Eleven Madison Park

We always come to Eleven Madison Park when in Manhattan. It has been a couple years but, since we are from Danny Meyers' home town, we like to support him. It is disappointing that one person can spoil an evening, especially when previous visits had been so welcoming. The people at the front desk were great. But the "waiter-maitre'd" (don't know what his title was!) was so formal and distracted, we felt we were a bother. In addition, although we had had only two courses of the three-course dinner, he brought us the bill. I had to remind him we were owed a dessert. The cute little wine sommelier was very attentive. But the waiter-maitre'd never did ask what we wanted for dessert. So we had the wine to accompany a dessert, but no dessert. When he delivered the check, I told him we had yet to get a dessert and he left. The sommelier had to tell him what we wanted for dessert. After dessert, no one asked us if we wanted coffee, tea, anything. Just brought the check again. And we left, disappointed from what we had hoped would be a highlight of our trip to NYC! Previously, we always looked on Eleven Madison Park as such a friendly and happy place. Maybe that atmosphere is "gone with the wind."

While strolling home from work the other evening, I decided to have dinner before going home. I found myself near Madison Square Park and dediced to just stop into Eleven Madison Park to see if there was a seat at the bar and if I could eat dinner there. Even better, there were small tables in the bar area where "first-come, first served" diners can have a meal with no reservations. I was greeted warmly at the door and was told I could sit wherever I chose in the area. The waitperson was extremely gracious and professional. I had a cocktail and chose from the bar menu which offered few but all delicioius items. I was treated like royalty, even as a drop in single. Eleven Madison Park is a true gem among the NYC dining scene.

I took my partner here on our anniversary, and it was such a wonderful experience. Yes, it is a more upscale restaurant but worth every penny. The staff was very professional & very attentive. I loved the apple brandy martini. The amuse bouche was amazing. It looked like candies. I was also very impressed with their foie gras course. Another highlight was our duck-for-2 course. The chef came out to show us the whole duck just made. It looked beautiful. Then our server returned with the fileted duck. It was presented so beautifully. I enjoyed our dinner so very much, even more than Le Bernardin. I love the dining room at Eleven Madison Park.

Eleven Madison Park is not cheap by any means but it was well worth the price. My husband and I felt like royalty. The service was impeccable as was the food. The portions are not huge but by the end of the night you will be satisfied. Besides the three course meal we ordered we were served 3 additional plates of food. Our first course of extras was a plate of bite sized hors d'ourves that included sweetbreads, tuna tartar, foie gras and goat cheese. My main course of venison was tender, moist and rich. My husbands suckling pig was cooked to perfection with a great crispy skin. We had a side dish of shredded venison, foie gras and topped with potato. I could eat this everyday. To top it off the wine was perfect. The sommelier chose a red wine that paired great with my venison. For a special occasion this restaurant is perfect and highly recommended.

Just dined here Saturday evening and I cannot say enough good things about the experience. Girlfriend and I had the Gourmond menu, mine was traditional, girlfriend had a vegetarian equivilant created especially for her. The evening was so perfectly executed you would have thought we were the only people in the place yet it was very full. The progression of tastes and the wine paired with each was flawless. Everyone was so well versed in their knowledge of the menu and the Chef's intent it made for a truly spectacular evening. The decor was spartan yet classy, wonderful volume for speaking. We have dined at many of the city's best and Eleven Madison Park should always be considered in that same rarified air.

Had lunch with clients. The seating is comfortable, but otherwise we were all underwhelmed. One in our party was given the wrong menu. My red snapper was lukewarm. The cassoulet special was merely ordinary. Both the appetizer and main course portions are tiny. The main courses did not provide any side dish. We don't normally order dessert at lunch, but did so just to get something more substantial after such paltry portions. Even the pear dessert was tiny. The french roast coffee tasted as if warm water had been poured thru mediocre beans. I couldn't taste what should be a rich bodied coffee in that brew. We all left hungry and won't be rushing back anytime soon at these prices.

I'd say I'm pretty particular about restaurants and I highly recommend Eleven Madison Park. The decor is fancy, modern but not fad-ish. The noise is loud enough so there's never any awkward silence (if on a date) but not so loud to where you can hear conversations clearly. The food was really good, too! Definitely high up on my list of favorite spots.