum couldn't even do better than 5:30. The new menu lists 16 foods and you have to tell them everything you don't like or are allergic to. There's no way of knowing what you are getting. My substitute first course (allergic to shellfish) was totally bland. The couscous was dry and tasteless and the chicken was totally pedestrian even if it was called "poussin". The desserts were the best thing although the cappuccino came late and was lukewarm. This restaurant is so full of itself it is no longer enjoyable and there are so many amazing options in NY.

Ok, so the last reviewer clearly had a grudge... There's just no way that you can have the type of experience that he claims to have had unless you're looking to make it negative. My wife and I went last night, and it was one of the best meals we've ever had...from the food (every dish was stunning) to the service (the most personalized and accommodating we've ever encountered) this place fires on all cylinders. Yes, it's pricey - but if you're going there, you already know that. It won't matter though - you'll walk out feeling like you got your money's worth and will remember the evening for a long time to come.

If you believe that cost and pretension make a good restaurant then this place is for you. If you are interested in service and food quality then don't waste your time here. Whilst we waited 2 hours for our uninspiring appetizers and almost that long for bread we were served indifferent amuses bouches and had a third rate barely chilled martini. When our first bottle of Montrachet ($450) ran out we were told by the just out of school 'sommelier' that we had the last bottle. Amateur hour! Every course was cold, uninteresting and badly presented not to mention barely existent. My seared foie gras was duck not goose. The turbot was ok but cold and uninspiring. The tiny roulade of fatty, stringy, overcooked veal was shameful. The Blue Cheese comprised three tiny lumps of an indifferent American blue hidden under piles of green stuff. The service was a amateur. How this place gained any Michelin stars I shall never know. To put it in the same category as Jean Georges or Le Bernardin is an outrage. New York must be full of people that have more money than they do knowledge of food or service. Danny Meyer did well to sell it. The king has no clothes!

Exceptional all around

Truly enjoyed our meal, everything was at its best. Got there few minutes early and were seated promptly. Everything we eat was great, best being the beef, you have got to try it! Tuna, chicken were good, but not a wow, the bass was a little dry, slightly over cooked (guess the peice was too small to time the cooking:) The berry dessert you should pass, stick to chocolate. Wine parings were good, but next time I would stick to getting a bottle or three! One observation, when they tell you what's on your plate, they stand on one side of the table and talk to all four people, they should talk to the 2 people on each side seperately, I could barely hear what she said was on my plate, besides what I had ordered as the main ingredient. Overall a great food experience if you are a food lover. Would definetly go back.

As a chef, I can appreciate the heart & soul the entire team poured into the meal. From the servers and our sommelier, to the artists in the kitchen, they made it a meal to remember. The creativity of the dishes begins with the blending of exotic flavors and fresh ingredients. The plates are works of art. The colors and composition are just beautiful. The food itself is spot on and fabulous. Some people complain the portions are small. The portions are just right (most cases where there was a main protein, I would say they were about 200g each). We ordered from the new four-course meal and by the end of the evening, we were full. You must go at least once. You will remember it fondly.